We architect the future of medical education.
A human-AI research lab at the intersection of cognitive science, medicine and education.
A human-AI research lab at the intersection of cognitive science, medicine and education.
Research
Simulation and procedural training
We design new curricula and build novel simulators with artists, engineers, and clinicians. We run validation testing and randomized trials across virtual, mechanical, and biological platforms.
Grover et al. · Gastrointest Endosc · 2015
AI in medical education
We integrate artificial intelligence into clinical training pipelines and build source-grounded educational infrastructure, including work that links curriculum, practice, assessment, and SharpenEDU.
Research area page · Grover Lab
Performance analytics and assessment
We develop competency-based tools that measure what matters and deploy them into training programs. We conduct systematic reviews, psychometric validation, and build data-driven frameworks for trainee progression and credentialing.
Scaffidi, ..., Grover · Endosc Int Open · 2019
Human factors
We study how clinicians think and act in medicine with particular focus on high-stakes procedures. We measure cognitive load, design ergonomics interventions, and explore how humans and AI collaborate in clinical environments.
Scaffidi, ..., Grover · Endosc Int Open · 2022
120+
Peer-reviewed manuscripts
$2.5M+
Grant funding
10+
CPGs informed by our research
150+
Trainees mentored
Programs
Summer of Vibes
SHN's flagship health innovation sprint under the RISE program. Students from medicine, engineering, design, and business tackle real healthcare challenges using AI and vibe coding.
UofT Endoscopic Simulation Course
Now in its 16th year. An award-winning annual course preparing entry-level endoscopic trainees through didactic teaching, high-fidelity VR simulation, and supervised clinical procedures.
Clinical AI Developer Fellowship*
A build-oriented training direction focused on clinicians who can specify, evaluate, and ship AI-enabled tools in real clinical and educational settings.
*Launching 2027
SHNackathon
A week-long virtual innovation challenge where students from any discipline reimagine how future clinicians learn. Teams design and prototype new educational tools for healthcare training.
The Collective
Nikko Gimpaya, MEd
Lab Manager
Nikko has run the Grover Lab as the lab manager since 2018. He has extensive expertise in education research methods, and is an expert in procedural simulation. He has over 120 abstracts and publications in the lab.
William Tran, MSc
Research Coordinator
William joined the lab in 2023. He is a core member of the education research team, having published in simulation based training and ergonomics in endoscopy. Along with Nikko and Andrew, William also organizes the lab programs, including Summer of Vibes.
Kevin Shen, BCS
Developer; AI Software Engineer
Kevin is the AI developer in the laboratory, and provides expertise across all projects. He trained in computer science at the University of Waterloo.
Andrew Song, MSc
Research Coordinator
Andrew supports studies from startup through completion with a focus on clinical education, simulation, and emerging AI applications. He also coordinates student programs such as Summer of Vibes alongside Nikko and William.
Ally Zhao, BSc
Medical Student, University of Toronto
Ally joined the lab in 2022, and already has developed expertise in the development of low-cost simulation for polypectomy education, which has allowed simulation to scale across developing parts of the world.
Daniel Tham, MD
IM Resident, University of Toronto
Daniel joined the lab in 2018. He started with interest in augmented reality in endoscopy, and has since worked on simulation device development and endoscopic training validation.
Michael Scaffidi, MD, MEd
GI Resident, University of Ottawa
Michael joined the lab in 2011 as a volunteer student, and since has become an expert in endoscopy training, curriculum and assessment through his work in the lab. He has over 100 abstracts and publications, and his work has been incorporated into numerous practice guidelines.
Collaborators▾
Joshua Landy, MD, FRCPC
Joshua is an internist and critical care physician at SHN. He works closely with Dr. Grover on all AI initiatives in education at SHN.
Catharine Walsh, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Catharine is a Professor of Pediatrics at University of Toronto; a clinician-scientist at Sick Kids; and an internationally recognized expert in endoscopy education.
Kevin Kuo, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Kevin is the Vice President of Research and Innovation at SHN, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Alumni ▾
Rishi Bansal
DPhil Candidate, Oxford; Rhodes Scholar
Nasruddin Sabrie
Advanced Endoscopy Fellow, Mayo Clinic
Chandni Pattni
Gastroenterologist, Humber River Health
Raina Fujiyoshi
GI Fellow, University of Ottawa
Joshua Satchwell
Gastroenterologist, Brisbane
Rishad Khan
Gastroenterologist & Advanced Endoscopy, University of Calgary
Juana Li
Resident, Family Medicine, Queen's University
James Lisondra
Medical Student, University of Ottawa
Yash Patel
Medical Student, University of Toronto
Karam Elsolh
Resident, Internal Medicine, McMaster University
Impact
Summer of Vibes
A health innovation sprint where medical, engineering, design and business students converge to build real solutions in weeks. Now in its second year at SHN.
Toronto Upper GI Cleaning Score
A novel scoring system for mucosal visualization quality in upper endoscopy. The first validated metric for EGD quality assessment.
Adopted into 2025 ASGE guideline on GERD diagnosis and management
Adopted into 2025 ACG guideline on Gastric Premalignant Conditions
Validated internationally including in pediatric gastroenterology
Managing Conflicts of Interest in Clinical Guidelines
Two landmark studies revealed that over 50% of guideline authors had undisclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies marketing the very drugs they recommended.