About

Dr. Michael Cecchini

MD, FRCPC, FCDA

Medical and Surgical Dermatology

Principal Investigator

Medical Director

 

Dr. Cecchini is a board-certified dermatologist who graduated from the University of Toronto in 2019 and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. Born and raised in the mining town of Timmins, Ontario, his love for the north was cemented when he attended the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Sudbury. This is where he gained extensive hands-on learning experience while working in remote northern communities and focusing on francophone and aboriginal health.

In August 2020, he acquired York Dermatology Clinic & RC, only one year after his graduation. In less than 24 months, the clinic grew into one of the busiest in the GTA, with multiple specialists under one roof. They focus on medical, surgical, and investigative dermatology, where large Phase 2, 3, and 4 clinical trials are conducted to find new therapeutics for complex skin diseases. 

Dr. Cecchini’s clinic is a specialty centre for the management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). He is dedicated to both the medical and surgical management of HS patients, and he and Dr. Ralph George (a specialized HS general surgeon) manage one of the country’s largest groups of HS patients. He also has a strong interest and passion for surgical onco-dermatology, and he performs complex excisions on the head/neck using flaps and skin grafts for cosmetically sensitive areas.

Dr. Cecchini enjoys teaching, presenting his research, and sharing his knowledge. He has regional and international speaking experience, participates regularly in advisory boards, and steering committees to help guide medical education for other doctors in the community. 

AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP

  • Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada: 2019 – Present
  • Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association, member: 2016 – Present
  • Canadian Dermatology Association, member: 2014 – Present
  • Canadian Medical Association, member: 2014 – Present
  • Ontario Medical Association, member: 2014 – Present
  • American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, member: 2014 – Present
  • American Academy of Dermatology, member: 2014 – Present
  • Professional Association of Residents of Ontario: 2014 – Present
  • Porcupine Dante Club Italian Cultural Centre, member: 2006 – Present
York Dermatology Clinic & RC

Dr. Patrick Fleming

BSc(Nutrition), MSc (Community Health), MD, FRCPC, FCDA
Medical Dermatology Clinical Trials Investigator

Dr. Fleming is a certified dermatologist and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He was Chief Dermatology Resident at the University of Toronto and is a consultant dermatologist at the University Health Network. He holds a master’s degree in community health and a graduate certificate in medical teaching. He has completed the Global Clinical Scholars program in advanced epidemiology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Fleming has a clinical focus on inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and eczema, and is an investigator for dermatology clinical trials.

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York Dermatology Clinic & RC

Dr. Tan Rajakulendran

MD, PhD, FRCPC, FCDA

Medical and Surgical Dermatologist

Education & Training: Dr. Rajakulendran is a medical and surgical dermatologist and scientist from the University of Toronto. He grew up in Scarborough, graduating as the top student from Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute, earning him the Governor General’s Academic Medal of Excellence. He subsequently went on to complete his undergraduate, graduate, and medical degree at the University of Toronto, where he won numerous awards and accolades locally and internationally. He also completed his 5-year dermatology residency at the University of Toronto.

Clinical Experience: Dr. Rajakulendran is a consultant dermatologist at York Dermatology Clinic & RC. He has a special interest in melanoma and other skin cancers. He also leads several high impact research programs related to melanoma. In 2019, he was selected to the ESDR Academy for Future Leaders in Dermatology.

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York Dermatology Clinic & RC

Dr. Ralph George

MD, FRCS
General Surgery

Executive Board Member, Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation

Medical Director, CIBC Breast Centre
Past President, Canadian Association of General Surgeons

Associate Professor & Director of CPD Department of Surgery, University of Toronto

Ralph George, MD, FRCS, is an Associate Professor of General Surgery at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of the CIBC Breast Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital. He completed an Endoscopy and a Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Dr. George sat on the Board of Directors of St. Michael’s Hospital and is the past President of the Medical Staff Association. He is the Director of Continuing Professional Education for the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto. In addition, he is the past Chair of the Royal College Specialty Committee for Surgical Oncology, and an active member of the Royal College examination board in Surgical Oncology. Dr. George is an executive member of the Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa foundation, and past President of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons. In 2022 Dr. George will act as co-chair of the North American annual HS meeting the Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advances (scheduled for Miami next fall). Dr. George has received the 2022 Graham Award (outstanding achievements reflecting the aims and objectives of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada).

