Humans of DFCM— Dr. Bilal Negash
For Dr. Bilal Negash, family medicine is more than a career—it’s a calling. With roots in Northwest Toronto, the second-year resident is using his family medicine to give back to the communities that shaped him.
As residents, we are in a position to bring fresh perspectives and energy to drive system change and improve patient outcomes, making our role in advocacy particularly impactful
Dr. Bilal Negash, MD has a long-standing connection to the Humber River area. His parents, both nurses, have worked at Humber River Hospital for over 20 years, and Dr. Negash himself was born there. Fast forward to today, Dr. Negash is a second-year resident in the Humber River Health Schulich Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU).
Having completed an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences, Dr. Negash completed medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. It was here that his interest in family medicine solidified.
“I was drawn to the holistic approach and ability to address a wide range of health issues,” he says.
From these early stages, his goal has always been to work with vulnerable populations and underserved communities. Choosing the University of Toronto for residency aligned with these goals—not only because of its reputation for medical excellence but also the opportunities it offers “in terms of diverse patient populations and interdisciplinary learning.”
Dr. Negash’s commitment to underserved communities extends to his advocacy work, where he strives to improve access to healthcare, particularly in areas like northwest Toronto where he grew up and over 50,000 residents are unattached or ‘uncertainly attached,’
“My interest in this area developed during my rotations in communities with significant immigrant and refugee populations” states Dr. Negash. “I saw firsthand the barriers they face in accessing care.”
As the lead resident for the Schulich FMTU, Dr. Negash has channelled his advocacy into Quality Improvement projects with fellow PGY2 residents. One aimed to identify recently discharged patients and ensure follow-ups within 10 days, thereby reducing readmissions and ensuring continuity of care.
“We also developed a comprehensive database of referral resources for our clinic, including specialists and hospital programs,” he says. “These initiatives aim to improve patient outcomes and streamline care processes within our unit.”
Building lasting connections in family medicine
Balancing work and personal life in family medicine can be a challenge, but Dr. Negash sees these as opportunities to hone his time management skills and build resilience. But ultimately, it’s the meaningful moments with patients that remind Dr. Negash of his impact.
Balancing work and personal life in family medicine can be a challenge, but Dr. Negash sees silver linings in these moments. Developing excellent time management skills and building resilience are products of these challenges, according to him. Ultimately, though, it’s the meaningful moments with patients that remind Dr. Negash of his impact.
“One particular moment that stands out was following a prenatal patient at Humber [River Hospital] in my family medicine clinic and then getting to deliver her baby” he says. “Now, I also get to take care of her baby!”
As he looks towards a career as a community-based comprehensive care family doctor, Dr. Negash advises medical students to consider what kind of relationships they would like to have with their patients when choosing a specialty.
“Family medicine is incredibly rewarding because it allows you to build lasting connections with patients over time, providing care that spans from birth to the end of life,” he says. “It’s a specialty that offers variety, continuity, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
