The loss of our esteemed colleague and friend, Dr Amjad Hamid, in the Al Noor Mosque attack has been hard for the CHI team to face. Amjad will always have a special place in our hearts. We extend our deepest sympathy and love to his wife and family.
Professor Mark Richards, Director, Christchurch Heart Institute
This is an excerpt from a tribute to Dr Amjad Hamid, published in the Canterbury District Health Board CEO Update bulletin…
Amjad Hamid is remembered as a special doctor who was a very humble, caring and gentle person and will be dearly missed by many.
Amjad, aged 57, who was much loved and respected by his colleagues and patients, was killed in the shootings at Al Noor Mosque, in Christchurch on 15 March. He was among six Palestinians killed in the attack.
The senior doctor with a special interest in cardiology was known for being caring and approachable, always happy to stop and answer questions or explain something.
Amjad worked in Cardio-Respiratory Integrated Specialist Services (CRISS) at Christchurch Hospital and at Ashburton Hospital until moving to Hawera Hospital in South Taranaki three years ago.
He remained living in Christchurch with his wife and family but travelled to Hawera for work.
His widow, Hanan, says he was a good husband and father to their two sons, Husam, 22, and Mohammed, 20. They migrated to Christchurch in 1995 from Palestine, for a better future, and he loved the city.
Amjad also worked for the Christchurch Heart Institute research team and led the outpatient cardioversion service for the past few years at Canterbury DHB.