Dr. Malika Ladha: 2021 Kristin Sivertz Resident Leadership Award recipient
Malika Ladha, MD, FRCPC, is a recent graduate of the Dermatology Residency Program at the University of Calgary. She is currently completing a fellowship in Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Ladha has earned a reputation as an innovative and creative leader whose work continues to have profound effects at the local and national levels in undergraduate and postgraduate medical training.
A leader in resident education
Dr. Ladha has blazed new trails to support the longitudinal education and well-being of residents across the country. She developed and deployed a national survey for 180 residents to understand, qualify and quantify residents’ educational needs on a national level. Then she spearheaded two innovative virtual education programs to meet residents’ needs, and tailored best practices from other specialties to inform her understanding of the unique needs of her medical community.
Dr. Ladha worked with the Canadian Dermatology Association to organize a national lecture series with the goal of equalizing the exposure residents from across Canada get to procedural dermatology learning. The series was well attended and nearly all participants said the sessions strongly enhanced their training. At present, a third lecture series is being planned. Dr. Ladha also championed the first-ever National Junior Resident Bootcamp, which has added significantly to PGY1 and PGY2 residents’ foundational learning. Again, nearly all participants strongly agreed it the program was invaluable, and prepared them to see their first patients.
A prolific scholar
Dr. Ladha’s scholastic achievements are equally impressive. She has received many academic and leadership awards, and published extensively in top-ranked journals, such as the Canadian Medical Association Journal and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Many of her publications directly impact patient care. By the end of her residency, Dr. Ladha published numerous abstracts, case reports, original research works and clinical pathways.
A compassionate and committed mentor
As a mentor, Dr. Ladha provides an ideal combination of information, guidance and emotional support. She takes time to review the pros and cons of her mentees’ next steps and puts them in touch with key information and programs. She takes time to learn about their goals and helps mentees craft personal statements. She acknowledges the emotional roller coasters many residents face, and encourages many pursue professional counselling. Her holistic approach is transformational for many medical students and residents during a vulnerable time of transition.
Dr. Ladha is an effective leader who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the medical community and to the public. Intelligent, motivated, innovative and compassionate, she has earned the deep respect of her colleagues and is a role model to all those who know her.
