About Us
AKMG Canada was established in 2015 in Toronto. The goal of this chapter is to bring together Canadian physicians and dentists with Keralite heritage.
Association of Kerala Medical Graduates Canada
Who We Are: AKMG CanadaBridging Heritage and Healthcare Since 2015The Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) Canada was established in 2015 by a dedicated group of Canadian physicians and dentists united by their cultural, marital, or educational roots in Kerala. We serve as a vital hub for healthcare professionals of Kerala heritage, fostering a community that balances professional excellence with cultural identity.Our MissionWe are committed to empowering our members and serving our community through a four-pillar approach:
Community Engagement: Uniting physicians and dentists of Kerala heritage across Canada to foster a strong, supportive professional network.
Professional Growth: Providing members with exclusive avenues for continuing education and career development.
Purposeful Action: Designing and executing impactful scientific, educational, cultural, and charitable initiatives.
Strategic Collaboration: Partnering with sister organizations, including AKMG USA, to expand opportunities and benefits for our members.
Who We Are: AKMG Canada
Bridging Heritage and Healthcare Since 2015
The Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) Canada was established in 2015 by a dedicated group of Canadian physicians and dentists united by their cultural, marital, or educational roots in Kerala. We serve as a vital hub for healthcare professionals of Kerala heritage, fostering a community that balances professional excellence with cultural identity.
Our Mission
We are committed to empowering our members and serving our community through a four-pillar approach:
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Community Engagement: Uniting physicians and dentists of Kerala heritage across Canada to foster a strong, supportive professional network.
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Professional Growth: Providing members with exclusive avenues for continuing education and career development.
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Purposeful Action: Designing and executing impactful scientific, educational, cultural, and charitable initiatives.
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Strategic Collaboration: Partnering with sister organizations, including AKMG USA, to expand opportunities and benefits for our members.
A Legacy of Excellence
While AKMG Canada was founded in 2015, we are part of a storied tradition. The original AKMG was established in 1979-80 as the premier alumni organization for medical and dental specialists of Kerala origin in North America.
Our History
The journey of Kerala-trained medical professionals in North America began in the 1950s. At a time when the United Kingdom was the traditional destination for Indian medical graduates, these trailblazers looked toward North America, laying the foundation for the vibrant, highly-respected community of clinicians and specialists we represent today.
The Future of AKMG
Sustaining Momentum through New Horizons
The vitality of any organization is rooted in two pillars: a robust membership base and visionary leadership. At AKMG, we recognize that our continued success depends on our ability to evolve alongside the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Empowering the Next Generation
In recent years, our leadership has focused intensely on integrating young, dynamic physicians and dentists into the heart of our activities and decision-making processes. While bridging the gap between established traditions and the needs of early-career professionals presents its challenges, it remains a cornerstone of our strategic vision.
A Legacy in Motion
As we look ahead, we do so with a balance of pride and ambition:
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Honoring our Heritage: We remain deeply proud of the growth and milestones achieved over the last four decades.
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Driving Innovation: We refuse to rest on our laurels. Instead, we use our historical success as a springboard for future innovation.
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Unwavering Confidence: Despite the evolving landscape of healthcare and professional associations, AKMG remains confident in its trajectory.
Executive Committee
Dr. Iqbal Vadakkayil
President, AKMG Canada
Dr. Iqbal Vadakkayil MD MHI MBA
Dr. Iqbal Vadakkayil is a highly distinguished Clinical Informatics Specialist currently practicing at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital in Ontario. With a career defined by both clinical excellence and technological innovation, Dr. Iqbal brings a unique, multidisciplinary perspective to the AKMG leadership.
Professional Journey
Dr. Vadakkayil’s extensive background spans multiple continents and medical disciplines:
Clinical Expertise: Before transitioning to informatics, he dedicated over a decade to Anesthesia and Critical Care, practicing in both India and Oman.
Academic Excellence: Following his move to Canada, he pursued a strategic career transformation, earning a Master of Health Informatics (MHI) from York University and specializing in Data Analytics at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Business & Strategy: He holds an MBA, blending clinical knowledge with administrative and strategic leadership skills.
Technical Proficiency: A lifelong learner, Dr. Iqbal holds several advanced certifications in Data Analytics and Medical Coding, positioning him at the forefront of modern digital healthcare.
Dr. Ajoy Vincent
Treasurer, AKMG Canada
Dr. Ajoy Vincent
MBBS, MS, FRCS(C)
Dr. Ajoy Vincent is a distinguished leader in Canadian ophthalmology, serving as a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto and a renowned Clinical Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).
Academic and Clinical Foundation
Dr. Vincent’s career is built on a foundation of rigorous international training at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions:
Early Training: He earned his MBBS from Government Medical College, Thrissur, followed by a Master of Surgery (MS) from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
Specialized Fellowships: Deepening his expertise in complex ocular conditions, he completed advanced fellowships in Electrophysiology and Ocular Genetics at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK, and at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Research & Impact
Since joining the staff at SickKids in 2024, Dr. Vincent has solidified his reputation as a premier physician-scientist. His work sits at the intersection of clinical care and cutting-edge research, specifically within the fields of:
Ocular Genetics and Visual Electrophysiology
A highly acclaimed figure in his field, Dr. Vincent is respected across Canada for his contributions to academic medicine and his dedication to improving vision outcomes for pediatric patients.
