Ahmed is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management program at Royal Roads University. He also works as a Senior Project Officer with the Climate Change and Health Office at Health Canada. He began his academic journey by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, followed by a degree in Medical Radiation Technology from Algonquin College. In these programs, he gained experience in both clinical and research roles, providing medical imaging care and health service measures to individuals across Canada. Throughout these experiences, he recognized the critical importance of continuity and comprehensiveness in health care and how lapses or missed details can negatively impact patient outcomes.
His observations have taken on a deeply personal significance as he was supporting a loved one through cancer treatment. This experience has led him to confront difficult questions: What risks do his loved ones face if there are gaps in their treatment? Is the healthcare system robust enough to ensure their safety and survival? Is there anything he can do to ensure that absolutely nothing is missed? Ahmed said that the experience of loss can profoundly shake one’s foundation as it is a reminder of life’s fragility. As loss is an inescapable part of life, it becomes essential to consider steps to collectively prepare for it and minimize its impact on our lives.
Ahmed’s personal reflections developed as he transitioned from a role in health care to a position in radiation protection, with a focus on nuclear emergency preparedness and response. Through the British Columbia Institute of Technology, he completed comprehensive radiation safety courses, where he acquired valuable knowledge regarding the establishment and maintenance of control in potentially hazardous environments. He learned to identify the warning signs of hazardous events and to understand the framework comprising preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery measures designed to address such hazards. He also conveyed that the interplay between emergency management and human systems became increasingly intriguing to him as he executed his professional responsibilities.
Ahmed also wishes to underscore the critical importance of collaboration and relationship-building among emergency professionals in achieving effective emergency management. He said these competencies are essential as they facilitate the establishment of trust between individuals and communities, which is vital during emergencies when assistance may be required. These skills can also be cultivated and sustained in the daily lives of students, professionals, or active community members.
Ahmed can be reached at LinkedIn at https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-al-hertani and his email address is a.hertani@uottawa.ca.
The Emerging Professional Spotlight is a series designed to highlight and uplift the incredible people that are emerging in the field of disaster and emergency management (D&EM), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and related fields. The Emerging Professional Spotlight features current CRHNet EP members, or students and recent graduates (<3 years) of our member post-secondary institutions. If you know someone that should be featured in this series, please send us an email at ep@crhnet.ca.