The phrase “gunshot” instantly makes us shiver because of the potential for both bodily and psychological harm to those who are shot. Therefore, consider someone who must provide medical care to victims of shootings and consider the actual harm that can result from a bullet.

In context to Dr. Najma’s perception, she began sharing her experience, and with regular appearances in the media, she gained fame as a leading authority on the effects of gun violence and as an avid advocate of restricting access to guns. Later, a grassroots organization of doctors with similar views was organized by Dr. Ahmed, and it eventually adopted the name Canadian Doctors for Protection against Guns (also known as CDPG). Now numbering close to a thousand, the group works to prevent gun-related injuries by educating the public and interacting with policymakers ​¹​.

Dr. Ahmed finished her residency in general surgery and medical school at McGill University. During her surgical residency, she completed her PhD in Surgical Infections and Sepsis. She pursued fellowship training in trauma surgery and critical care at the Universities of Michigan and Toronto after completing her residency. She currently teaches at the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto. She offers inspirational leadership for the professional advancement of surgeon-teachers in the Department of Surgery as well as training success for medical students, residents, and fellows ^​2​.

In 2001, she was brought on staff at St. Michael’s Hospital in the General Surgery Division. In her clinical practice, she focused on trauma, critical care, and acute care surgery. As the director of the general surgery residency program from 2008 to 2018, Dr. Ahmed oversaw the biggest and possibly most complex surgical training program in North America. The program became known for being extremely successful, well-run, and dedicated to providing all students with top-notch learning opportunities under her leadership ^​2​.

In July 2018, she operated on three victims after an opened fire in Toronto’s Greektown, Danforth by a 29-year-old man. In this incident, two people died and thirteen others were injured. That day, as a surgeon, she saw things that most people do not see or comprehend, so she realized that she had to work very hard to make changes. She was driven to take action to guarantee community safety, encourage change, and let others know what she was witnessing ^​1​.

She observed that, despite the fact that people only think about gunshots in relation to dying or moving on after recovering, things are actually far more difficult than they appear. She made it clear to everyone that recovering from a gunshot wound is challenging. The patient might require years of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in addition to several months in the hospital. Some patients never fully heal. Many require ongoing treatment due to psychological trauma and chronic fear. Their trauma has an impact on their loved ones as well. She pointed out that considering gun control as a public health concern is necessary ^​1​.

She discussed the dangers of easy access to guns in terms of violence and suicide. She also pointed out that Canada’s laws and policies regarding firearms were behind. She spoke on behalf of CDPG before the Senate committee discussing Bill C-71, which added new limitations on who was eligible to own firearms and when they could be used. On May 1, 2020, her efforts were rewarded when the government reclassified roughly 1500 different kinds of semi-automatic rifles. She also attended a meeting on gun violence with Justin Trudeau, the prime minister. Even though she thought there was still a long way to go, she was grateful, thinking how much she was able to achieve. Although the conversation about gun laws started out as one of property rights, she was able to persuade the prime minister that they are an issue of public health ​^1​.

For her leadership, devotion, and hard work in using grassroots advocacy to advance CMA goals and policies, Dr. Najma Ahmed was given the Sir Charles Tupper Award for Political Advocacy ​²²​. Additionally, several other honors have been given to her in recognition of her contributions to postgraduate surgical education, including the renowned Royal College AMS/Donald Richards Wilson Award in 2016 ^​2.

Find out more:

1. Dr. Najma Ahmed | CMA  
2. Najma Ahmed Profile  

How to find them:

Najma Ahmed (@najmadoc) / X

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Dr. Sahin’s professional life was equally remarkable. After immigrating to Canada, he embarked on a medical career, specializing in urology. He became affiliated with the Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where he dedicated himself to his medical practice until his retirement. ^​1​ Dr. Sahin’s commitment to healing and caring for others in the field of medicine paralleled his dedication to community service and humanitarian work, making him a multifaceted and impactful figure in both the healthcare and social spheres.

Among his remarkable achievements, Dr. Sahin founded or co-founded essential institutions such as the Islamic Foundation of Toronto Inc., the Islamic Society of Niagara Peninsula, Islamic West Associates of Canada, the Canadian Turkish Muslim Association, the Council of Muslim Communities of Canada (CMCC), and the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF). Through these organizations, he left an enduring legacy by furthering their missions and broadening their outreach within the community. ^​2–4

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Dr. Sahin’s contributions were not confined to the Muslim community alone. He actively engaged in initiatives that fostered interfaith dialogue and understanding, including the Christian-Jewish-Muslim Dialogue and the Christian Muslim Liaison Committee. His involvement in international conferences on World Peace and World Religions reflected his commitment to promoting cooperation and harmony on a global scale. ​^1,3​ 

In recognition of his outstanding service, Dr. Ahmet Fuad Sahin received prestigious honors. In 2009, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario, an esteemed recognition for his exceptional contributions to the community. Subsequently, in 2017, he was named to the Order of Canada, celebrating his foundational leadership within Canada’s Muslim community, particularly as the founder and former president of the International Development and Relief Foundation. ​^1–3​ 

With 65 years of marriage to Solmaz and as a devoted father and grandfather, Dr. Sahin’s personal values and love extended to his family, who continue to cherish his memory. ​^1​ His profound impact and vision remain an inspiration for his family, friends, and all those he touched.

Find out more:

1. Pioneering Canadian Muslim Leader Passes Away (iqra.ca)  
2. Today We Lost the Father of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) Dr. Ahmet Fuad Sahin (muslimlink.ca) 
3. Turkish-born Muslim Receives Canada’s Highest Civilian Honor | About Islam | About Islam  
4. International Development and Relief Foundation – Wikipedia  
5. Dr. Ahmed Fuad Şahin, prominent Turkish Muslim in Canada, dies at age of 97 | Daily Sabah

How to find them:
Deceased