UNITY — Representing Saskatchewan students at a provincial level is a new role for former Unity Composite High School student Zoher Rafid-Hamed.
The UCHS graduate is currently in the College of Medicine in his final year, preparing to begin his residency in the internal medicine program in July in Saskatoon.
“I found out about this opportunity through the University of Saskatchewan. I decided to apply and, with the support and nomination from the College of Medicine, I was accepted for the position to serve on the student council from 2024 to 2025,” says Rafid-Hamed.
The student doctor said he is incredibly excited and grateful, calling the opportunity a real privilege to represent students at a provincial level and help shape decisions that affect them.
Rafid-Hamed graduated from UCHS in 2014 and began his studies at the University of Saskatchewan that fall.
“In high school, I served on several committees, including the Positive School Climate Committee, Student Leadership Council and was also heavily involved in volunteer initiatives and other school committees. Those experiences taught me about teamwork, responsibility and representing diverse groups of people — skills that were definitely important in this role and many other roles,” he says.
Ruth Weber, former UCHS principal and current Living Sky School Division superintendent of learning, said of her former student, “Zoher made his mark at UCHS, both inside and outside of the classroom. His drive and enthusiasm stood out, whether he was chasing a story for the Journalism 20 course, debating a point in ELA class, battling hard on the court in badminton, basketball and volleyball, or helping out at an SLC event.”
The newly selected Saskatchewan Student Council member says that at the U of S, he has also taken on several leadership roles, including president of the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan (SMSS), chair of the University Student Council, student representative on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, and several other roles within and outside the university and the College of Medicine.
“These experiences have strengthened my ability to advocate effectively for others, build meaningful connections and approach leadership with a focus on service — all of which greatly served me during my time with the Saskatchewan Student Council,” adds Rafid-Hamed.
Asked by Â鶹ÊÓƵ what is expected of the 24 candidates selected for the Saskatchewan Student Council, the soon-to-be resident doctor responded: “Each member is expected to represent student voices from across Saskatchewan, collaborate with government and educational leaders, participate in regular meetings, and contribute ideas to improve the student experience throughout the province.
“I believe my background in leadership, combined with my passion for advocacy, allowed me to bring fresh ideas and a strong work ethic to the table. I’m hoping that our work will ensure that students' needs are heard and that policies and initiatives are created that can truly support the future of post-secondary students in our province.”
The U of S College of Medicine student knows it will be a balancing act to manage medical studies, work, home life and this new role.
“Time management has always been a priority for me. I’m committed to ensuring that all aspects of my life — including studies, home and extracurriculars — receive the attention they deserve.”
Rafid-Hamed says he has been fortunate to be involved in a variety of committees and leadership opportunities, including serving on accreditation committees for the College of Medicine, acting as the student representative on the dean of medicine search committee, serving as member-at-large for the Saskatchewan Public Health Association, and sitting on the Human Health Resource Committee of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
“Being part of the University of Saskatchewan and the College of Medicine has truly opened many doors for me. I've had the privilege of working alongside outstanding mentors and supporters who have encouraged my growth and helped me develop both personally and professionally.”
He credits mentors and supporters from his hometown for their influence on his career path.
“My biggest mentor from Unity has been Dr. Lyle Williams. He was truly my first real connection to the field of medicine, and I’ve been deeply inspired by his dedication not only to patient care but also to leadership and service across our province. Although I haven't yet had the opportunity to share the news of my appointment to the Saskatchewan Student Council with him, I was privileged to work under him during my rural family medicine placement in Unity last year. His example has played a big role in motivating me to pursue both medicine and leadership opportunities,” says Rafid-Hamed.
He also praised his parents, Rafid and Helen — long-time residents of Unity — as incredible sources of support.
“As first-generation immigrants to Canada, they worked tirelessly to build a life for our family, and their resilience and dedication have been a constant inspiration to me. My dad, Rafid, works at Compass Minerals, and my mom, Helen, works as an educational assistant within the primary and secondary schools in Unity. Through their hard work, sacrifices and continued encouragement, they have instilled the values of perseverance, service and community that have guided me through my education and leadership pursuits.”
Ken Parker, current UCHS vice-principal, says, “Zoher was always one of those students who strived for the best — whether it was on a sports team, in his high school academics or serving in one of the roles he was part of while in high school.
“I still fondly remember he and I providing colour commentary at a Saskatchewan High School Athletics provincial volleyball event in Medstead during livestreaming of the event with the UCHS journalism class. This showed he was always willing to step out of his comfort zone to experience new things and take on new challenges,” adds Parker.
Parker says Rafid-Hamed made his mark at UCHS through his positivity and work ethic, as well as building rapport with fellow students, staff and the parents he sat with on the Positive School Climate Committee.
“All of his efforts in seeking all avenues to experience and succeed have made him a better person along the way. He certainly deserves accolades for all he has accomplished. He wholeheartedly gave 110 per cent to everything he was a part of, and that’s why he is where he is.”
