Rida Alzahran arrived in Sudbury as a refugee fleeing the Syrian Civil War. Having lived through experiences of marginalization, Rida's dedication to advancing health equity and social accountability continues to shape his work. He is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) student at Laurentian University, set to graduate in June 2025. With a longstanding aspiration to pursue medicine, Rida has explored his passion for healthcare through academic studies and two internships at Health Sciences North, gaining insights into the role of healthcare in addressing systemic disparities in Northern Ontario.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Rida is actively engaged in community initiatives, serving on the Board of Directors at the Sudbury Multicultural & Folk Arts Association, as an IDEAA Sub-Committee Member at Health Sciences North, and as a Committee Member on the 2025-2030 HSN and HSNRI's Strategic Steering Committee. His lived experiences fuel his passion for research aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized communities in Northern Ontario. He looks forward to learning from the team at the Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity as he continues to explore this field.

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