Dr. Zoher Rafid-Hamed, an Internal Medicine resident at the University of Saskatchewan, is the SMA’s 2026 Resident Leader of the Year.  Born in Iraq, he moved to Canada at age eight and grew up in Unity, a small rural community in Saskatchewan. He earned his medical degree and Master of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan. 

“Having moved to Canada from Iraq as a child and grown up in Unity, I’m deeply grateful for the family and community support that has helped me get here. My parents and family have been my biggest supporters, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors and colleagues who have encouraged me along the way. Receiving this award is a meaningful honour and motivates me to continue giving back to the communities that have given me so much,” said Dr. Rafid-Hamed.  

His leadership has influenced resident physicians, medical learners and health-care organizations at provincial and national levels. Throughout his training, he has distinguished himself through his commitment to physician advocacy, governance, research and community service.  

Currently serving as Secretary-Treasurer of Resident Doctors of Saskatchewan, Dr. Rafid-Hamed helps oversee governance and financial stewardship on behalf of resident physicians across the province.  

He also contributes to several key committees, including the College of Medicine Budget Planning and Priorities Committee, the Internal Medicine Competence by Design Committee and the College’s 2030 Strategic Plan Implementation Group. Nationally, he represents Saskatchewan on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada National Advisory Committee on Wellbeing and Human Resources, helping shape discussions around physician training and wellness.  

His leadership journey began early in medical school. Dr. Rafid-Hamed served as President and Past President of the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan, chaired the University Students’ Council, representing more than 20,000 undergraduate students, and participated in the committee responsible for selecting the College of Medicine’s new dean.  

Beyond governance and advocacy, Dr. Rafid-Hamed is an accomplished researcher. He has contributed to more than 20 peer-reviewed publications focusing on patient safety, health care quality and medical error disclosure. His research has been presented nationally and internationally and has earned multiple Best Student Paper awards.  

His commitment to service extends throughout the medical community. He has volunteered as a peer mentor to medical students, served as an admissions assessor for both the College of Medicine and Saskatchewan’s inaugural Physician Assistant program, contributed as a Director with the EMCY Foundation, and participated on the SMA’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.