Episode 21 Overview, Guest Bio & Additional Resources
Exploring patient care, technology, and the future of respiratory health
In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Neil Maharaj, a respirologist with over 20 years of experience and the Medical Director at Niagara Pulmonary Medicine and Diagnostics. We talked about his journey in respiratory medicine, the importance of pulmonary function testing, and how technology and AI are starting to reshape patient care.
Dr. Maharaj shared what inspired him throughout his career, how he built a unique community-based clinic in Niagara, and the barriers patients often face in accessing timely asthma care. We also explored practical advice for clinicians and patients alike, the growing need for respiratory specialists, and how AI could change the future of healthcare. Along the way, Dr. Maharaj highlighted the importance of integrity, collaboration, and open communication in medicine, and reminded us that kindness and consistency matter both professionally and personally.
Clinical Leadership and Patient Care
Dr. Neil Maharaj is a respirologist and the Medical Director at Niagara Pulmonary Medicine and Diagnostics, a leading community-based pulmonary clinic serving the Niagara Peninsula. With over 20 years of experience in respiratory medicine, Dr. Maharaj has dedicated his career to improving patient outcomes through compassionate care and innovative approaches. He oversees all clinical activities, including an on-site pulmonary function testing lab, which provides timely and comprehensive assessments critical for effective asthma and respiratory care.
Advocacy, Innovation, and Leadership
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Maharaj is a respected medical leader. He has served as Chair of the Section of Respiratory Disease and the Medical Network at the Ontario Medical Association, representing and advocating for hundreds of respiratory specialists across Ontario. Passionate about advancing respiratory medicine, he actively explores the role of technology and artificial intelligence in diagnostics and patient care, while maintaining a strong focus on integrity, collaboration, and open communication in both leadership and clinical practice.