ABOUT
PRACTICE PROFILE
Conveniently located in Richmond Hill, our Board-Certified Dermatologists provide a wide range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology treatment options, as well as clinical research for chronic dermatological conditions. Our mission at York Dermatology Clinic & RC is to provide skilled, ethical, and comprehensive care to our patients in an unbiased manner so that they are fully empowered to make informed choices about the health of their skin.
Dr. Michael Cecchini,
MD (Medical and Surgical), FRCP(C)
Dr. Michael Cecchini, MD (Medical and Surgical), FRCP(C)
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 & Research Centre, only one year after his graduation. In less than 24 months, the clinic has grown to one of the busiest in the GTA with six 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 center for the management of hidradenitis suppurative. He is very 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
MEET THE TEAM
OUR DOCTORS
Dr. Patrick Fleming
BSc, MSc(Medicine), MD, FRCPC, FCDA
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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 masters 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.
Dr.Tan Rajakulendran
MD, PhD, FRCPC Melanoma Specialist
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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 and Research Centre. He is also a staff dermatologist at Southlake Regional Health Centre. 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.
Dr. Ralph George
MD, FRCS
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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).
Dr.Simraaj Powar
MB BCh BAO LRCSI LRCPI CFP PgDip(Derm)
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Dr. Simraaj Powar MB BCh BAO LRCSI LRCPI CFP PgDip(Derm), 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 in 2020 at the University of Western Ontario. She was awarded the Schulich Learner Peer Award for her exceptional interest and enthusiasm for the learning needs of patients and students. She completed dedicated rotations in Dermatology, General Surgery/Plastics, Minor Medical Procedures, and General Practice Dermatology. Dr. Powar completed her postgraduate degree in Practical Dermatology from the University of Cardiff in 2022, which awarded her the title of GP Derm.
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.
Dr. Adam Kovacs-Litman
BScH, MD, FRCPC
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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 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).
Dr. Abseret Hailu
BSc, MD, CCFP
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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.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Great experience. Very welcoming place, friendly, caring and attentive staff, nurses and doctors. Great thanks to Dr. T. Rajakulendran, nurses Karen and Susan and front desk staff. Highly recommended.
Extremely attentive and caring. I have had several appointments. Dr Raj didn’t keep me waiting and explained my procedure thoroughly before proceeding. Very gentle with amazing follow through. Joanna was a delight also. I look forward to my next appointment with her.
Dr. Cecchini knows his stuff. I had a very severe case of Rosacea. He consulted, discussed the pros cons, timelines. And in my particular situation it all panned out. The staff assistants and nurses are all very helpful. Doesn't feel like a production line. Feels personalized catered to you.
Went to see Dr. Cecchini today, I have struggled with HS for over 15 years. From Dr. Cecchini, to his nurses to the reception staff we beyond helpful. I would recommend to anyone with this issue. Top rate service all around. The only Dr who gave me options.
The staff was friendly (reception, and nurses) and the wait time wasn't anywhere close to as bad as all the other reviews mentioned. Dr. Cecchini is very personable, and knew what he was talking about. If you have HS, he's probably the guy to be talking to. I have a follow-up in April, and will update the review.
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