Healthcare Hero: Alim Somani

Healthcare Hero Alim Somani is a respiratory therapist in Richmond, BC, where he works to support patients experiencing different breathing disorders and diseases such as lung cancer or infections. In 2020, with the growing rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alim began working in acute care where he predominantly supported COVID-19 patients in the ICU wards and Emergency Department, along with other patients experiencing acute respiratory illnesses. As we now know, COVID-19 can lead to respiratory complications, and Alim saw first-hand the impact that the virus had on his acute patients as well as his colleagues. Like many health professionals, he experienced fear at the beginning of the pandemic due to the many unknowns, and the potential risk of transmitting the virus to his family at home.

Alim’s greatest challenge during the pandemic was the inability to physically be with his loved ones during this difficult time, and to comfort them through the changes taking place in the world. As a healthcare worker, Alim has worked tirelessly to provide the best care to his patients, all while ensuring he continues to take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading any infections. When Alim connects with his colleagues worldwide, many of them echo the toll COVID has taken on frontline workers, which has impacted the mental health of many of them. He encourages his colleagues and healthcare workers to take the time to support their own mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. He has found new ways to wind down from a stressful shift and reflect, including walking, exercising, and meditating.

Alim’s greatest lesson from this time has been the realization that life is short, and how important it is to make every day and every opportunity count.

His advice is to continue to take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and to follow public health guidelines - including limiting your travel, wearing a mask, and keeping your cohort to your immediate family.

Outside of his current position, Alim has volunteered for fundraisers to support Cystic Fibrosis patients, at sleep clinics, and has presented at the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists Conference on the growing concerns around e-cigarettes and vaping. Alim has also been a long-time volunteer with the BC Ismaili Volunteer Corps.

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