When Dr. Proton Rahman was appointed to the Order of Canada, the honour recognized more than an extraordinary career—it celebrated a lifetime of service grounded in compassion, scientific discovery and collaboration. A renowned genetic epidemiologist, professor at Memorial University, and division head of rheumatology with NL Health Services, Dr. Rahman’s groundbreaking work continues to transform arthritis care across Canada while strengthening public health and medical research in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dr. Rahman’s path to medicine began with personal experience. Raised in a family of engineers, he initially expected to follow a similar career path. That plan changed in his mid to late teens, when he developed arthritis. Long hours spent in physiotherapy clinics exposed him to the complexity of patient care and the dedication of health-care professionals—an experience that reshaped his ambitions.

“Everything changed when I developed arthritis,” Dr. Rahman reflects. “Spending so much time in a physiotherapy clinic exposed me to health-care professionals and the complexity of patient care, and it inspired me to shift my career goals toward medicine.”

That personal connection ultimately guided Dr. Rahman to rheumatology. Drawn to the diversity and complexity of rheumatic diseases, he found the specialty both intellectually challenging and deeply meaningful. Over time, he came to recognize that living with arthritis allowed him to connect with patients in a uniquely powerful way.

“At first, I didn’t fully appreciate how having a rheumatic condition myself would benefit my practice,” he says. “But I’ve found it allows me to connect with patients on a much deeper level. Sharing similar experiences creates a unique sense of understanding and empathy.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Rahman has built an integrated body of work that bridges clinical care, research and education. As division head of rheumatology with NL Health Services, he plays a key leadership role in shaping health-care delivery, supporting clinical teams and ensuring patients across the province receive high-quality, evidence-based care. At the clinic level, he remains deeply committed to creating environments where patients feel comfortable, supported and heard.

As a genetic epidemiologist and researcher, Dr. Rahman has advanced understanding of arthritis through translational medicine—connecting discoveries at the bench with improvements at the bedside. Among his contributions is the creation of the Newfoundland Genealogy Database, a powerful research resource that has strengthened genetic research and enhanced understanding of inherited disease. This work has supported advances across multiple areas of health research and helped position Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in population-based genetics.

Dr. Rahman has also played a critical role in advancing public health as a provincial scientific advisor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his expertise supported evidence-informed decision-making and reinforced the importance of collaboration across disciplines. These contributions were recognized in 2022, when he was invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador for his service to the province and his impact on medicine and public health.

While research and leadership remain central to his work, mentorship has become Dr. Rahman’s greatest source of fulfillment. Supporting learners and early-career clinicians and researchers—and helping them reach their potential—now drives much of his focus.

“My greatest fulfillment now comes from mentorship,” he says. “Supporting the next generation and working in the background to help improve health-care delivery is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Although he is deeply grateful for honours such as his recent appointment to the Order of Canada, Dr. Rahman is quick to acknowledge the many people who have shaped and supported his journey. He extends heartfelt thanks to his university and clinic colleagues, fellow physicians and, above all, his patients, whose trust and partnership have been central to his work. He emphasizes that meaningful progress in health care is never achieved alone, but through shared commitment, mutual respect and a collective dedication to improving lives.

Being appointment to the Order of Canada alongside accomplished Canadians from diverse fields was, in his words, “very cool”—and deeply humbling. He values the recognition of contributions across all sectors of society and believes it is essential to celebrate collective progress.

Looking ahead, Dr. Rahman hopes his recognition sends a message of patience and persistence to emerging clinicians and researchers. Meaningful change, particularly in medical research, takes time. He also champions public service as a shared responsibility—one that strengthens communities and adds deeper purpose to professional life.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Rahman finds balance through travel, physical activity and sports. Running and biking keep him sharp mentally, and he often finds his best ideas emerge while in motion. Whether participating or cheering enthusiastically from home, sports provide both renewal and perspective.

At its core, Dr. Rahman’s career reflects a commitment to improving lives—through compassionate care, rigorous science, thoughtful leadership and service. His appointment to the Order of Canada stands as a national recognition of that commitment and a testament to the lasting impact of a life dedicated to education, research and health care.

This story was written by Jon Oake; communications officer with NL Health Services.