Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Waterloo Regional Campus, Ontario, Canada
Ophthalmologist
Co-Founder, EyeStart

Dr. Jaspreet S. Rayat is an assistant clinical professor (adjunct) of ophthalmology at the McMaster University, he completed his Bachelor of Health Sciences from McMaster University graduating with highest distinction. He then obtained his Doctor of Medicine at Queen’s University and pursued his Ophthalmology training at the University of Alberta, and had the honor of serving as Chief Resident.

During his training, Dr. Rayat performed hundreds of intraocular surgeries with the most modern technology. He has also published numerous research articles in renowned journals, interviewed by media outlets for his innovation and invited to conferences around the world to present his findings.

He has been the recipient of multiple research awards including the top 5 resident ophthalmic researchers in Canada by the Novartis Vision Fund, NSERC research grants and the prestigious Reg Martiniuk prize for first place for his research at the University of Alberta. As an Eye physician and Surgeon, he has the expertise to manage a comprehensive range of ocular conditions including cataract surgery, glaucoma lasers, and pterygium surgery. He also performs anti-VEGF injections for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. He is fluent in English, Punjabi and Hindi.

1.	Capsular block syndrome 20 years post-cataract surgery. Plemel DJA, Benson MD, Rayat JS, Greve MDJ, Tennant MTS. Can J Ophthalmol. 2018 Dec;53(6):e222-e224. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2018.02.009. Epub 2018 Apr 5. PMID: 30502997 No abstract available.
2.	The application of a "6S Lean" initiative to improve workflow for emergency eye examination rooms. Nazarali S, Rayat J, Salmonson H, Moss T, Mathura P, Damji KF. Can J Ophthalmol. 2017 Oct;52(5):435-440. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2017.02.017. Epub 2017 Apr 15. PMID: 28985800
3.	Phaco-trabectome versus phaco-iStent in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Kurji K, Rudnisky CJ, Rayat JS, Arora S, Sandhu S, Damji KF, Dorey MW. Can J Ophthalmol. 2017 Feb;52(1):99-106. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2016.06.018. Epub 2016 Sep 7. PMID: 28237158
4.	Canadian preference and trends survey results for anti-VEGF treatment of macular edema. Rayat JS, Grewal PS, Whelan J, Tennant MT, Choudhry N. Can J Ophthalmol. 2016 Jun;51(3):233-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2015.10.014. PMID: 27316276 No abstract available.
5.	Burden and Depression among Caregivers of Visually Impaired Patients in a Canadian Population. Khan Z, Braich PS, Rahim K, Rayat JS, Xing L, Iqbal M, Mohamed K, Sharma S, Almeida D. Adv Med. 2016;2016:4683427. doi: 10.1155/2016/4683427. Epub 2016 Mar 8. PMID: 27051859 Free PMC article.
6.	LONG-TERM OUTCOMES FOR OPTIC DISK PIT MACULOPATHY AFTER VITRECTOMY. Rayat JS, Rudnisky CJ, Waite C, Huang P, Sheidow TG, Kherani A, Tennant MT. Retina. 2015 Oct;35(10):2011-7. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000000576. PMID: 25923958
7.	Optic nerve gray crescent can confound neuroretinal rim interpretation: review of the literature. Arora S, Rayat J, Damji KF. Can J Ophthalmol. 2014 Jun;49(3):238-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2014.02.004. PMID: 24862768 Review.
8.	Visual function and vision-related quality of life after macular hole surgery with short-duration, 3-day face-down positioning. Rayat J, Almeida DR, Belliveau M, Wong J, Gale J. Can J Ophthalmol. 2011 Oct;46(5):399-402. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2011.07.015. Epub 2011 Aug 4. PMID: 21995981

Professor of Pediatric Medicine, University of California, San Diego, U.S.A.
San Diego Unified School District Physician
McMaster University School of Medicine Alumnus

Dr. Howard Taras graduated with a BSc in Honours Biochemistry from McMaster University in 1978. He was in the 10th graduating class of McMaster University’s School of Medicine (later renamed DeGroote School of Medicine), His was the first graduating medical class with a majority female population.

