Who We Are
The Syrian Canadian Medical Association (SCMA) is a national, non-profit organization that brings together healthcare professionals of Syrian origin across Canada. Our community includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, allied health professionals, residents, fellows, and students who share a common commitment to advancing health, supporting one another, and giving back to both Canada and Syria.
SCMA serves as a unifying platform where members can connect, collaborate, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen the medical community. We focus on building meaningful professional networks, creating mentorship opportunities, supporting career development, and participating in humanitarian and medical relief efforts that reflect our shared values.
As a growing association, we aim to empower our members, highlight their achievements, and provide opportunities for learning, leadership, and service. Through collective effort, we work toward improving health outcomes locally and internationally, while fostering a strong sense of identity and community among Syrian-origin healthcare professionals in Canada.
SCMA Board of Directors
- American Board–Certified Anesthesiologist (ABA), MOCA active through 2032
- Staff Anesthesiologist, Niagara Health System, Ontario, Canada
- Over 20 years of international clinical, academic, and leadership experience
- Former Consultant Anesthesiologist at leading tertiary care centers in Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United States
- Former Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Ottawa
- Former Director, Chronic Pain Clinic, The Ottawa Hospital
- Trained in anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio USA
- Actively involved in perioperative ultrasound (POCUS), pain management, and medical education
- Dedicated to supporting Syrian physicians in Canada and advancing SCMA’s professional and community mission
- Syrian Canadian Medical Association, co-founder
- Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta and consultant psychiatrist at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton Alberta
- Over 20 years of experience in psychiatry, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care.
- Lead Psychiatrist for the Neuromodulation Program at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- Provides comprehensive psychiatric care across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services.
- Medical degree from Damascus University; psychiatry residency at University of Alberta.
- Experienced medical educator and mentor to residents, students, and international medical graduates.
- Published researcher on war-related trauma, stroke, and ECT; presented at global conferences.
- Actively involved in humanitarian mental health initiatives in Syria and underserved areas.
- Co founder of UOSSM Canada
- Strong advocate for expanding access to mental health care in conflict-affected regions.
- Syrian Canadian Medical Association, co-founder
Dr. Khaled Abul Sharaf
DMD, M.Sc, MBA, FRCD (C), Dip. ABO
Consultant Orthodontist
- Doctor of Dental Medicine, McGill University, 2001
- American National Dental Examination Board, 2001
- Canadian National Dental Examining Board of Canada, 2001
- Master of Business Administration, McGill University, 2003
- Master of Medical Sciences (Orthodontics), University of Alberta, 2008
- Fellowship of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, 2008
- Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, 2013
- Practicing Orthodontist since 2009
- President, Alberta Society of Orthodontists, 2015
- Special interest in enhancing access and quality of oral health in Syria
- Syrian Canadian Medical Association, co-founder
Dr. Ahmad Chaker
MD, CCFP, MSc., Dip Sport Med
Consultant Sport Medicine / Family Medicine
- Director, Elite Care Clinics, Windsor ON, Canada
- Fellow, College of Family Physicians of Canada
- Sports Medicine Specialist, Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine.
- Diploma in Orthopedic Traumatology, University of Vienna. 1996
- Team Physician, National Football team, Saudi Arabia (1992-1999)
- Lecturer and published researcher in Sports Medicine
- Participant in humanitarian-health activities in Syria
- Syrian Canadian Council, co-founder
- Syrian Canadian Medical Association, co-founder
- Professor of Neurology, University of Toronto
- Stroke Neurologist & Neurology Lead, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON
- Medical Director, West GTA Stroke Program
- Trained in Internal Medicine and Neurology at Mount Sinai (NY) and Penn State; Stroke Fellowship at the University of Alberta
- Founder of the Neurosonology Program and contributor to stroke, telestroke, and mobile stroke initiatives in Canada , Syria and middle East
- Holds a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology
- Author of 200+ peer-reviewed publications and four book chapters
- Research interests include acute stroke, neurosonology, and Neuro ICU
- Founder of MENA SINO and Co-founder of UOSSM
- Led development of stroke, telestroke, and rehabilitation programs internationally, including in underserved and conflict regions
- Syrian Canadian Medical Association, co-founder
What We Do
SCMA is dedicated to supporting Syrian-origin healthcare professionals across Canada through a range of professional, educational, and humanitarian initiatives. Our work focuses on empowering our members, strengthening community ties, and contributing meaningfully to healthcare both locally and internationally.
Professional Networking
Mentorship Programs
Educational Events
Humanitarian Missions
Collaboration with Healthcare Organizations
What Guides Us
Mission
To unite and support Syrian-origin healthcare professionals in Canada by fostering professional growth, community development, and humanitarian engagement.
Vision
A strong, empowered, and globally recognized community working to improve health outcomes locally and in Syria.
Values
- Excellence
- Community
- Humanitarian Service
- Integrity
- Unity