Dr. Raeesa Hassan is a family physician in Edmonton who was in the right place at the right time to help two of her patients – a married couple – with an emergency.
Her patients see her regularly and say that, “she treats us with respect, kindness and compassion. She is never in a hurry, and she is listening to us.”
Her patients happened to be in her clinic when it became clear the husband needed to go to emergency. His wife was clearly overwhelmed, so Dr. Hassan facilitated his transport and included some notes for the EMTs and emergency physician.
Dr Hassan’s calm handling of that situation is what prompted the man’s wife to nominate her for Shine A Light. As she put it, “she is the best doctor ever I have seen.”
What’s the story on Dr. Hassan? Let’s find out.
How long have you been practicing medicine?
I’ve been practicing since 2009. I’m originally from South Africa and studied medicine there. I moved to Canada in 2016 and now practice in a west Edmonton clinic.
Were you always interested in family medicine?
I was working in ENT– ear nose and throat – in South Africa. Even there, I enjoyed taking time with my patients and really getting to know them. I like seeing the positive impact I can have on their health. So, when I moved to Canada, I shifted to family medicine.
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
It sounds cliché, but I feel I can actually help people and make a difference for their overall quality of life. I see my patients again and again, and I can see the impact I am having.
Any other thoughts you want to share?
This nomination brightened my day. It is a reminder that even in the midst of all the work, I am making a difference for individuals.
About The Shine A Light Program
The AMA’s Shine A Light Program allows individual patients or community members to recognize AMA member physicians for:
- Providing exemplary care that made a difference in a patient’s life.
- Spearheading projects that improve patient and/or community life.
- Contributing to a high-performing health care system.
Do you know a physician who goes above and beyond to care for his/her patients? You can nominate them for the Shine A Light program on the AMA website.