Leading innovation: Ravi Retnakaran

In the most recent U.S. News & World Report – Best Global Universities Rankings, the University of Toronto ranked 16^th in the world, tied with Cornell, Princeton and the University of California San Francisco.  

At U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, one subject area that shines brightest is endocrinology and metabolism, which is ranked among the world’s top three and is the number one program in Canada.

Professor Ravi Retnakaran (MSc ’94, MD ’99, PGME Internal Medicine) is one faculty member who exemplifies the innovation and mentorship that help define Temerty Medicine.

Retnakaran is a professor of medicine and endocrinologist at Sinai Health’s Mount Sinai Hospital. He is also a clinician-scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute where he focuses on type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnancy and often precedes type 2 diabetes. Both forms of diabetes occur when pancreatic beta-cells can’t secrete enough insulin to maintain blood glucose in the normal range.

Retnakaran researches the factors that influence beta-cell function and works to develop new ways to preserve, or even restore, that function.

Recently, Retnakaran shared his thoughts on Temerty Medicine’s culture of excellence and mentorship.

What makes Temerty Medicine a great place for you do this work?

Temerty Medicine is a great place for our research program because of the breadth of expertise here. This global research program requires specialized expertise that isn’t readily available at all universities. This is an ideal setting for the multi-disciplinary collaboration this type of research ideally requires.   

How has mentorship helped you get to where you are?

I’ve benefited greatly from very strong mentorship. My father is a (now retired) scientist and has always provided guidance throughout my academic career. As well, Emeritus Professor Bernard Zinman has been a trusted mentor from the start of my research training. To this day, I turn to both role models for their sage advice.

How are you mentoring or supporting the next generation?

Since my faculty appointment, I’ve mentored undergraduate students, medical students, resident physicians and post-doctoral fellows through my research program. To date, there have been 44 first-authorship publications by trainees under my direct supervision. Of these trainees, 7 have since moved on to faculty positions in academia.

What the most fulfilling part of your role at U of T?

In leading this research program, I’m doing something I truly love. I see the opportunity to follow this passion at U of T as a privilege for which I am very grateful.