Our Team

We are a team of clinicians, researchers, data scientists and technical staff working to improve healthcare with hospital data.

GEMINI Executive Team

Co-Lead

Co-Lead

Director, Operations and Strategic Partnerships

Director, Strategy Partnerships and Operations VITAL

Scientific Lead

Director, Data Science and Innovation

Ali Mussavi Rizi Seyed

Technical Lead, VITAL

Team Members

Clinical Research Project Manager

Carlee Feinstein headshot

Clinical Research Project Coordinator, GEMINI Paediatrics

Research Associate, GEMINI-Paediatrics

Data Analyst

Paediatric Hospitalist

Paediatric Hospitalist & Complex Care Paediatrician

Research Coordinator

General Paediatrician & Scientist

Co-Lead

Manager, Research Program

Amol Verma

Co-Lead

My role with the GEMINI team:

I am an internal medicine physician and scientist at Unity Health Toronto and the Temerty Professor of AI Research and Education in Medicine at the University of Toronto.

My educational background:

I completed a BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie, medical school and residency at the University of Toronto, a Masters in Economic and Social History at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, a 1-year interdisciplinary fellowship with the Canadian Frailty Network a 2-year research fellowship studying big data and advanced analytics in the Clinician Investigator Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and a 1-year fellowship in Artificial Intelligence and Compassion with AMS Healthcare.​

My past experience and accomplishments:

I serve as a Provincial Clinical Lead for Quality Improvement in General Internal Medicine with Ontario Health, the Vice-Chair of the Researcher Council of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, and was a member of the Council of Canadian Academies Expert Panel on Health Data Sharing. I received the 2023 Canadian Society of Internal Medicine New Investigator Award, the 2022 Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Early Career Leadership Award and the 2022 Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s early career Trailblazer Award in Population and Public Health Research. 

I feel most inspired when:

I am near the ocean.​

Fahad Razak

Co-Lead

My role with the GEMINI team:

I am a general internist at St Michaels Hospital, Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Canada Research Chair in Data-Informed Health Care Improvement at the University of Toronto. I co-founded GEMINI, the largest hospital research network in Canada, and have received over $210 million in funding as Principal Investigator. GEMINI is used by an active community of more than 1,000 scientists and health system leaders. I am co-leading the expansion of GEMINI to become a pan-Canadian platform called “VITAL,” that will cover 50% of the Canadian population through a $110M investment from federal and provincial sources.

My educational background:

My training includes a degree in Engineering Science (Biomedical Engineering), Medical Doctorate, Residency and Fellowship in General Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto. I was the first physician appointed as a David E. Bell Fellow at Harvard University.

My past experience and accomplishments:

I served as Scientific Director for the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, and contributed to over 50 science and policy briefs that shaped Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was a member of the Federal Expert Panel on Science Advisory and Research convened by Health Canada, Vice President for Research at the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine, inaugural Chair of the Advisory Committee for Science at the Public Health Agency of Canada, and a member of the advisory board of the BMJ.

I have received three major mentorship awards, including the inaugural Canadian Society for Internal Medicine National Award for Mentorship, and am a two-time recipient of the Teaching Award for Excellence from the University of Toronto.

I feel most inspired when:

I can see something grow that I have nurtured and cared for. For GEMINI, I feel inspired as I see our team grow stronger and more skilled in striving to achieve the complex and broad goals we have set for ourselves.

Dan Cashen

Director, Operations and Strategic Partnerships

Educational background

I’m a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and two Master’s degrees, one in Nursing and one in Health Management. I also hold the Certified Health Executive designation with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and am completing CPA training through CPA Ontario. This blend of clinical, operational, and financial education shapes how I approach system design, performance improvement, and data-informed decision making.

