'The father of our community': Prince Albert psychiatrist remembered as a builder

The province's medical community is mourning the passing of a well-known and respected psychiatrist.

Mohammad Hussain died Saturday from a heart attack after more than 40 yearsworkingin Prince Albert. He was 79.

His death came as a shock to many in the community, according toMizanur Rashid, a family physicianwho worked with Hussain for many years.

"He was very careful about his diet [and]his body," said Rashid. "He was very active."

He [was] working equivalent to two-and-a-half person's work.- MizanurRashid

Rashidsaid Hussain's work ethic made him stand out.

"He [was]working equivalent to two-and-a-half person's work," he said. "He was working in the hospital, he was working in his clinic ... and at the same time he was also involved in teaching.

"It's a huge loss."

Hussaincame to Prince Albert 48years ago after a few months in Moose Jaw following his immigration fromPakistan.

Prince Albert physician Stan Oleksinskiworked with Hussain for more than 30 years.Hesaid Hussain's warmth andintelligence impressed him through the years.

"He had a passion for looking after people," Oleksinski said.

He noted that whileHussainwas an adult psychiatrist, he also trainedto become achildpsychiatrist later in his career something that'srare in the profession.

"That's not easy to do later on in your life," Oleksinski said. "He was a very bright fellow."

Familiar face in Muslim community

In addition to his work as a psychiatrist, Hussain was also a well-known member of the local Muslim community.

Heestablished the city's first mosque Prince Albert Masjid and helped run it up until his death.

Rizwan Ali, a mosque board member, said Hussain's initiative gaveMuslims in the city a place to freely practice their faith.

"When we were having different occasions, he was standing beside us and was one of the major contributors," said Ali.

Hussain's philanthropy extended beyond northern Saskatchewan.A few years ago, he founded a school for girls in Pakistan. The first class is now high school-aged.

Family reminisces on Hussain'slife, career

Zubaida Chaudhry Hussain Mohammad's wife of more than 50 years is already seeing the legacy her husband has left.

"It gives me happiness given that he's left [how]he wanted to be remembered," she said.

Zubaida said she didn't wanther husband to quit doing what he loved, but advised him toslow down a bit.

"He was enjoying the work," she said. "He lived working, he moved with his work. [He was]very, very dedicated."

She takes pride in her husband's achievements, including alifetime achievement award he received from the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region in 2009.

Loss of psychiatric services

Oleksinski saidHussain's death, coupled with another psychiatrist in town moving away,has created a hole in the psychiatric community in Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan.

"It's unfortunatelygoing to cause a backlogand people are going to have to wait longer for service," he said.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said in a statement it has developed an interim plan with the psychiatry team in Prince Albert to manage patient services as well as urgent matters, such as medication renewal.

A memorial service will be held for Hussain Sunday at 4:00 p.m. CST at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert. The public is welcome to attend.