Dr. Mandat Maharaj

Cape Breton University is pleased to recognize Dr. Mandat Maharaj for his dedication and commitment to his community and field of study. Dr. Maharaj is a leader and pioneer throughout Canada in the field of neuroscience, with much of his research and findings being put into practice within Nova Scotia, having a dramatic impact on those suffering from various neurological conditions.

Dr. Maharaj began his undergraduate studies at Queen’s Royal College in Trinidad, West Indies. He then went on to attend the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MMBS). Following graduation, Dr. Maharaj completed a year-long internship at the Port of Spain General Hospital before pursuing various post graduate studies. He completed the Doctor of Medicine programme, a Clinic and Research Fellow in Neurology and residencies in Internal Medicine and Neurology. He also holds a certification from the American Boards of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Dr. Maharaj is a member of the Canadian Stroke Consortium, Atlantic Neurosciences Society, Canadian Neurological Society and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Maharaj still currently serves as the Medical Director of Neurological Services and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Dalhousie University, where he has taught students and residents from all medical backgrounds. This includes Neurology Residents, Clinical Clerks, Medical Students, Family Medicine Residents and Pharmacy Students.

Dr. Maharaj has served as a Consultant Neurologist on a National Cancer Institute funded study; Clinical Fellow in Neurology at the QEII in Halifax; Lecturer in Medicine at Dalhousie University; Member of Council for the Canadian Neurological Society; Member of Internal Medicine through Doctors Nova Scotia; Member of the Acute Stroke Care Working Group Nova Scotia; Vice Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Dalhousie University; and Associate Chief of Medicine (Quality and Safety) with the Cape Breton District Health Authority. Dr. Maharaj has also taken up numerous fellowships throughout his education at the Adult Clinical Neurology Jewish General, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal Children’s Hospital and Montreal General Hospital.

Dr. Maharak has also been the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Neurology Update in Cape Breton, Co-Chairman for the TEVA Inaugural Multiple Sclerosis Meeting in Newfoundland, the Chairman of the Cape Breton Pakistani Flood Relief Fundraising function and the Chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis tenth Anniversary Celebrations in Cape Breton.

Throughout his over 40-year career, Dr. Maharaj has written and contributed to many published and studied articles. Following many of these publications, in tandem with his vast breadth of research and depth of knowledge, Dr. Maharaj has graced many stages across the country and beyond to discuss various topics in his field of Neurology.

Thanks to his efforts, Dr. Maharaj has been the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award – Doctors Nova Scotia in 2015 and the Queen Elizabeth 11 Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.

Dr. Maharaj’s interests are not limited to the field of neurology, as he is also well known for his acting and musical talents. Dr. Maharaj was the President of the University Drama Society at the University of West Indies, where he received acting and directing awards from the University Drama Competition for a piece named Tallawah. Dr. Maharaj also directed Jamaica’s Drama Contribution to Carifesta (1975) known as The Rogues Trail.  The piece received the first runner up award. He is also the lead singer of the doctor’s band known as Can’t Stand the Heat, specializing in the music of Bob Marley. The band performed at the inaugural Healthcare Recognition Awards event and the Dancing with the Stars Hospice Fundraising event, both in 2023.

Dr. Maharaj is a loving husband to Gina and caring father to four wonderful children: Rajesh, Davika, Shivani and Nalini. For a large part of Dr. Maharaj’s career, he provided comprehensive on-call neurological coverage, often by himself before colleagues came to join him later in his career. Family, friends and colleagues have said that he’s always had a broader vision for the provision of neurological service in smaller communities.

Today, Dr. Maharaj’s commitment to ensuring the best for those in need of neurological care in Cape Breton and Eastern Nova Scotia, continues to inspire everyone around him. His continued research efforts, kind-heart and dedication to his field has improved the lives of countless in his community, and the surrounding areas.

Congratulations, Dr. Maharaj.