Healthcare Hero: Zenah Surani

Healthcare Hero Zenah Surani is a pharmacist and pharmacy owner in Ottawa, where she works tirelessly with her team to meet the healthcare needs of her patients. Like many healthcare professionals during the pandemic, Zenah has had to be innovative and adapt to doing more in her pharmacy with fewer resources and greater uncertainty. Her team has leveraged technology in order to pivot from ‘business as usual’, and find creative solutions to business and healthcare challenges, such as higher prescription volumes, increased demand for flu vaccinations, and supporting patient health during a pandemic. Zenah is passionate about helping the community, and serves as a Board Member for the United Way of Eastern Ontario and the Canadian Club of Ottawa, and she is the Director of Education for the Ottawa-Carleton Pharmacists’ Association. She is also the Deputy Communications Coordinator for the Ismaili Council for Ottawa.

Zenah’s greatest challenge during the pandemic has been finding time to rest and recharge. As a healthcare professional, she has worked long hours with her team to support the needs of her patients and the greater community. Zenah’s advice to the Jamat is to continue to follow public health guidelines. She has said, “with so many that have perished and who are suffering from COVID-19 we all need to do our part to stop the spread”. Although listening to the news can be overwhelming, Zenah also encourages the Jamat to continue to listen to important updates and stay educated on what is happening in our communities.

Outside of her many roles, Zenah enjoys reading and exercising to help destress, as well as listening to podcasts to keep up to date on major stories in Canada and globally.

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