Abbas Zavar

Abbas Zavar is a futurist physician with a profound interest in digital health. He boasts over twenty years of experience in diverse medical and digital health domains. His expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing medicine (with a focus on prevention), digital health consulting, clinical decision support system (CDSS) design, clinical data science, AI-enabled solution design and evaluation, program management, and advocacy for personalized medicine.

Abbas holds a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) and a Master in Public Health (MPH). He is an alumnus of the University of Toronto, where he earned his Master’s in Health Informatics (MHI). He recently expanded his Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise through the AMS-Fitzgerald Fellowship in AI & Human-Centred Leadership at the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative digital health solutions.

He has five prominent roles now:

• Adjunct Faculty, Master’s in Health Informatics Program, University of Toronto: enhancing the quantitative skills (focusing on clinical data sciences) and knowledge management acumen of MHI|EMHI students.
• Digital Health Research Lead, OntarioMD: spearheading the design, development, and execution of research projects and evaluation pilots. His work primarily focuses on AI-enabled solutions in healthcare, aiming to alleviate physician burnout and enhance clinical workflows.
• Digital Health Consultant: providing expert consultation in two key areas:
  • Clinical Data Science/Analysis: Transforming clinical data (e.g., EMR) into actionable insights for clinicians.
  • Design of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) and Clinical Business Intelligence (BI) Solutions.
• Research leader in Precision Medicine (PM): As a fervent advocate for PM, his research is dedicated to exploring all facets of PM and addressing potential challenges. He aims to design and implement a ‘Precision Medicine Ecosystem’ to facilitate the right clinical interventions at the right time for each patient.
• Mentoring IMGs and IEHPs: guiding International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) seeking alternative career paths in Canada’s digital health sector.