Canadian Healthcare Hero: Dr. Zahra Saleh

Healthcare Hero Dr. Zahra Saleh is a family and hospitalist physician in Northern Alberta, where she works with local teams to help support the health of her patients. In the past, Zahra has also served as President of Medical Staff at an Ontario hospital, Vice Chair of the Aga Khan Health Board, and Chair of the Medical Advisory Services.

At the beginning of the pandemic, like many healthcare professionals, Zahra didn’t know what to expect from COVID-19 - particularly while working at a relatively small rural hospital. Although she has experienced moments of helplessness when losing patients to COVID-19, she has also experienced moments of hope with the development of new vaccines and their rollout in Canada. The greatest lesson that Zahra has learned is to not take her health, including mental health, for granted during this time.

Zahra’s greatest challenge during the pandemic has been staying connected to others. Between balancing her role as a physician, focusing on her family, managing a move across the country, she has found it difficult to find opportunities to connect. However, the pandemic has also allowed her to slow down and savour moments at home with her family and children. Her advice to the Jamat is to take the time to focus on mental health and well-being. In Zahra’s words: “COVID-19 is only one illness we want to avoid, [and] the mental health impact of fear, social isolation, inability to attend Jamatkhana, and not being able to see an end to [the pandemic] can be profound”. She encourages the Jamat to reach out to loved ones, physicians, the Jamati Medical Advisory Services, or a counsellor for support if needed.

Outside of her role and voluntary work, Zahra enjoys recharging by finding a quiet space to read a good book with a hot cup of chai.

If you are interested in nominating a Healthcare Hero, please fill out this nomination form or email akhbc@iicanada.net.