Esteemed doctor brought life-changing treatments to the Sault (and loved to fly planes)

A Sault Ste. Marie doctor who had a massive impact on health care in his adopted community has passed away.

Dr. John Kenneth Mohamed, a urologist originally from Trinidad, moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1967 and quickly set out to introduce treatments and procedures not yet available to the community — including renal dialysis.

He was co-founder of the Plummer Hospital's angiographic unit and urodynamic services, founder of the General Hospital's urology clinic, and an original member of the Kidney Foundation's local chapter.

“Doc was a teacher at heart and enjoyed instructing and giving lectures to many doctors, nurses, and students,” his obituary reads. “He was well respected and loved by his colleagues and the entire community. In retirement, his interest in the well-being of others continued. Doc was an honorable man and will be greatly missed by all.”

Mohamed died on June 15 at Sault Area Hospital. He was 93.

After a stint in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot officer, Mohamed graduated in 1957 from the University of Manitoba’s medical school before moving to the Sault a decade later. Among his many positions at the hospital, he served for five years as chief of staff during the 1990s, a position that put him on the board of directors of both the Plummer and the General.

In 2005, Mohamed received the Dr. William Hutchinson Award in recognition of his distinguished contributions to health care in Algoma. That same year, he was awarded the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Medal of Merit.

“Doc enjoyed music, dancing, billiards, swimming, tennis, sailing, traveling, scuba diving and flying,” his obit continues. “His love for family and music brought him endless enjoyment.”

Having grown up listening to calypso music, Mohamed’s favourite instruments were the maracas and harmonica.

“He took great pride in performing at every opportunity at parties, medical conventions, on cruises, and most recently at Collegiate Heights where he performed a couple of times a week. Many of his family members were honoured to have him perform his favourite songs just hours before he passed.”

A celebration of life is planned for July 22 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25. You can read the full obituary HERE.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article contained an incorrect date for the celebration of life.