My past accomplishments

I have led provincial and organizational initiatives focused on improving care quality, developing data systems, and supporting interdisciplinary teams. My work has included directing complex portfolios, overseeing large clinical datasets, building performance frameworks, and working closely with physicians, researchers, and health system leaders to implement changes that scale. Across roles, my focus has been on creating clarity, aligning teams around shared goals, and establishing structures that help people do their best work.

When I feel most inspired

I feel most inspired when working with thoughtful and curious people to solve complex issues. I enjoy the intersection of data, clinical practice, and system transformation. I am really motivated by seeing ideas translate into meaningful improvements.

A few of my favourite things

Playing recreational sports with friends, discovering great restaurants, and catching up over a good coffee.

Nicole Yada

Director, Strategy Partnerships and Operations VITAL

Director, VITAL

Surain Roberts

Scientific Lead

Educational background

I completed my PhD at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, and my bachelors in Biological Sciences at The University of Chicago.

My past accomplishments

I am a health outcomes researcher and applied biostatistician. My research leverages data from large health networks to learn about differences in quality of inpatient care and inform health system decisions, with a focus on observational studies, prediction tools, and hospital profiling. I am the Scientific Lead of GEMINI and oversee GEMINI’s research activities, providing methodological direction across a wide range of clinical domains. I am an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto and a Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute.

Prior to joining GEMINI in 2021, I co-led the creation of the Canadian Network for Autoimmune Liver disease (CaNAL). CaNAL is a pan-Canadian registry collecting both retrospective and prospective long-term follow-up of individual patient data. After my bachelors, I spent a year teaching, mentoring, and evaluating twelve students in a for-credit 9th grade algebra class in south Chicago.

When I feel most inspired

When I’m surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do.

A few of my favourite things

Playing 30-second online bullet chess (I can click faster than I can think)

Discovering new and interesting hot sauces

Anis Sharafoddini

Director, Data Science and Innovation

Educational background

I have a background in both Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, holding bachelor’s degrees in each. My interest in health sciences led me to continue with a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, and eventually a Ph.D. in Public Health and Health Science from the University of Waterloo. This path has helped me work across different areas where health, technology, and research come together.

My past accomplishments

I have experience in both the private and public sectors. I began my career at Deloitte, one of the Big Four management consulting firms, where I worked with clients across healthcare, including pharmaceuticals, government, and hospitals. I focused on a range of data-related initiatives, from cloud migration to data science and analytics. I then joined Sanofi, where I worked on several innovative data projects. My passion for building data platforms eventually led me to Supply Ontario, where I co-led the development of a cloud-based platform to collect and integrate data from various organizations. In addition to my professional roles, I also serve as an Adjunct Faculty member at Northeastern University.

When I feel most inspired

I’m most inspired when collaborating with a strong team to build solutions that make a real impact. I’m motivated by the opportunity to simplify complex challenges and deliver outcomes that are both practical and meaningful.

A few of my favourite things

Spending time with my family

Reading, particularly books that offer new perspectives or inspire fresh thinking

Ali Mussavi Rizi Seyed

Ali Mussavi

Technical Lead, VITAL

Educational background

I hold an MD from Iran, a Master of Health Administration from the University of British Columbia, and I am currently completing a PhD in Health Information Science at the University of Victoria.

My past accomplishments

Prior to joining VITAL, I spent nearly two decades at the BC Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), advancing through progressive leadership roles that culminated in my tenure as Executive Director for Data Architecture.

During this time, I spearheaded the design and deployment of PANDA, British Columbia’s first large-scale cloud-based healthcare analytics platform, establishing a scalable architecture and governance framework that effectively balanced rapid innovation with rigorous privacy and security standards. My leadership extended to overseeing the development of provincial-scale data cohorts for critical public health priorities (COVID-19, opioid overdose, and hepatitis C), delivering secure, high-integrity solutions under urgent timelines within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Beyond technical infrastructure, I played a defining role in formalizing PHSA’s data governance across a fragmented landscape. I consistently invested in the growth of multidisciplinary teams by fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented culture to ensure that the province’s technological advancements were matched by the human capacity necessary for long-term sustainability and expansion.