After a Pediatrics residency at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Taras completed a fellowship in Community Pediatrics at University of California-San Diego, specializing in School Health. He was recruited to the faculty of UCSD’s Pediatrics Department afterwards, where he remains to this day.

In addition to practicing and teaching general pediatrics, Taras developed health-to-community joint endeavors such as: initiating continuity clinic resident placement into community clinics and practices; recruiting schools to help enlist low-income children into health insurance programs; linking schools with oral health prevention programs; assisting schools with safe placement of children with medically fragile conditions, and training law students (California Western School of Law) to better understand and collaborate with health and other professionals .

As past director of Community Engagement Division of UCSD’s Clinical Translational Research Institute, Taras bridged community members’ health and research priorities with those of basic and clinical researchers.

Several international assignments, numerous scientific publications, and a smattering of awards highlight his career thus far. Currently Taras provides medical consultation services to school districts across California

Primary Care Physician
Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs, International Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, U.S.A.

Dr. Friedman is the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine and CEO of the International Clinical Programs at UC San Diego Health System (UCSDHS) and School of Medicine. As the CEO of International Clinical Programs Dr. Friedman works closely with foreign embassies, health ministries and insurance companies to assure individuals worldwide have access to the clinical expertise available at UC San Diego Health System.

As a Professor in the School of Medicine, Dr. Friedman is involved with training the next generation of physicians. He works closely with physicians locally and around the world to educate on a variety of topics, most recently related to IT and the application of Telemedicine. Dr. Friedman co-founded the UC San Diego Telemedicine program and has guided its growth throughout California and into several international locations.

He also serves as the physician champion for Telemedicine collaboration between all six University of California health sciences campuses. He was also one of the early architects of the UCSDHS electronic health record strategy, data warehouse and health information exchange.

His other responsibilities include measurement and improvement of clinical quality in the ambulatory and community setting and has served on several national Committees focused on Quality including the National Quality Forum, Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, University HealthCare Consortium. He is the past UC San Diego Division Chief of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine as well as the Medical Director of Ambulatory Quality and Safety.

Dr. Friedman has authored more than 60 publications and is a reviewer for several peer-reviewed medical publications. Dr. Friedman is also the recent past President of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego and is currently a member of the Board at the La Jolla Playhouse.

Medical Liaison for International Programs
ASCRS Foundation, Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.A.

Barbara C. Erny, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist who practiced at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation for over 25 years. Graduating Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude in Neurobiology from Cornell University, she then obtained her MD from Stanford University School of Medicine, with Honors in Research.

Dr. Erny practiced ophthalmology for 26 years with Sutter Health. During this time, she was awarded the Santa Clara County Medical Association Community Service Award for her volunteer work in developing countries. Her international service spans over 25 years, from providing basic medical care in villages to teaching eye surgery in medical schools. Countries served include India, Bhutan, Peru, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.

Currently, Dr. Erny is drawing upon her skills and experience to serve as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation Medical Liaison for International Programs. Her mission is to coordinate efforts of organizations committed to ophthalmic education and eliminating curable cataract blindness in the developing world. She works on site with residency directors and ophthalmic educators in developing countries and teaches surgical techniques. At home, her endeavors include being chairman of the selection committee for the annual Young Eye Surgeons’ International Service Grant, and she advises the winners on their virtual and in-person global health projects.

A strong advocate for advancing environmental health, Dr. Erny is a member of the Climate Action Working Group of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. She also serves on the Physicians for Social Responsibility Environmental Health Committee and the Steering Committee for the Medical Societies Consortium on Climate and Health. Her position on the editorial board of the new Journal of Climate Change and Health keeps her abreast of the latest studies from around the world. Dr. Erny’s greatest satisfaction at home comes from mentoring medical students who are advocating for and developing climate change and health curricula.

