Meet Asiya Kazi, a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who recently marked her 10th anniversary at CMH.
Asiya began her CMH career in Medicine A before moving into critical care, where she has been for the past six years.
Born and raised in Toronto, Asiya’s family history is closely tied to this year's theme of Pioneering Muslim Communities in Canada. Her father immigrated from India as a teenager, worked to support his siblings, and eventually built a life with her mother in downtown Toronto. After getting married, Asiya moved to Cambridge, joining her husband and his family, who were among the first Muslim families to settle in the area.
Faith and healthcare are deeply connected for her. In Islam, the act of giving and helping others is known as Sadaqah.
Helping the sick is considered an act of worship to God. That’s why I got into healthcare—I feel like this work is both a calling and a form of service.
As a mother of two young children, Asiya also sees her role as a healthcare provider through their eyes and encourages them to always help others anywhere they go.
At CMH, Asiya values the sense of inclusion and cultural sensitivity in patient care. From having access to designated prayer spaces to observing physicians asking about a patient’s religious or cultural preferences, she feels our hospital community has created a welcoming environment.
Her message this Islamic History Month is simple:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most Muslims are happy to share if you ask in a kind and respectful way.
You could say something like:
I’ve always been curious about the hijab. Would you be comfortable telling me why you wear one and what it means to you?
What does prayer look like for you, and is there anything I should know to be respectful?
Are there any customs or traditions I should be aware of during Eid?
Is there anything I can do to make our environment more welcoming?
Our religion is all about peace, and I hope people see that.
Thank you to Asiya for sharing her story and for the care, compassion, and dedication she brings to patients and the CMH Community each day.