Alumni spotlight: Abdullah Saleh, ‘10 MD

Abdullah Saleh (middle) speaking at a panel at the opening ceremony of the Kenya Innovative Manufacturing Space and Social Entrepreneurship Academy (KIMSSEA), alongside Joe Muturi (left) and Muntaha Zubedi (right) in April 2024. Photo supplied.

Abdullah Saleh obtained his medical degree here at the University of Alberta in 2010, followed by a residency in general surgery. He went on to complete a fellowship in pediatric surgery at McMaster University before returning to the U of A, where he is now an associate professor of surgery and director of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Office of Global Surgery, which he himself founded.

Juggling a busy academic career with his work as a pediatric general surgeon is no small feat, but Saleh is driven by his passion for tackling health-care challenges both for individuals and societally, here and around the world.

One of Edify’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2020, and a U of A Alumni Horizon Award winner in 2012, Saleh shares here about his various local projects, his international work, and the advice he’d give to today’s medical students.

Where has your career taken you since graduation? 

After graduating from the U of A, I pursued a path combining clinical practice, academic leadership and global health innovation.

My passion for tackling health-care challenges led me to co-found Innovative Canadians for Change (ICChange), enabling sustainable solutions locally and globally. One of our first achievements with ICChange was CeraMaji Ltd. This clean water initiative manufactures household ceramic filters, which have benefited more than 140,000 Kenyans.

ICChange expanded with Kenya Innovative Manufacturing Space and Social Entrepreneurship Academy and Kenya Trauma and Injury Program, a national trauma system that passed into law in 2021. Locally, we’re addressing food insecurity and houselessness in Edmonton and Alberta, applying systemic approaches to complex challenges.

How can current students make the most of their time at the U of A?

Stay curious and embrace opportunities, even if they are off the beaten track. Step outside your comfort zone — take an unexpected course, volunteer in the community, participate in a global exchange, or explore research in a field that intrigues you.

Building meaningful relationships with mentors and peers is invaluable; these connections shaped my perspective on what’s possible in medicine, entrepreneurship and global health. Find ways to apply your knowledge to real-world issues, whether through innovation, advocacy or collaboration. University is the perfect time to explore passions and begin shaping your envisioned career.

What opportunities have you found to give back to your university and community?

Giving back has been a priority throughout my career. As director of the Office of Global Surgery, I mentor students and trainees through fellowship programs and help enhance surgical care in underserved areas. Our collaboration with Alberta Health Services established the Rural Surgical and Obstetrical Network, improving access for remote populations. With the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, ICChange also co-founded the Ethical Development Reverse Innovation Challenge, which fosters creativity and collaborative problem-solving among students.

On April 12, ICChange will host its sixth annual gala. This year’s theme, “Clear Waters, Clear Futures,” reflects our journey from a U of A student project to a global organization addressing vulnerable populations' quality of life.

What have you learned from your global experiences? 

My global work has spanned Latin America, Southeast Asia and East Africa, improving health-care systems and advancing social enterprises. 

Founding the Kenya Trauma and Injury Program was a significant milestone. Working with the Kenyan government and local hospitals, we established a national trauma system that has made a lasting impact. Seeing that program become law was one of the proudest moments of my career.

Through our Office of Global Surgery, I have been working closely with global thought leaders and partnering with our School of Business and the University of Cape Town Global Surgery Division to set up an executive certificate program in global surgery, launching this fall.

I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to initiatives focused on clean water access, digital health solutions and capacity building. Collaborating with local leaders and communities has given me a profound appreciation for the importance of context-driven solutions. The lessons I’ve learned from working in resource-limited settings as well as the cross-cultural learnings have also enriched my practice as a surgeon, teaching me to be a better physician and to be more innovative and adaptable.

Having a global perspective has been invaluable. It has reinforced in me the importance of empathy, collaboration and sustainable development. I believe that addressing complex challenges requires both technical expertise and a deep understanding of the social and cultural factors at play. I’m continually inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of the people I’ve worked with, and those experiences continue to shape both my professional and personal outlook.