Med student, inclusion advocate recognized by Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Max Rady College of Medicine student Tooba Razi has received a Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) award honouring second-year medical students who demonstrate community leadership, superior communication skills and interest in advancing knowledge.
“It validates the hard work and dedication I have put into my studies, research and service to community,” said Razi. “Above all, it is a testament to all those who came before me and have made space for women of colour, like myself, to pursue opportunities that have allowed me to be recognized with this award.”
Razi says her identity as a Pakistani, Muslim woman has strengthened her commitment to creating safe spaces and mentorship opportunities for those who are underrepresented.
“I’ve often felt the challenges that come with being in environments where my identity was not always reflected or understood,” said Razi, such as finding ways to navigate fasting during Ramadan as a med student. “These experiences have made me particularly attuned to the need for inclusion and belonging, both in the health-care setting and in medical education.”
Razi joined the Muslim Medical Association of Canada and eventually became UM’s chapter lead. Additionally, Razi serves as the vice-stick for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on the Manitoba Medical Students’ Association. She participates in projects examining student experiences through an EDI lens to inform new policies, and contributes to curriculum reform and the admissions committee.
Most recently, she helped plan a conference on training effective physician advocates. “This theme was incredibly personal to me, as someone who has navigated the health-care system extensively as a Muslim and Pakistani woman,” said Razi. “My experiences receiving life-saving health care shaped my desire to inform and improve the practices of current and future health-care providers.”
In addition to her service work, Razi is a committed researcher and she has already been instrumental in identifying the molecular drivers of colorectal cancer. By uncovering specific molecular pathways and genetic mutations that drive cancer progression, she helps pinpoint drug targets that can be precisely tailored to the biology of individual tumors.
“This paves the way for personalized medicine, where treatments can be customized based on the unique characteristics of a patient’s cancer, leading to more effective therapies with fewer side effects,” she explained. “While my research is in the very early stages, I remain hopeful that ultimately this work may improve the lives and outcomes of individuals living with colorectal cancer.”
Outside of medicine, Tooba contributes to several non-profits, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Manitoba Schools Science Symposium. Her dedication earned her a fellowship in the University of Manitoba’s President’s Student Leadership Program and the Athena Leader of Tomorrow Award.
In 2024, she was one of 17 Canadian medical students selected for the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award, receiving a $5,000 cash prize and a travel subsidy to attend the 2025 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Hamilton, Ontario, where she will network with the new CMHF laureates.
“Professionally, being recognized by the CMHF opens new opportunities for networking, collaboration, mentorship and further professional development,” she said. “It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility I have to uphold the values of the medical profession and continue striving for innovation and compassionate care.”