Back to Search
Dr. Hassan Vatanparast, MD, PhD, is a Professor with Joint Appointment to the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan. His journey into the realm of public health is not merely marked by academic accolades but is deeply rooted in a purpose for equitable healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as immigrants and refugees.
Researcher, Educator, Advocate
Originally hailing from Mashhad, Iran, Hassan’s early encounters with refugees from neighbouring Afghanistan planted the seeds of empathy and advocacy within him. Through observing firsthand, the challenges faced by newcomers, especially in navigating unfamiliar territories and accessing essential services, this ignited his commitment to make a difference in their lives.
Hassan’s journey into public health began at a rural health centre, where he witnessed the pressing healthcare needs of refugees leading to his passion to address health disparities. Transitioning to a focus on epidemiology within a health region, his dedication to research from a young age propelled him to national prominence, collaborating with provincial health centres to combat diseases like polio and tuberculosis.
His early contributions to polio eradication in Iran occurred alongside his commitment to grassroots initiatives. Recognizing the barriers faced by qualified refugees seeking employment, he and his colleagues played a pivotal role in developing a cooperative healthcare system. This system empowered refugees with healthcare expertise to work and contribute to their communities, culminating in the establishment of cooperative centres that provided essential healthcare services. The impact of Hassan and his team’s initiatives was profound in offering much-needed support to refugees.
Yet, his commitment to finding the most effective models of care persisted. Collaborating with colleagues, he explored alternative approaches, including the establishment of non-profit centres, to maximize the reach and effectiveness of healthcare services for displaced populations.
Hassan’s journey led him to Canada to pursue a PhD in nutritional epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. His vision of inclusive and accessible healthcare persisted, where he continued to advocate for refugee rights and welfare. His collaborative efforts with settlement agencies in Saskatchewan and his engagement with numerous organizations, both domestic and international, highlight his multifaceted role as an advocate, researcher, educator, and instructor.
From Passion to Purpose
Dr. Hassan emphasizes the importance of translating passion into action, evolving his purpose to drive meaningful change. He shares some rewarding moments that increase his passion, such as having engaging sessions with his students alongside receiving heartfelt gestures of appreciation from them. These acts reaffirm his belief in the significance of his work. This sense of empowerment fuels his determination to continue making a positive impact.
Hassan’s dedication extends beyond the classroom to his interactions with newcomer families and his efforts to provide exposure to various projects. He finds fulfillment in witnessing the comfort and integration of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Moreover, his involvement in research and advocacy, such as being recognized for impactful journal publications and contributing to large organizations, highlights his ongoing commitment to effecting systemic change for marginalized populations.
As Canada embraces its multicultural identity, Dr. Vatanparast underscores the urgency to address the evolving needs of immigrant and refugee communities and enhance healthcare accessibility. From language barriers hindering communication with healthcare providers to cultural considerations impacting treatment decisions, he illuminates the complexities inherent in delivering culturally competent care. Moreover, Hassan sheds light on the critical importance of creating a culturally safe healthcare environment to overcome these barriers. By fostering inclusivity, understanding, and sensitivity to diverse beliefs and practices, he advocates for transformative change within the healthcare system. Through his profound insights and unwavering commitment to health equity, Hassan offers a compelling call to action for stakeholders to collaborate in building a healthcare landscape that is truly accessible and inclusive for all newcomers.
One of the paramount issues that stands out to him is the disconnect between researchers, policy makers, and healthcare providers—a barrier that impedes effective collaboration and hampers healthcare delivery. Hassan stresses the importance of collaboration between settlement agencies and healthcare providers. Engaging newcomers and providing them with the services they deserve are pivotal steps in fostering a supportive network and ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources. By advocating for cohesive partnerships, Dr. Vatanparast envisions a future where healthcare stakeholders work synergistically to address the diverse needs of newcomers and bringing representation of immigrants and refugees. Through collective action and a commitment to inclusivity, he aims to create a healthcare landscape where every individual, regardless of background, receives the quality care they deserve.
Hassan underscores the dangers of working in siloes, stressing the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration among government organizations, settlement agencies, and other stakeholders. Drawing upon his deep-seated belief in the mutual benefit of improving the quality of life for newcomers, he emphasizes the necessity of a collective approach. He highlights the importance of learning from one another and fostering a culture of cooperation to address the multifaceted health needs of newcomers comprehensively.
Subscribe to Blog