Our Team: Dr. Maha Iyer
Dr. Maha Iyer began her medical journey in India, completing her undergraduate training and postgraduate MD in Anesthesia at the University of Mumbai. Eager to expand her horizons, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she achieved her FFARCSI and completed her Certificate of Specialist Training in Anaesthesiology from the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
During her years of training and practice in the UK, she developed a deep interest in caring for high-risk surgical patients, specializing in liver transplantation, vascular anesthesia, and complex perioperative care. After serving briefly as a consultant with the NHS, she chose to pursue further specialization, bringing her to Canada.
Fellowship and career in British Columbia
At the University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Iyer completed a fellowship focused on vascular, liver, and high-risk anesthesia. Immersed in some of the most challenging surgical cases, she strengthened her expertise and her passion for complex care. Captivated by the natural beauty and vibrant medical community of British Columbia, she decided to stay, completing her FRCPC certification and joining Surrey Memorial Hospital in 2012.
Today, she is an integral part of a center that performs the highest number of thoracic surgeries in British Columbia, in addition to major head and neck procedures and high-risk obstetric care. Dr. Iyer not only provides anesthesia for these complex cases but also plays a key role in managing patients’ perioperative care.
A teacher, leader, and teammate
Colleagues and trainees consistently describe Dr. Iyer as a great teacher, known for her patience, clarity, and ability to make even the most complex concepts understandable. Her positive energy and approachable style create a supportive learning environment where residents and fellows feel empowered to ask questions, grow, and gain confidence.
As a team member, she is collaborative, dependable, and deeply respected by peers across disciplines. Her ability to balance leadership with teamwork makes her a cornerstone of both the operating room and the broader hospital community. She has taken on leadership roles, guiding perioperative teams and contributing to systems that improve patient safety and care quality.
Global service and giving back
Beyond her clinical work in Canada, Dr. Iyer is passionate about giving back through global medical missions. She has volunteered her skills in Mongolia and Guatemala, providing anesthetic support for surgeries and mentoring local teams to strengthen surgical capacity. Her work abroad reflects her belief that healthcare is a shared responsibility and that teaching is just as powerful as treatment in creating lasting impact.
A career of impact
From Mumbai to London, from Vancouver to Mongolia, Dr. Maha Iyer’s career reflects dedication, excellence, and compassion. She is not only a highly skilled anesthesiologist but also a teacher, a leader, and a teammate whose energy uplifts those around her. Through her clinical practice and international volunteer work, she continues to transform lives; proving that medicine, at its best, is a blend of science, service, and humanity.
