Dr. Ben Thomson is a renowned public health expert, nephrologist and general internal medicine doctor, an award-winning educator, and global humanitarian physician.
Dr. Thomson’s efforts have markedly improved healthcare in Indigenous communities in Ontario and globally in places including Uganda, and in Gaza through initiatives like the Keys of Health Fellowship and EmpowerGaza. Dr. Thomson envisions a world where resilient, compassionate healthcare is accessible to all communities globally.
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Dr. Ben Thomson’s Experience & Focus
Public Health
Dr. Ben Thomson is dedicated to improving public health systems globally, focusing on sustainable healthcare solutions, education, and addressing systemic health disparities in underserved and vulnerable communities, including Indigenous and marginalized populations.
Latest Posts
A Tribute to My Colleagues
My Love for Gaza: A Bond Beyond Borders, A Connection Beyond Words
The uncertain fate of patients needing life-saving dialysis treatment in Gaza
The Power of an Undirected Kidney Donation
Why Humanitarian Physicians in Gaza Are Different
Why Speaking Out About My Cancer Matters
FAQ
Dr. Ben Thomson first visited Gaza in 2013 as part of a public health needs assessment. Witnessing the region’s challenging healthcare conditions firsthand, he was inspired to return multiple times to implement recommendations, provide medical education, volunteer in hospitals and medical clinics, and support the healthcare system. His deep connection to the people and his desire to create lasting healthcare improvements have driven his ongoing commitment to Gaza.
Unlike many physicians who participate in short-term medical missions, Dr. Thomson’s focus is on long-term development and sustainability. He emphasizes empowering local healthcare professionals by providing specialized training and building infrastructure, ensuring communities can continue to improve their healthcare systems independently, long after foreign physicians leave.
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Dr. Ben Thomson has been involved in several impactful humanitarian projects, including co-founding the EmpowerGaza project, which provides sustainable energy solutions for Gaza’s hospitals, and founding the Keys of Health Fellowship, a program that trains healthcare professionals in underserved regions like Gaza to build sustainable local healthcare systems. Additionally, he helped establish a Women’s Health Center in Kamengo, Uganda, to address maternal and reproductive health needs. His projects focus on creating lasting, community-driven healthcare improvements.
Dr. Thomson is a leading expert in nephrology, having developed innovative programs for dialysis treatment, including home dialysis initiatives that saw a 289% growth in three years. His research and teaching contributions have significantly advanced nephrology care, particularly in low-resource settings, where he works to improve kidney disease outcomes.
Through the Multi-Subspecialty Education for Low-Resource Settings (MSERS) program, Dr. Thomson has developed a curriculum that addresses the unique healthcare needs of 162 Indigenous communities in Ontario. His efforts focus on empowering local healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve health outcomes in these underserved communities.
In 2023, Dr. Ben Thomson was temporarily suspended from his position at Mackenzie Health due to concerns raised about social media posts he made advocating for Palestinians in Gaza. The suspension was swiftly rescinded after it was found that the allegations could not be substantiated. Dr. Thomson is currently suing the hospital for $1.5 million for procedural flaws and damages to his reputation.
Testimonials
Dr. Ben Thomson is one of the best Nephrologists to come out of the Schulich School of Medicine Nephrology Fellowship Program. I was his Program Director and during his tenure as a resident, he provided his patients with the highest level of clinical care. He is kind, compassionate and caring with both his patients and his colleagues. He is the ultimate team member working with nurses and other allied health care team members to deliver exemplary care to patients. As a Consultant Nephrologist, he continued his outstanding work in both academic centres and in the community. He became heavily involved in Charity Work and established a Fellowship Program in Nephrology for medical residents from Gaza. His dedication to pursuing justice for marginalized groups is absolutely outstanding. Dr. Thomson is one of the best human beings I know and I am lucky to call him my friend.
– Dr. Faisal Rehman,
Professor of Medicine
My first impression of Ben since our training days has persisted and stood the test of time. He is an honest, gentle, superlatively intelligent, absolutely loyal, infinitely self-motivated, and periodically yet effectively goofy giant of a friend, colleague, and doctor. I am most fortunate to have Ben as a friend and colleague in my corner!
– Dr. Vincent Ki,
Interim Divisional Head