Canadian Healthcare Heroes: Rashid and Mariam Mohamed

Healthcare Heroes Rashid and Mariam Mohamed (also known as Rex and Meera) are a husband-and-wife duo based in Hamilton and Waterloo, Ontario. They are the co-founders and medical directors for multiple family-owned medical clinics in Ontario, and Rex and Meera have also been serving as the Operational Team Leads for  local COVID-19 Assessment Centres during the pandemic.

Only a few days after the pandemic was declared, the Mohameds used their quick-thinking and passion to turn their clinics into COVID-19 testing sites to help support the community. Since the opening of the Kitchener-Waterloo-Woolwich-Wellesley-Wellington COVID Assessment Centre, these centres now offer free transportation for patients who need a COVID-19 test – this helps to prevent the spread of the virus on public transit and in the community.

Outside of their clinics, the Mohameds are highly engaged in their local community. In the past, Rex has served as a member of the Police service, and Rex and Meera have been members of the Federal Integrated National Security Enforcement Advisory Committee. The Mohameds have also been active IVC members over the years and members of the Ismaili Safety Team. A fun fact about the Mohameds - they have a band, the Hamilton Harmonies, and have performed at various Khushiali programs.

The greatest challenge for the Mohameds during the pandemic has been coping with the emotional stressors that the pandemic has brought about and seeing people in need due to the effects of COVID-19. However, Meera and Rex continue to work tirelessly to help curb the spread of the virus and have found deeper meaning in their work. Their greatest lessons during this time have been the importance of family ties as well as the value of small gestures, such as a phone call checking in on someone’s well-being. Their advice for the Jamat during this time is to continue to stay home and stay safe to stop the spread of the virus together as a community. Rex and Meera also wanted to share a message to their fellow healthcare workers: “We understand what you may be feeling or going through and it isn’t easy to be on the frontlines of the pandemic. However, just know that we are all superheroes amidst this crisis”.

Meera and Rex enjoy meditation, taking the time each day to practice their faith, and reflecting on the blessings each day brings.

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