Long before he arrived in Canada, Ahmed Hirad knew he wanted to become a doctor.
Growing up, he was inspired by Somali physicians who served their communities with skill and dedication, even in difficult circumstances. After finishing high school, Ahmed had the opportunity to study medicine and surgery abroad, entering a demanding academic environment that demanded discipline, resilience, and long periods away from home.
The transition was not easy. Living in a new country, adapting to a different education system, and being separated from family took an emotional toll. But Ahmed stayed focused. His goal—to become a physician and give back—never changed.
Returning Home to Work Where Help Was Needed Most
After completing his medical education and specializing in internal medicine, Ahmed made a decision many would not: he returned to Somalia.
Rather than seeking stability elsewhere, he chose to work on the ground, volunteering with the Ministry of Health and serving in hospitals in Mogadishu. Resources were limited, conditions were challenging, and the workload was heavy. Still, the work mattered.
“These were places where qualified doctors were urgently needed,” those who worked alongside him recall. “You didn’t go for recognition—you went because people depended on you.”
On the Front Lines of Humanitarian Response
As instability continued across the country, Ahmed also joined humanitarian medical efforts responding to emergencies in different regions of Somalia. He worked with Somali and international teams providing care in cities including Galkacyo, Garowe, Qardho, and Bosaso.
Leaving Was About Safety, Not Ambition
Eventually, worsening security conditions made it impossible to continue working safely. Like many professionals caught in prolonged conflict, Ahmed was forced to leave—not to advance his career, but to protect his life.
After travelling to Southeast Asia, he sought protection through the United Nations refugee system. During this period, he continued helping Somali patients who travelled abroad for medical treatment and completed additional courses to strengthen his professional skills.
Even then, medicine remained central to his life.
Starting Over in Canada
Ahmed was later resettled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, through a community sponsorship program. Canada offered safety and a future—but it also meant starting again.
Practicing medicine in Canada requires navigating a complex system of assessments, credential recognition, and additional education. Ahmed enrolled in settlement and employment programs such as Manitoba Start, completed language and credential evaluations, returned to adult education, and pursued further studies at Red River College.
It was not a straight path. Progress came in steps.
Still, he kept moving forward.
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