When I feel most inspired

When I contribute to detecting and solving a problem, or building a creative solution.  

A few of my favourite things

Music, riding a bike.

Aviva Blacher

Clinical Research Project Manager

Educational background

I completed my MSc in Clinical Science and Psychopathology at Western University, and my BA&Sc in Cognitive Science at McGill University.

My past accomplishments

For my MSc thesis, I analyzed provincial health data to examine child- and family-level factors influencing sleep and psychopathology among children receiving mental health care. At the CAMH Borderline Personality Disorder clinic, I coordinated clinical trials aimed at optimizing treatment, as well as quality improvement initiatives and pilot studies evaluating existing treatment options to inform stepped-care models. I was then Program Manager at the Accelerating Clinical Trials (ACT) Canada Consortium where I supported national efforts to connect trialists and networks, standardize research processes, and build clinical trial capacity in community hospital settings. I look forward to combining my research and consortium experiences at GEMINI-Paediatrics to support evidence generation and system improvement in paediatric care across Ontario, with an emphasis on collaboration with network, government, and patient partners. 

When I feel most inspired

Doing work that I believe will make a difference and the early AM hours.

A few of my favourite things

Making stained glass, trying new foods, and my cat Maxwell.

Carlee Feinstein headshot

Carlee Feinstein

Clinical Research Project Coordinator, GEMINI Paediatrics

Educational background

I earned my Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Health Science from St. Francis Xavier University.

My past accomplishments

I have contributed to paediatric health research at the Hospital for Sick Children through statistical analysis and extensive data quality work on large clinical datasets. My work has supported studies on infectious disease and children with medical complexity, with a focus on identifying key risk factors and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of complex data. Through this work, I have played a key role in generating robust, analysis-ready datasets to support high-impact research.

When I feel most inspired

I’m most inspired in environments where I’m challenged to continuously learn and grow, particularly when surrounded by people who push me outside my comfort zone. I also find inspiration in traveling, where new experiences and perspectives broaden the way I think!

A few of my favourite things

Traveling, going to concerts, and trying new foods!

Farhana Islam

Research Associate, GEMINI-Paediatrics

Educational background

I completed my PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto. During my PhD, I was also a Junior Fellow at Massey College.

Prior to this, I completed an MSc in Neuroscience at Queen’s University and an Honours BSc with a double major in Neuroscience and Biochemistry at the University of Toronto (Trinity College).

My past accomplishments

During my doctoral studies, I published eight first-author articles contributing to our understanding of how genomic and epigenomic factors influence antidepressant and antipsychotic treatment response and side effects in individuals with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. I was the recipient of the Early Career Investigator Award from the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics. I also secured funding for my doctoral research through various provincial- and university-level competitions, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (awarded three times). Outside of research, I am involved in labour and student advocacy, working to advance equitable working and learning conditions for all.

When I feel most inspired

As a night owl, in the early hours of the night.

A few of my favourite things

Concerts, reading, cats, board games, running, baking.

Rebecca Lim

Data Analyst

Educational background

I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, followed by my Master of Science degree in Global Health Science & Epidemiology at the University of Oxford (Lincoln College).

My past accomplishments

Before joining GEMINI and SickKids, I worked at the National University of Singapore, conducting epidemiological research at the intersection of climate, environment, and health.  Fieldwork took me to remote regions of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, where I valued the opportunity to collect diverse types of data and to engage with local communities. In my engineering experience, I co-invented a patented feature to improve the safety of tourniquets (US Patent 10758247), while learning about both technical and human-centred design. I’ve also worked on other projects in a variety of areas, including medical device development, infectious disease modelling, and women’s hockey analytics!

When I feel most inspired

When I’m approaching challenges and unknowns as opportunities to learn, innovate, and collaborate with people driven by a shared and important goal, and anything involving a spreadsheet.

