Anyone who has been admitted to the hospital has likely received care from a hospitalist, a dedicated physician who specializes in managing and coordinating treatment for hospitalized patients. Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital (SMRH) has recently welcomed five new hospitalists, enhancing care for patients admitted to the facility.
Dr. Muhammad Soofi is one of these new hospitalists and has been warmly welcomed by the SMRH team and Antigonish community.
Born in Karachi, one of Pakistan’s largest and most dynamic cities, Dr. Soofi began his medical education at Dow Medical College.
"I always knew I wanted to be a doctor," he shares. "Growing up, my mother had coronary artery disease and spent a lot of time in hospitals. Seeing her struggle and the care she received inspired me to choose this path - I wanted to help others the way my mother was helped."
After completing his primary medical training, Dr. Soofi pursued a residency and fellowship in cardiology in Pakistan. He then practiced as a cardiologist in Saudi Arabia for over a decade, specializing in heart failure management and cardiac rehabilitation.
Dr. Soofi later moved to Canada, completing additional fellowships at the University of British Columbia. While he returned briefly to Saudi Arabia to establish a heart failure program, the pull of family led him back to Canada.
In May 2024, Dr. Soofi joined Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, as a hospitalist. His passion for his work is evident when he speaks about his new community and team.
"I love working at Saint Martha’s because of the friendly and collegial environment," he said. "If I encounter a complex patient case, help is just a call away. My colleagues are always supportive and willing to assist."
Dr. Soofi is particularly moved by the gratitude of his patients for his work. "The most rewarding part of being a physician is hearing a patient say, ‘I feel better because of your treatment.’ It’s not about seeking appreciation, but those words remind me why I do what I do. It’s fulfilling to know I’ve made a difference in someone’s life."
When not at work, Dr. Soofi enjoys spending time with his family, exploring nature, and going on hikes.
"Antigonish is a beautiful town," Dr. Soofi said. "The Atlantic Ocean, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and the warmth of the people make it a wonderful place to live and practice medicine."
Welcome to Dr. Soofi and the other new hospitalists at SMRH. Thank you for choosing to practice in Antigonish!