Inspiring Young Alumni: Catching up with Prem Nichani ’13
Prem Nichani began building his leadership skills in the halls of St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) and continues fostering them today in numerous roles at the University of Toronto (U of T) and as a resident physician. Nichani is a fourth-year resident specializing in ophthalmology, where he has begun to either assist with or independently perform cataract surgeries. Reflecting on his work, he describes it as “profoundly humbling—the experience of meeting a patient for only ten minutes before they entrust me with their vision” leaves a lasting impact on his approach to patient care. In June 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Nichani married his wife, Gunjan. Their family grew in November 2024 with the arrival of their daughter, Saanvi, joining their four-year-old pup, Mowgli. Read on to learn more about this inspiring young alumnus. Update on professional life: Professionally, I am a fourth-year ophthalmology resident in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto (U of T). My academic journey includes a doctor of medicine (MD) degree from the University of Toronto, a master of science in health policy, management and evaluation, also from U of T, and an honours bachelor of science in health sciences from Wilfrid Laurier University. Combining this academic background with my passion for clinical research and ophthalmology, I aspire to become a skilled clinician-researcher. My ultimate goal is to contribute to health care policy reform to enhance patient experience and improve access to quality eye care. Beyond medicine, I find joy in long hikes with my family, DJing under the alias DJ Mocha Love with Six Side Entertainment, music production, website design, integrating artificial intelligence to streamline daily routines, and reading legal thrillers. Nichani and his operating room team after completing their first full cataract case. How would you describe your time at the
