I hold an MD with specialization in Ophthalmology and did two postdoctoral fellowships. One more clinical-oriented at the University of Toronto (Ocular Oncology), and another research fellowship at McGill University (Ocular Pathology). I was then appointed Assistant Professor for the Department of Ophthalmology and Pathology at McGill University, where I worked from 2009-2012. It was a busy time when I published over 60 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. I’ve attached my CV with more info.
I then took an unofficial “sabbatical” to work with my other passion, martial arts. I started a school of Jiu-Jitsu that grew into a network of 8 schools of over 2,000 students. We do not only teach champions but regular people that never thought they could become martial artists. It never ceases to amaze me how empowering it can be and all the benefits it can bring to someone’s life. I am also passionate about inclusion, including accessibility for people with special needs. I had the pleasure to teach kids and adults with physical, mental, and learning disabilities. I have also been invited to talk about it in the media and keynote presentations:
• “Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for people with disabilities”. Breakfast Television Montreal. July 2018
• “Competition: the new collaboration”. TEDx HEC. Universite de Montreal. February 2017
• “Jiu-Jitsu for everyone”. McGill University Occupational Therapy course. November 2016
• “Jiu-Jitsu for the visually-impaired”. Montreal Association for the Blind. May 2015
Given my career shift and the broad range of interests, I am often invited to talk about time management, balancing life’s responsibilities, managing a team with people from different backgrounds, and staying focused on achieving your goals. I also coach and mentor other business owners that want to make a living out of their passions and making work a more meaningful and fulfilling activity.
