Dr. Chandi Chandrasena
Recently, Dr. Chandi Chandrasena received the 2026 Digital Health Canada Leadership Award in recognition of her contributions to advancing digital health across Canada. These awards celebrate the innovators, leaders, and change makers driving digital health forward across Canada. As OntarioMD's Chief Medical Officer, she is helping lead and support physicians across Ontario on their digital health journeys.
"One of the things I am most proud of is helping bring the voice of frontline physicians (family physicians and other specialists) into conversations about digital transformation. In every role I have held, I have tried to approach this work through the lens of patients, physicians, clinicians and the realities of everyday practice," says Dr. Chandrasena.
A rural trained, Ottawa-based family physician for more than 20 years, Dr. Chandrasena is focused on ensuring technology delivers meaningful value for physicians, their teams and improves patient care.
"Physicians are under tremendous pressure and administrative burden. This remains one of the biggest challenges across our health system. Before we talk about AI or any new technology, we need to start by understanding the problem we're trying to solve. Technology should be an enabler, not the focus. When it is thoughtfully applied, it can help physicians and their teams work more efficiently and spend more time caring for patients," says Dr. Chandrasena. She believes the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) can improve clinical workflows, reduce documentation demands and support more efficient, patient-centred care.
"Technology works best when it is shaped by the people using it. Physicians have an important role in ensuring AI supports clinical care, protects patient trust and addresses real-world challenges."
Dr. Chandrasena works with the OMD team to support physicians in adopting digital tools and technologies by providing education, resources and change management.
Physicians can
access information on AI tools through the OMD Practice Hub, including guidance on implementing AI scribes in clinical practice, the Patient Consent Toolkit and information about the Ontario AI Scribe Program. OMD is also developing resources related to other AI tools, including AI clinical decision support.
Dr. Chandrasena also plays a key role in shaping the digital health curriculum for OMD's CME-accredited Digital Health Conference, helping bring together leading digital health experts and practical insights that support physicians and other healthcare professionals navigating healthcare innovation.
"This year, we'll feature speakers and sessions talking about all things digital health and, of course, on AI, including AI scribes, inbox management and emerging clinical decision support tools," says Dr. Chandrasena.
Beyond her work at OMD and clinical practice, Dr. Chandrasena was on the original planning committee for the Canadian Women in Medicine (CWIM) Conference and is the recurring emcee. She is also a frequent speaker, moderator and advocate on topics including AI, digital health technology, physician and clinic burden, and digital wellness.