Zach Ferraro, MSc PhD MD FRCSC

Spotlight on CMHF Award Recipient: Dr. Zach Ferraro

We are pleased to feature Zach Ferraro, MSc PhD MD FRCSC, a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellow at Mount Sinai Fertility, University of Toronto, and the 2017 University of Ottawa CMHF Award Recipient.

Dr. Ferraro is currently in his final year of clinical fellowship in infertility and reproductive endocrinology. His research focuses on analyzing big data and birth cohorts to better understand the long-term impacts of fertility treatments on offspring health. He is also actively engaged in advocacy, quality improvement, and clinical research projects, including leading the fellowship component of the Oncology Fertility Preservation Program. Upon completing his fellowship, Dr. Ferraro will transition to a leadership role in private practice in Waterloo while continuing his academic work as adjunct faculty.

Reflecting on the CMHF Award
Dr. Ferraro recalls the moment he learned he was selected for the CMHF Award with humility and pride. “I was humbled when I found out the news. To be in the presence of peers receiving the same award who have done such outstanding work was a great feeling,” he says. “It was also so inspiring to be around the laureates of the main award, who have dedicated their lives to improving science and medicine in Canada.”

Having devoted years to both academic and clinical excellence, the award brought meaningful validation to his long and demanding journey. “My academic and medical journey has been long, and receiving this award after years of hard work and dedication brought tremendous validation to the process,” he reflects.

Evolving Passion for Health and Medicine
Over the years, Dr. Ferraro’s interests have evolved — from research at the bench to its real-world applications in the clinic. “My passion for health and medicine has evolved in several capacities,” he explains. “Mainly, I am still very passionate about translational research and knowledge translation initiatives. I find it imperative that we use the abundance of science and research at our disposal to improve clinical practice.”

Mentorship has also been a defining force in his career. “I find it incredibly rewarding to master a skill and pass on this training — whether research or clinical — to residents or graduate students. Mentorship has played a key role in my success, and I take pride in mentoring the next generation of trainees.”

The Award’s Impact
Receiving the CMHF Award reaffirmed his commitment to his path and gave him the confidence to pursue increasingly ambitious goals. “Receiving the award validated a long journey of academic, clinical, and volunteer initiatives. It inspired me to continue to push forward to help improve the health of Canadians despite some of the challenges that we face in the current sociopolitical climate,” he says.

Advice for Current CMHF Award Recipients
When asked what guidance he would share with new recipients, Dr. Ferraro emphasizes balance and well-being as the foundation for longevity in medicine. “Stay balanced. Take time to reflect on what makes you whole and complete as an individual. It is imperative to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, so you can wake up the next day and pursue your research or clinical goals,” he advises. “All too often, people are striving to get as many tasks done as possible, but we must remember that quality trumps quantity. Be present, be aware of burnout, and look after yourself so you can provide comprehensive, compassionate, and long-term care to those around you.”

Opportunities Resulting from the Award
The award, Dr. Ferraro notes, continued to open doors throughout his training. “Receiving the award certainly focused attention towards me as I was working through medical school,” he says. “I was self-motivated to live up to the expectations surrounding the award, and I believe having this accolade on my CV showed fellowship programs that I was recognized by a group of excellence for years of clinical and research work.”

Dr. Ferraro’s story reflects the enduring influence of the CMHF Award in affirming achievement, fostering mentorship, and inspiring recipients to continue advancing health care and research in Canada.