Featured Member: Shafi Bhuiyan

Motivated by these experiences, Dr. Bhuiyan shifted his focus from clinical practice to community health and public health, aiming to make healthcare more accessible and equitable. He understood that many individuals lacked basic knowledge about safe pregnancy and delivery practices. Driven by a desire to address these gaps, he sought to empower communities through education and preventive care. His commitment to improving health services in rural areas remains a central theme in his work, inspiring him to think globally while acting locally. Dr. Bhuiyan's journey exemplifies the profound impact of personal history on professional purpose and highlights the importance of community health in building a healthier future. 

Dr. Shafi Bhuiyan’s passion for global health stems from his belief that a broken health system must be rebuilt, with education as the cornerstone of that transformation. His journey began with a master's degree in urban health in Thailand, Mahidol University, where he realized the importance of capacity building within health professions. His involvement in establishing an International Standard Maternal Child Health Training Institute in Bangladesh was a pivotal moment, showcasing the potential for international cooperation to strengthen health systems. 

His experiences in Japan, where he studied international health at Osaka University, further solidified his commitment to empowering the next generation of public health professionals. Dr. Bhuiyan emphasizes the critical role of women in health systems, arguing that neglecting over half the population undermines the entire healthcare structure. His PhD work focused on international cooperation in health, and he remains dedicated to addressing community needs through collaborative efforts. 

Now, working at the University of Memphis School of Public Health, Tennessee, he is tackling high maternal mortality rates and developing resources to support expectant mothers. Dr. Bhuiyan’s vision is clear: educating women and families enables them to take control of their health, ultimately fostering healthier communities and contributing to economic prosperity. Through ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing, he strives to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health equity. 

Recognizing the urgent need for support, Dr. Bhuiyan leveraged his expertise in public health to develop a bridging program aimed at integrating these professionals into the Canadian healthcare system. As a founding academic working committee member, he supported new medical school proposal development at TMU.  His vision included providing education in public health, enhancing communication skills, and fostering ethical leadership. Over several years, the program trained hundreds of internationally trained medical doctors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to healthcare delivery. 

Despite the program's success, it faced closure due to budgetary constraints. Undeterred, Dr. Bhuiyan pivoted and sought partnerships to continue the initiative, ultimately launching a new cohort in 2023. His goal remains clear: to uplift and empower immigrant healthcare professionals, ensuring they can fulfill their potential and meet the healthcare demands of Canadian communities. 

Dr. Shafi Bhuiyan envisions a positive future for internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) and their integration into Canada's healthcare system. He highlights recent progress, including workshops with the Medical Council of Canada that aim to improve licensing procedures for internationally trained professionals. This collaboration has prompted significant developments, such as the introduction of clinical assistant positions and increased residency opportunities across various provinces. 

A Vision for a Healthier Future 

The disparity of IEHPs who are employed in their fields compared to the number of newcomers emphasizes the necessity for culturally competent care, as immigrant patients often feel more comfortable with healthcare providers who share their cultural backgrounds. To address these gaps, he advocates for enhanced human resource planning and the inclusion of IEHPs in decision-making processes.