Family Physician
Managing Director, The eHealth Centre of Excellence
Faculty Digital Health Lead, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Waterloo Regional Campus, Canada

Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia is:
a Family Physician at the Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team
the Managing Director of the eHealth Centre of Excellence
the Chief Clinical Information Officer for Ontario Health, West Region.
Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University
Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo
Faculty Digital Health Lead at McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (Waterloo Campus)

Dr. Alarakhia was awarded the Digital Health Executive of the Year Award in 2019 and the 2018 College of Family Physicians of Canada Award of Excellence.

The eHealth Centre of Excellence won the Patient Care Innovation Team Award at the 2019 Canadian Health Informatics Awards and a 2019 Ingenious Award from Information Technology Association of Canada.

Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine,
McMaster University, Waterloo Regional Campus, Ontario, Canada
Ophthalmologist
Co-Founder, EyeStart

Dr. Chan is Co-Division Head of Ophthalmology for both St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital in Kitchener.

He is the first fellowship-trained glaucoma and anterior segment surgeon in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, and is an assistant clinical professor (adjunct) of ophthalmology at the McMaster University. He received his medical degree at the University of Ottawa and completed residency at the University of Western Ontario. During residency, he received the Best Resident Research Project Award for three consecutive years at UWO, Best Glaucoma Research Proposal Award from the Canadian Glaucoma Society, and achieved third place for the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Award for Excellence in Research.

He completed a fellowship in Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery at the University of Toronto. He is trained and experienced in advanced cataract and glaucoma procedures including femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Dr. Chan served as chair of the planning committee for the Canadian Glaucoma Society annual meeting in 2018, and was co-director of the glaucoma skills transfer course at the Canadian Ophthalmological Society annual meeting in 2017 and at the International Congress on Glaucoma Surgery in 2018. He is co-chairing the glaucoma section at the Canadian Ophthalmological Society annual meeting in 2019 and 2020.

In addition to authoring 5 textbook chapters and 13 journal articles, he has given over 50 presentations in national and international conferences. His current research focus is in novel glaucoma treatment options, anterior segment reconstruction, and use of technologies in improving the patient experience and medical education. Dr. Chan is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

1.	Alternating Hypotropia with Pseudoptosis: A New Phenotype of Congenital Cranial Dysinnervation Disorder. Sedarous F, Chan TYB, Makar I. Case Rep Ophthalmol. 2018 Feb 1;9(1):96-101. doi: 10.1159/000485832. eCollection 2018 Jan-Apr. PMID: 29643789 Free PMC article.
2.	An atypical case of bilateral posterior scleritis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Soon AK, Chan TY. Can J Ophthalmol. 2015 Aug;50(4):e60-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2015.05.009. PMID: 26257236 No abstract available.
3.	Transscleral suture fixation following recurrent toric intraocular lens rotation. Arjmand P, Chan TY, Ahmed II. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2015 May;41(5):912-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2015.04.008. Epub 2015 May 6. PMID: 25956713
4.	Factors affecting postoperative stereopsis in acquired nonaccommodative esotropia. Chan TY, Mao AJ, Piggott JR, Makar I. Can J Ophthalmol. 2012 Dec;47(6):479-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2012.09.005. PMID: 23217499
5.	Needs assessment of ophthalmology education for primary care physicians in training: comparison with the International Council of Ophthalmology recommendations. Chan TY, Rai AS, Lee E, Glicksman JT, Hutnik CM. Clin Ophthalmol. 2011;5:311-9. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S17567. Epub 2011 Mar 3. PMID: 21468339 Free PMC article.
6.	Vitritis and retinal vasculitis as presenting signs of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance with progression to multiple myeloma. Chan TY, Hodge WG. Can J Ophthalmol. 2010 Feb;45(1):82-3. doi: 10.3129/i09-182. PMID: 20130722 No abstract available.

Assistant Clinical Professor, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, U.S.A.
Internal Medicine Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and California Rehabilitation Institute, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

Dr. Pete Nayyar is an internal medicine physician who practices at UCLA Health – Santa Monica Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and California Rehabilitation Institute. He is board certified in internal medicine and passionate about the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient. He focuses on evidence-based, integrative medicine, with an emphasis on the broader concepts of health promotion, early diagnosis, and prevention of complications. He currently serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and is also a member of the UCLA Joint Ethics Committee.

