Honouring a caring legacy with support for Critical Care

December 9, 2025 - It is fitting that family and friends of the late Dr. Azhar Syed connect memories of him with Ross Memorial’s Intensive Care Unit, given that he spent decades providing internal medicine specialist care to patients there before his passing in 2020. It’s also fitting that they honoured Dr. Syed’s memory with a memorial golf tournament, as golf was his great passion. 

On December 8, Dr. Syed’s son, Imran, visited the Ross to present the proceeds of the Dr. A. A. Syed Memorial Golf Tournament that took place September 14 at Oliver’s Nest Golf Course in Oakwood. 

The $4,109 donation will support the growth of Ross Memorial’s critical care capacity, which is a priority focus of RMH Foundation’s WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign. 

Respiratory Therapy Charge Technologist Tara Smith offered her thanks. Tara helps to provide life-saving care to the sickest patients in the hospital, and she also worked for many years with Dr. Azhar Syed. 

“Just as Dr. Syed supported patients at the Ross, providing life-saving care day and night, his family and friends are supporting this important work with a gift that will help us to modernize our critical care facilities,” said Tara Smith. “We’re delighted that Dr. Syed’s family continues to feel connected to the Ross and on behalf of our patients and families, our thanks to everyone who took part in this fundraising golf tournament.”  

PHOTO: Respiratory Therapy Charge Technologist Tara Smith and Imran Syed in the Intensive Care Unit at Ross Memorial Hospital