Dr. Rahim Hirji

Fave U of T moment
My medical school interview was completely different from what I expected, with many off-the-wall questions that I found quite challenging. I drove home disappointed, and began devising a game plan for applying again the following year. Three weeks later, I received a letter from U of T saying that I had been accepted. I was ecstatic!

Since graduation
I completed my family medicine residency at McMaster University. I have since moved back to the Toronto area, and plan to establish a group family practice.

A meaningful event
Tutoring students has been a part of my life since I was in Grade 11. My involvement during medical school as a tutor and volunteer for an inner-city youth program inspired me in 2002 to create the Massey College Tutoring and Mentorship Program at U of T. I recently learned that one of our high school participants turned his C average into an A average, started his own company, and was accepted at U of T for undergraduate studies. He will become the first Massey College Junior Fellow to graduate from the Tutoring and Mentorship Program.

Your dream?
Professionally, to provide excellent comprehensive care in a progressive group practice setting. Personally, to develop leadership abilities through reading, reflection, travel and spending quality time with the important people in my life.  I also dream of writing a book on leadership and self-improvement, and traveling the world as a motivational speaker.

What has winning the Gordon Cressy Award meant to you?
It was a great honour. I hope it inspires people to become leaders.

See full list of Cressy Award winner interviews