Dr. Ahmer Karimuddin is a colorectal surgeon, educator, and health system leader whose work bridges the operating room, the classroom, and the boardroom. He serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia, and is the CN Woodward Chair in Surgery.

An internationally recognized expert in colorectal surgery, Dr. Karimuddin has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications on surgical education, colorectal disease, and patient-reported outcomes. His clinical expertise spans the full spectrum of benign and malignant colorectal conditions, with a particular interest in complex reoperative surgery and multidisciplinary care.

Beyond his surgical practice, Dr. Karimuddin is known for transformative leadership in medical education and physician advocacy. As Past-President of Doctors of BC, he championed physician wellness, collaborative leadership, and system-level improvements in surgical care. He co-directed the UBC General Surgery Residency Program for six years, leading it from an “Intent to Withdraw” status to full accreditation with exemplary ratings.

Drawing on his background in implementation science and his passion for fostering human excellence, Dr. Karimuddin speaks widely on surgical education, leadership in resource-constrained environments, and innovations in colorectal care. His talks are noted for blending deep clinical expertise with insights on teamwork, culture, and the human side of surgery.