Dr. Sumesh Murali
Treasurer, AKMG Canada
Dr. Sumesh Murali MBBS, MD, PDCC, FICA F(FOCUS), FIOA
Dr. Sumesh Murali is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). A dedicated clinician and educator, Dr. Murali recently joined the staff at Health Sciences North, where he brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to Northern Ontario’s healthcare landscape.
Advanced Training and Specialization
Dr. Murali’s professional path is marked by a commitment to mastering complex anesthetic techniques through international fellowships:
Academic Roots: He earned his MBBS and MD from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Karnataka, India.
Global Fellowships: His pursuit of excellence led him through multiple advanced training programs across India and Canada, including a prestigious Cardiac Anesthesia fellowship at the University of Toronto.
Clinical Mastery: Dr. Murali is highly skilled in high-stakes sub-specialties, with a particular focus on:
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
Obstetric Anesthesia
Academic Leadership
In his role as Assistant Professor at NOSM, Dr. Murali is instrumental in shaping the next generation of physicians. His combination of technical expertise in cardiac care and his passion for medical education makes him a vital asset to both the academic community and the AKMG Canada leadership team.
Core Committee Members
Vimoj J. Nair, MBBS MD MSc FRCPC
Convention Co-Chair
Dr Vimoj J. Nair is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Radiation Oncology at the University of Ottawa; and a Clinician Investigator in the Cancer Therapeutics Program (CTP) at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). He also has consulting privileges as the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He specializes in use of high precision radiotherapy for brain tumors, gastrohepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, hematologic and pediatric cancers.
He has a neuro-oncology fellowship from Tata Memorial Hospital, India, the largest cancer hospital in Asia and fellowship in Cyberknife (Robotic radiosurgery) and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy from the University of Ottawa. In addition to a Diploma in Computer Applications, a Professional Diploma in Clinical Research (PDCR); he has also successfully completed his Masters in Clinical Trials from University of London, UK.
Dr Nair has a keen interest in innovative medical research as well as the use of advanced radiation techniques in radiation oncology. He is a part of the RealizeLab which performs research in Virtual Reality in medicine (https://www.tohmedphys.ca/realizeLAB/). He enjoys teaching residents; as well as involves in outreach programs to teach trainees in the developing world. A proud AKMG member for less than half a decade now, he enjoys working with the AKMG members and leadership towards the organizations’ goals.
Nisha Nigil Haroon, MD, DM, MSc, CCD.
Past President and Secretary AKMG US
Dr. Nisha Nigil Haroon is a cornerstone of AKMG Canada, serving as a founding member whose vision and tireless dedication have been fundamental to the organization’s growth and current success. Based in Sudbury, Ontario, she is a leading voice in specialized medicine and a passionate advocate for the professional integration of international medical graduates.
Clinical & Academic Roles
Dr. Nisha is a practicing Endocrinologist and Diabetologist in Toronto
Academic Leadership: Assistant Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM).
Research & Expertise
Dr. Haroon is a highly respected clinician-researcher with deep expertise in metabolic disorders. Her clinical focus and research contributions include:
Metabolic Health: Extensive expertise in Osteoporosis and Diabetes Mellitus.
Advanced Research: Investigating the complex links between Dementia and Diabetes, as well as structural bone defects resulting from chronic illnesses.
High-Impact Publications: Her work is frequently featured in world-renowned medical journals, including the Annals of Internal Medicine and Diabetes Care.
Impact on the AKMG Community
Dr. Haroon’s legacy is defined by her commitment to mentorship. She was highly instrumental in designing and executing career advancement programs for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), providing them with the essential tools, guidance, and community support needed to navigate the Canadian medical system.
Krishna Kumar
Ex President and subject matter expert
Dr Krishnakumar Nair
MD, DNB (Med), DM, DNB (Card), IBHRE CCDS, IBHRE CCEP
Dr. Krishna Kumar Nair is a foundational figure within our organization, having served as the Past President of AKMG. His visionary leadership was instrumental in nurturing AKMG Canada into the flourishing, prestigious association it is today.
Academic and Clinical Appointments
Based in Toronto, Dr. Nair holds several high-level leadership and academic roles within Canada’s premier medical institutions:
University of Toronto: Serves as an Associate Professor within the Department of Medicine.
University Health Network (UHN): Practices as a Staff Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, delivering world-class heart care.
Program Leadership: He is the Program Director for the Area of Focused Competence in Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Toronto, overseeing three accredited fellowship programs, as well as the Fellowship Program Director for Cardiac Electrophysiology at UHN.
Research and Clinical Specialization
Dr. Nair is a recognized expert in the highly specialized field of cardiac rhythm management. His clinical practice and research contributions are focused on:
Complex Ablations: Utilizing advanced techniques to treat heart rhythm disorders.
Cardiac Devices: Implementing life-saving technology for patients with heart failure or arrhythmias.
Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Specializing in the unique cardiac needs of adults born with heart defects.
A Legacy of Mentorship
Beyond his clinical accolades, Dr. Nair is celebrated for his commitment to medical education. By directing multiple fellowship programs, he is directly responsible for training the next generation of cardiac specialists in Canada and around the world, embodying the AKMG mission of professional excellence and mentorship.