Dr. Almilaji and his wife, Jehan Mouhsen, MD, moved to Rhode Island in 2016 so he could pursue a master’s degree at Brown. Following an aid mission to Turkey in January after President Trump’s initial travel ban took effect, Dr. Almilaji found he could not return to the U.S. because his visa had been revoked “without reason,” according to the report.
Dr. Almilaji said lawyers told him if he re-entered the U.S., he would most likely not be able to leave, jeopardizing his ability to help the Syrian people. After six months of “living in limbo,” Dr. Almilaji decided to move to Toronto, where he would be able to travel freely oversees and continue his humanitarian work.
“I [couldn’t] abandon my dedication to those who are suffering inside Syria just for a degree I’m pursuing,” he said. “If it [would] not serve me and my people, it’s in vain.”
Brown University officials reportedly tried to get Dr. Almilaji’s visa renewed, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Officials then reached out to the University of Toronto, asking the university to consider admitting Dr. Almilaji. The university accepted him and waived his tuition, while private donors offered to cover the couple’s living expenses, according to the report. Dr. Almilaji said he remains in contact with faculty and classmates at Brown.
Dr. Almilaji reunited with his wife in June after six months of separation. Shortly after moving to Toronto, he was recognized by Canada’s head of state, alongside two other founders of the Canadian International Medical Relief Organization. He was also a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, an award presented by Canada’s governor general, who represents Queen Elizabeth II.
More articles on hospital-physician relationships:
Quotes from the Front Lines: ‘Business school, not med school, taught me how to have difficult conversations’
Mayo Clinic, UW-Eau Claire ink research agreement
Board OKs BSN degree program at Iowa State
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.