Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Mohamed Abdalla to explore his unique journey in medicine across diverse landscapes—from Kenya to rural Canada. Dr. Abdalla shares his insights on the distinct challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in various international settings, including his transition from the bustling cities to the close-knit community of Tillsonburg, Ontario. As the Chief of Hospital Medicine at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and a pursuing scholar of Healthcare Management at McGill University, Dr. Abdalla delves into the nuances of rural healthcare, the impact of being a Muslim physician in predominantly non-Muslim areas, and how Islamic values influence his practice.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Abdalla addresses the pros and cons of rural medicine, the challenges Muslim physicians face in such settings, and offers invaluable advice for medical students and residents considering a career in rural healthcare. He also reflects on his role as a father, the importance of balancing multiple identities, and how rural hospitals can become more accommodating to Islamic needs. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the life of a Muslim doctor navigating the complexities of multicultural and rural healthcare environments.

In this episode, we sit down and have a discussion with Dr. Nahla about her experiences as a female physician who is visibly Muslim. She also touches on her medical school journey, including completing her undergraduate medical degree in Australia, and returning to Canada for psychiatry residency as an International Medical Graduate (IMG).

Dr. Nahla is a passionate advocate for mental wellness. She is a successful social media influencer who has gained over 141 000 followers on Instagram (@imdoctornahla), and over 328 000 followers on Tik Tok (@doctornahla). Her social media platforms provide mental health education and empower others to heal after trauma. She also elevates the voices of marginalized individuals and advocates for change.

This episode was originally posted in 2023, but has now been reposted in keeping with our new branding. During the original recording, Dr. Nahla was a second year psychiatry resident. Now she is a fourth year resident.

Our third episode features Dr. Wael Haddara. Dr. Wael graduated medical school from Queen’s University in 1999, trained in Internal Medicine and endocrinology at the University of Western Ontario, and served as Chair/Chief Critical Care Western and London Hospitals. He holds a Masters in Medical Education from Dundee University and has been actively involved with the Center of Education, Research and Innovation (CERI) at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Topics of Discussion:

1. Accelerated path to university and studying pharmacy before medicine

2. Challenges and gratifying aspects of ICU medicine

3. Muslims and end-of-life decisions

4. Leading Southwestern Ontario’s COVID-19 response

5. Experience as president of the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC)

6. Work in Egyptian politics and United Nations

7. Interests/hobbies

8. Advice to those in medicine

Join us as we have a discussion about Islam and mental health! This episode features Dr. Arfeen Malick, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, and Sheikh Navaid Aziz, who is the Director of Religious and Social Services for the Islamic Information Society of Calgary.

Questions answered by our guests during this episode:

1. Can you please define mental health for us?

2. What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?

3. What does Islam say about mental health?

4. A common misconception is that the evil eye or the devil is the cause of mental health problems. Can you please speak on this?

5. Another common misconception is that spiritual treatment is the solution to all mental health problems, can you please clarify this for us?

6. Where should we seek mental health help? What should we expect? Where can people go for more resources?

7. How can we on an individual and collective level destigmatize mental health in our Islamic communities?

8. Do you have general advice for individuals suffering from mental health problems?

Assalamualykum and welcome our first guest, Dr. Sheikh Adnan Rajeh. Sheikh Adnan graduated Medical school from Damascus University in 2012, trained in Internal Medicine at UWO, and is currently completing his fellowship in Medical Oncology. Join us as we explore Dr. Rajeh’s journey in medicine and his pursuit for Islamic knowledge.