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York Dermatology Clinic & RC

Dr. Simraaj Powar

MB BCh BAO LRCSI LRCPI CFP PgDip (Derm)

GP Focused Practice Skin Disorders

Dr. Simraaj Powar graduated from the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with a medical degree and Bachelor of Obstetrics. The well-renowned program placed a strong emphasis on clinical skills, patient contact, and the application of medical knowledge. Dr. Powar subsequently completed her Family Medicine residency training at the University of Western Ontario. She completed dedicated rotations in Dermatology, General Surgery/Plastics, Minor Medical Procedures, and General Practice Dermatology. She was awarded the Schulich Learner Peer Award for her exceptional interest and enthusiasm for the learning needs of patients and students. Dr. Powar completed her postgraduate diploma in Practical Dermatology from the University of Cardiff. She has both the OMA Focused Practice Billing Designation and the CPSO Change in Scope certification, which awarded her the title of GP Focused Practice Skin Disorders. 

Dr. Powar’s intrigue for Dermatology stems from the ideology that ‘the skin is the window to the body’, and often can be an indicator of underlying pathology, and a major component of a person’s idea of self. Additionally, she has a curious affinity for visual clinical diagnosis, as evidenced by her numerous publications in the Canadian Journal of Diagnosis. Dr. Powar encourages a patient-centered care model, understanding the importance of a collaborative multi-disciplinary team to help a patient reach their goals

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York Dermatology Clinic & RC

Dr. Adam Kovacs-Litman

BSCH, MD, FRCPC

Rheumatology, Internal Medicine

Dr. Kovacs-Litman BScH, MD, FRCPC completed his Rheumatology and Internal Medicine training at the University of Toronto where he also served as Chief Rheumatology Resident. He graduated from medical school from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from Queen’s University where he studied Life Sciences and Economics. Dr. Kovacs-Litman is currently working towards completing a Master of Science in Community Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Dr. Kovacs-Litman is passionate about providing Rheumatology and Internal Medicine care on both an outpatient and inpatient basis to better address the spectrum of rheumatic diseases. He is affiliated with Mackenzie Health, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Women’s College Hospital, and University Health Network. He also works in the multidisciplinary Early Arthritis Program at Mackenzie Health.

Dr. Kovacs-Litman is committed to medical education and sharing medical knowledge. At Sunnybrook, he works with medical students and residents in clinic and on the inpatient consultation service. He also teaches medical students and residents at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Kovacs-Litman is a specialist in autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases. This includes inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis), crystal arthritis (gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease), connective tissue disease (lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis, myositis, systemic sclerosis, and connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease), osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis or regional musculoskeletal disorders that may be amenable to corticosteroid injections (rotator cuff tendinopathy, adhesive capsulitis, greater trochanteric bursitis, flexor tenosynovitis, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis, prepatellar bursitis, or other bursitis and tendonitis).

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York Dermatology Clinic & RC

Dr. Abseret Hailu

BSc, MD, CCFP, PgDip(Derm)

GP Focused Practice Skin Disorders

Dr. Hailu’s academic journey began with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Manitoba, underscoring her early dedication to academic excellence. She then pursued her medical degree at the Max Rady College of Medicine in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Dr. Hailu completed her Family Medicine residency training at the University of Toronto. During this period, her inquisitive nature and passion for dermatology flourished, prompting her to undergo several rotations in the field. Currently, she is further refining her skills through a postgraduate dermatology training program at Cardiff University.

Recognizing the diversity of skin types and the unique challenges they present, Dr. Hailu has a keen interest in the treatment of skin conditions, particularly in individuals with skin of color.

In her medical practice, Dr. Hailu stands out for her compassionate and holistic approach to managing skin conditions. Her commitment to understanding the individual needs of each patient is evident in her personalized care, and her genuine desire to positively impact patients.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Hailu actively contributes to medical education and community outreach. She strongly believes in empowering her patients with knowledge and actively promotes awareness of skin health within the community. Driven by her advocacy for dermatological well-being, she remains a lifelong learner dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.

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A woman with long hair wearing black shirt.

Dr Jennifer Zheng

MD, CCFP
Family Medicine with special interest in Skin Disorders

Dr. Zheng completed her undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University, double majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics & Statistics. She graduated at the top of her class, earning the award for highest academic standing. She then worked in New York City for two years, before moving back to Canada, where she completed her medical degree and family medicine residency at the University of Toronto. During her training, she completed several rotations in dermatology and surgery. Currently, she is furthering her expertise through the postgraduate dermatology training program at Cardiff University.

Dr Zheng is fluent in both Mandarin and English. She is also a skilled musician/artist, earning ARCT diplomas in piano and flute. Dr. Zheng utilizes her holistic background in the management of different skin conditions, combining technical knowledge with a keen attention to detail and artistic vision. Her approach focuses on shared decision-making to optimize skincare routines that align with each individual's lifestyle, and improve long-term skin health and quality of life. She is known for her ability to develop longitudinal relationships with her patients who return time and time again for conditions such as acne, rosacea, melasma and hair loss.

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