Dr. Nayyar received his medical degree from the State University of New York where he graduated Cum Laude and was awarded the prestigious Harold A. Lyons Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine 2013, for the top graduating student in medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/UCLA VA in Los Angeles. He was awarded the Paul Rubenstein Award for Excellence in Resident Research across all specialties in 2016. His research in cardiovascular interventions, which won him the Paul Rubenstein Award, was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Nayyar recently earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he was awarded the Merit Fellowship and the Net Impact Consulting Award. Additionally, Dr. Nayyar is pursuing a degree in integrative medicine and was the recipient of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellowship Scholarship and the Training New Trainers Primary Care Psychiatry Fellowship Scholarship at the University of California. He completed his undergraduate degree in Economics from Cornell University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and published in "The Economic Naturalist."

Prior to joining UCLA Health in 2016, Dr. Nayyar worked at the Food and Drug Administration and as a physician for the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Police Department. He was also a consultant for PhytoMed, a New Zealand based herbal medicine company for naturopathic physicians.

Dr. Nayyar is a member of the American College of Physicians, California Medical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key, Omnicron Delta Epsilon, and Tau Kappa Epsilon, among other organizations. He is an avid student of yoga and meditation, and in particular, Tibetan Buddhism. His interests include philosophy, mind-body medicine, psychology, functional medicine, psychotherapy (ISTDP) and Ayurveda. He also loves traveling, classic rock, diving and baseball.

1.	Optimal P2Y12 Inhibitor in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Network Meta-Analysis. Rafique AM, Nayyar P, Wang TY, Mehran R, Baber U, Berger PB, Tobis J, Currier J, Dave RH, Henry TD. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2016 May 23;9(10):1036-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2016.02.013. PMID: 27198684
2.	Bugs, genes, fatty acids, and serotonin: Unraveling inflammatory bowel disease? Kaunitz J, Nayyar P. F1000Res. 2015 Oct 27;4:F1000 Faculty Rev-1146. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.6456.1. eCollection 2015. PMID: 27508055 Free PMC article. Review.

Associate Dean, Experiential Learning; Director, International Legal Studies
California Western School of Law, U.S.A.

James Cooper is Professor of Law, Associate Dean of Experiential Learning, and Director of International Legal Studies at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California.

Professor Cooper has been a change agent for countries around the Americas for more than two decades, consulting for the U.S. Departments of Justice and State, the Organization of American States, USAID, USPTO, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Bolivian President’s Office for the Constituent Assembly negotiations, Mexico’s Executive Branch (Los Pinos), Paraguay’s Congress, and a number of other international and regional aid organizations and technical cooperation agencies.

An Intellectual Property and trade scholar, he has served on the U.S. government delegation to WIPO. A Cambridge University-trained Barrister and Solicitor, Professor Cooper’s public policy work has been commissioned by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation of Germany as well as the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organization of American States.

Professor Cooper has served as an academic staff member of the Heidelberg Center for Latin America Visiting Professor at University of California, San Diego, Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany, and the University of Macau. He contributes to newspapers, website platforms, television and radio news programs around the world. Professor Cooper is a member of the Protocol Braintrust.

1.	James M. Cooper, Traditional Knowledge in Taiwan: A Call for Greater Participation of Indigenous Peoples in the Global Intellectual Property Marketplace 53 Vanderbilt J. Transnat’l L. 1477 (2020)
2.	James Cooper, Is telemedicine the de-evolution of medicine? The Hill (Apr. 20, 2021) with Dr. Richard Weinstein, Dr. Jaspreet Rayat, & Dr. Toby Chan
3.	James Cooper, We need to relax intellectual property rules to fight this virus,  The Hill, (Apr. 6, 2020), with Bashar Malkawi
4.	James Cooper, Telemedicine in the Time of Coronavirus,  The Hill, (Apr. 6, 2020), with Dr. Tokio Matsuzaki