A few of my favourite things

Playing and watching hockey, making and eating sweet treats, reading and connecting over books.

Julia Orkin

Paediatric Hospitalist

Dr. Julia Orkin (MD, MSc) is the Associate Chief Medical Officer at SickKids Hospital and a hospitalist paediatrician. She is the Medical Director of the Complex Care program at SickKids. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and holds an Associate-Scientist position at the SickKids Research Institute. She is also the Paediatric Clinical Lead at Ontario Health Toronto Region and Co-Chair of the Toronto Regional Maternal Child Health Network supporting system integration and clinical partnership. Her research focuses on innovations in health care delivery for children with medical complexity and their families.

Sanjay Mahant

Paediatric Hospitalist & Complex Care Paediatrician

Dr. Sanjay Mahant is a Co-Lead of GEMINI-Paediatrics. He is a Paediatric Hospitalist and Complex Care Paediatrician at SickKids, Professor and Associate Chair of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto, Senior Associate Scientist at the SickKids Research Institute, and cross-appointed in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto. He has led multi-centre trials, observational studies, and evidence syntheses on effectiveness, prognosis, patient experience, and implementation of practice in hospital care. Dr. Mahant is a Co-founder and Past Chair of the Canadian Pediatric Inpatient Research Network, Executive Council member of the US PRIS network, and Senior Deputy Editor of the Journal of Hospital Medicine. 

Samuel Hamilton

Research Coordinator

Educational background

I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) and a Minor in German Language and Literature from the University of Ottawa.

My past accomplishments

I received the Province of Ontario Service Award in 2023 from the Minister of Multiculturalism for my philanthropic work with the Canadian Red Cross. I was also awarded the Book Prize Award by the German Ambassador to Canada in 2022. I also have publications in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal. Most notably, I won 1 hot dog eating contest in 2014. I was the only contestant.

When I feel most inspired

I feel most inspired when I know that I am doing work that is truly impactful and helpful to our communities. I also thrive in an environment where creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration are valued.

A few of my favourite things

I love making house music and going to electronic music festivals with my friends. I love working out, going on runs, and eating. I also have a borderline addiction to Pho.

Peter Gill

General Paediatrician & Scientist

Hospital for Sick Children SickKids Research Institute

My role with GEMINI team:

I am a general paediatrician and scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children SickKids Research Institute, an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, and a Senior Associate at the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford. I am Co-Lead of the GEMINI-Pediatrics program.

My educational background:

I completed a BMSc and MD from the University of Alberta, and a DPhil in Primary Health Care and MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. I completed my paediatrics residency at the Hospital for Sick Children at the University of Toronto.

My past experience and accomplishments:

I co-founded and am Vice-Chair of the Canadian Pediatric Inpatient Research Network (PIRN – https://www.pirncanada.com/), which is focused on generating research evidence to improve outcomes of hospitalized children in general pediatric settings. PIRN includes hospital sites affiliated with all 17 academic children’s hospitals across Canada and over 10 large community hospitals. In 2023, I received the Canadian Paediatric Society Young Investigator Award and the Paediatric Chairs of Canada Emerging Academic Leader Award. I am also a member of the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine and Hospital Pediatrics Editorial Board.

I feel most inspired when:

When I work with inspirational, passionate, and dedicated people  

Chloe Chow

Manager, Research Program

Educational background

I received my Bachelor’s of Science, majoring in Life Science, and then my Masters of Science in Epidemiology from Queen’s University.

My past accomplishments

My past experiences include my Masters thesis project, which investigated the prevalence and determinants of physical activity among ovarian cancer survivors. After completing my masters thesis, I worked at SickKids Hospital for The Children’s Stroke Program, coordinating an international multi-centre study that investigated the Vascular Effects of Infection in Paediatric Stroke.

A few of my favourite things

Movie theatre popcorn (with lots of butter)

Dogs

Swimming in lakes/oceans/pools