About Dr. Thomson

Who is Dr. Ben Thomson?

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.

About Dr. Thomson

Early Medical Career

Dr. Ben Thomson is a public health expert, nephrologist, general internal medicine doctor, award-winning educator, and global humanitarian physician. His academic career began at Western University as an adjunct professor in the Division of Nephrology, followed by a position as assistant professor at Queen’s University in the Department of Medicine, where he was later promoted to associate professor. Dr. Thomson’s teaching extends internationally, serving as a lecturer and physician examination demonstrator at IUG Medical School in Gaza City, where he also developed board certification programs in emergency medicine and nephrology.

Working Abroad

Over the past decade, Dr. Thomson’s professional journey has been deeply intertwined with humanitarian efforts both in Canada and abroad. In Canada, he has focused on developing educational programs tailored to the specific needs of Indigenous communities, improving healthcare delivery across 133 communities in Ontario. His work in Uganda included setting up healthcare facilities and treating vulnerable populations, notably establishing a Women’s Health Center in collaboration with the Canada Uganda Foundation. In Gaza, his focus has been on improving medical infrastructure, providing critical medical education, and advocating for healthcare improvements under challenging conditions. He has worked to develop local capacities and ensure sustainable healthcare solutions in these regions.

Dr. Thomson’s dedication to enhancing public healthcare systems and educating future medical professionals in underserved areas led to the founding of the Keys of Health Fellowship. This initiative identifies and trains individuals from marginalized countries in specialized medical fields, with the goal of improving healthcare in their home communities. Additionally, he co-founded EmpowerGaza, a project aimed at improving energy sustainability in hospitals through solar power, directly supporting the resilience of medical services in crisis situations.

Innovations in Nephrology

His commitment to education and innovation has resulted in the development of medical devices such as the Kidney-CAP, designed to improve the safety of dialysis treatments, and the aerosol-reducing mask, which enhances protection against airborne pathogens in clinical settings. These innovations are focused on addressing practical challenges in medical care worldwide.

Dr. Thomson’s personal journey as a cancer survivor and kidney donor has shaped his perspective as a physician, deepening his empathy and commitment to patient care. As a father, his nurturing qualities and protective instincts extend into his professional life, where he demonstrates a passion for mentorship and leadership in medical education.

Throughout his career, Dr. Thomson has received numerous academic and professional awards for his contributions to medical science and education. As a humanitarian physician, he remains deeply committed to delivering compassionate and resilient medical care, both in Canada and globally. He firmly believes in the power of individual actions to shape the future of healthcare, and through sharing his journey, he hopes to inspire others to transform healthcare through dedication and innovation.

Battle with Cancer

Dr. Thomson was diagnosed with cancer while in medical school, an experience that profoundly altered his perspective on life, health, and his role as a physician. With access to excellent care, he underwent surgery within a week of diagnosis and continued his studies and clinical placements while receiving radiation treatment. He chose not to let cancer disrupt his life and found a way to balance his treatments with his medical education.

Being on the patient side of the healthcare system gave Dr. Thomson insights that continue to shape him as a physician today. He has since become an advocate for men’s health, openly sharing his experience with patients and supporting campaigns like Movember to raise awareness. By sharing his story, Dr. Thomson aims to break down the stigma surrounding men’s health issues and foster open conversations around these important topics. He views this as both a personal and professional responsibility.

Becoming a Kidney Donor

As a nephrologist, Dr. Thomson has seen firsthand the immense suffering that patients on dialysis endure while waiting for a kidney transplant. Knowing the pain and uncertainty faced by these patients and their families, and having overcome cancer himself, Dr. Thomson felt compelled to take impactful action. He chose to donate one of his kidneys as a deeply personal gesture, driven by his desire to alleviate suffering.

His kidney donation was kept private for years. It was an undirected donation—meaning the recipient was unknown to him—which has the potential to start a chain reaction, where one donation leads to multiple transplants, benefiting numerous patients. For Dr. Thomson, this act of generosity not only helped others but also deepened his understanding of the suffering faced by his patients. His commitment to doing whatever he can to make a positive difference in the world has been strengthened by this experience.

Becoming Gazawi

Dr. Thomson first traveled to Gaza in 2012 as a typical Canadian physician, unaware of how profoundly the experience would transform his life. From the moment he arrived, he was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the Gazan people, despite the hardships they face. The richness of Gazan culture, deeply rooted in history and tradition, immediately captivated him.

The resilience of the people in Gaza is truly inspiring. Despite unimaginable challenges, they continue to carry on with faith and hope. Their strong sense of community and family left a lasting impression on Dr. Thomson, who was moved by their ability to find joy in everyday life, even amidst adversity. Gaza’s natural beauty, including its stunning Mediterranean beaches, was also a revelation, offering moments of reflection on the stark contrast between the serene landscape and the struggles faced by its people.

When not working in hospitals or teaching at the university, Dr. Thomson has immersed himself in the way of life in Gaza. He has shared traditional meals like maqlooba and fresh seafood, explored vibrant markets, and participated in community gatherings that celebrate the region’s rich musical and artistic heritage.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of his time in Gaza has been the friendships he has formed. These are not merely acquaintances but people who have become like family. Their stories, laughter, and unbreakable spirit have woven themselves into the fabric of Dr. Thomson’s life. Through these relationships, he has come to understand the true essence of being Gazawi.

Dr. Thomson genuinely believes that Gaza has become a part of who he is. The experiences he has had and the bonds he has formed transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. In many ways, he feels that he is Gazawi—not by birth, but by the friendships and shared humanity that connect him to the people of Gaza.