Amani Shaaer: Ryerson alumna models hard-won path into physics

While watching her aunt receive life-saving cancer treatment by an “amazing hospital team”, PhD alumna Amani Shaaer (external link)  (Biomedical Physics ’21) envisioned having a similarly impactful career. Little did she realize how the journey would test her limits and determination — almost ending prematurely several times.

By following an inner voice that refused to be silenced, Dr. Shaaer is now one of only few Saudi Arabian women being trained in Canada for medical physics residency. The busy scientist, wife and mother of two recently shared reflections on her “dream come true”.  

Congratulations on starting residency at Grand River Hospital. That was no small feat?
Yes, it was really difficult. Even though I had an international scholarship and was self-funded, every cancer centre told me the program is only for Canadians. But I persisted. I emailed every one of the directors individually to plead my case. The director at Grand River replied and agreed to help. Afterward, he confided that he thought I’d eventually give up. But after nine months, we got through the red tape and I began a two-year program in April.

What research are you currently working on?
Twenty percent of my residency involves research. One project is in quantifying the accuracy of image registration techniques of Velocity™ software in Varian machines. The other is a collaboration with the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy. We’re testing a prostate cancer treatment that injects tumours with gold nanoparticles coated with green tea (for its high antioxidants), and then radiates cells at high doses.  

How has your PhD from Ryerson equipped you?
I had completed a master's program at another university before coming to Ryerson, but my background was not strong enough to qualify for medical physics residency at that time. Looking back, though, even if I had gotten in before my PhD, I honestly would have failed anyway. I needed more, and the PhD program at Ryerson helped me build a solid foundation. Thanks to the course material, clinical shadowing from the CAMPEP program, and research opportunities with supervisors, Drs. Ananth Ravi (external link)  at Sunnybrook Hospital and Carl Kumaradas at Ryerson— they were more than enough to prepare me for residency.

Halfway through, you almost had to quit your PhD. What happened?
In 2018, there was a foreign relations fallout. The Saudi kingdom ordered international students to quit their programs in Canada, and return home. But I kept fighting. I pleaded my case, asking the government to let me continue studying in a medical field. Within two months, they consented.

With all the turmoil, I also suffered depression after we made the difficult decision for my husband and two sons to return to Saudi. But the physics department and my supervisors were very supportive. Along with the help of a therapist, I got through it and earned my PhD.

You had also faced challenges before coming to Ryerson. How did you handle that?
In fact, my master’s degree at Laurentian almost didn’t happen either, due to difficulties involving my first supervisor. I thought I just needed to work harder, but things still didn’t improve. I finally found my voice and spoke up to the department Chair. I then found three wonderful, new supervisors only seven months before my thesis defence. I worked ten hours a day, every day, and finished right on time.  

You’ve had quite a journey. What’s on your career horizon?
After residency, I plan to pass the Canadian board exam. Then, I’ll return to Saudi Arabia to take a position as Medical Physicist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center. I also want to share my knowledge and raise awareness about medical physics in Saudi — maybe as a professor or collaborator with the Ministry of Health. The great thing about this field is that it’s always changing with meaningful impacts on people’s lives.

What tips do you have for next-generation students?
In my culture, sometimes, students and women are scared to defend themselves. But if I hadn’t found that part of me that dares to speak up, I wouldn’t be here now. So, reach out for support — you’ll need it to finish graduate school. I’m so grateful for everything I received from Ryerson, and I want to share my experience and inspire others to never give up. Above all, have faith and believe in yourself — that kept me knocking on doors and moving forward. If you’re determined, no one can take education away from you!