Dr. Sonya Abdulla brings a wealth of experience and unique perspective to her role as the CDA’s representative to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Dermatology Specialty Committee.

Raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Dr. Abdulla has a deep appreciation for the breadth and depth of healthcare resources available in smaller centers. She completed undergraduate studies and medical school at the University of Ottawa, as well as a master’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan. Her dermatology training was completed at the University of Toronto, followed by subspecialty fellowship training in aesthetic medicine and laser surgery.

Dr. Abdulla was awarded the University of Ottawa’s André Péloquin Award for excellence in patient care at the undergraduate medicine level. She brings this compassion and attention to detail to her blended medical and aesthetic practice in downtown Toronto, where she is involved in teaching and research. Her clinical focus includes acne and rosacea, with a special interest in medical and aesthetic dermatology for richly pigmented skin. She is currently co-chairing the Canadian Acne Guidelines. Dr. Abdulla’s clinical expertise and thoughtful approach to patient management have established her as a key educator on common skin health topics for both the medical community and the general public.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Abdulla has a unique background, having worked on Parliament Hill – an uncommon path for someone in medicine. While studying in Ottawa, Dr. Abdulla was involved with other key national medical organizations; she sat on the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Committee on Workforce and Education, the RCPSC Education Committee, and the CaRMS Board of Directors. Her involvement in advocacy continued through residency as a PAIRO/PARO representative and as a resident representative on the CDA’s Education Committee.

Dr. Abdulla began her CDA committee work early in her career, serving on the Education Committee and chairing the Membership and Awards Committee. In 2022, she was elected Secretary of the CDA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where she was involved with key member outreach initiatives, including co-chairing the inaugural Resident Procedural Dermatology Course.

As the CDA Representative to the RCPSC Dermatology Specialty Committee, Dr. Abdulla integrates her advocacy experience with a focus on education and health human resource planning. She strongly believes that the CDA plays a key role in representing Canadian dermatology and its members in the medical community at large on matters related to the specialist workforce and training, as well as timely access to quality dermatologic care.

“In the ever-evolving Canadian healthcare landscape, the CDA plays a key role in representing our profession and member dermatologists at a national level and fostering a collaborative environment with opportunities for education, resource sharing, and advocacy.”

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
• Member of the American Academy of Dermatology

CDA Committees and Working Groups

• Membership & Awards Committee

Connect with Me

• LinkedIn
• Practice