Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

For outstanding contribution to the province related to community and Social work in North Calgary over 22 years. Key contributions include:

• Leading a team of 35 teachers/ staff and volunteers to conduct weekend school for 250+ immigrant children (5-15 yrs.) since 2002. This 8 yrs. structured program provides instructions based on Canadian and Islamic values. Since inception, 400 NWIS graduates are proud Canadian Muslims and youth leaders in communities across Alberta.
• Chair, WeCare Canada (2013-2019). Provided support to the immigrant families (700+) in distress through shelter/ food hampers and monthly groceries.
• Since 2017, established and operated “OPEN food pantries” at local mosques for families in need from all faiths. Non-perishable food items can be picked anytime of the day with no questions asked.
• Founding member of MD International (since 2007); a community-based organization of physicians, providing guidance and support to newcomers to Alberta. MDI provides numerous community outreach programs.
• Secretary- Muslim Council of Calgary (MCC) (2013-2019). This organization represents over 100,000 Muslims in Calgary and operate most prominent mosques, Islamic Schools, cultural and heritage programs and youth activities.
• Founder and director (2004-2012)- NW Islamic Center and Islamic Association of NW Calgary

For outstanding contributions to the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD). Key contributions include:

• Co-wrote a letter to the Medical Council of Canada resulting in changes to the accommodations process to be less onerous for examinees with disabilities (ongoing project, advocating for more changes)
• Collaborated with colleagues across Canada to develop accessible documents which outline the process of acquiring accommodations during transition to medical school, clerkship, and residency decreasing the research and administrative burdens for medical students with disabilities
• Diligently hold monthly meetings designed to share updates and resources across Canada resulting in more centralized and accessible documents for medical students, residents, and physicians with disabilities
• Founded and lead the Disability Inclusion and Advocacy Group (under the Calgary Medical Students Association) as President during medical school and unofficially as a resident
• Hosted events focused on hidden curriculum for students with disabilities, best practices in navigating accommodations, legal rights, and protection for medical students with disabilities
• Co-developed an Accessibility Policy, Accommodations Request Form, and Accessibility Checklist for the Calgary Medical Students Association to use during events to enhance the inclusion of medical students with disabilities during medical school events
• Support two medical students with disabilities to provide guidance and support (e.g., challenges in navigating medical school, clerkship, and residency with a disability, hidden curriculum and administrative burdens, and self-advocacy)