Joseph Brant Hospital was pleased to welcome Dr. Rahima Nenshi as Chief of Staff in January 2026.
Dr. Nenshi joins JBH from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH), where she served as Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee. A visionary and values-driven leader, she has championed innovation and equity through hospital-wide physician engagement initiatives co-created in partnership with staff and physician leadership. These efforts have strengthened collaboration, enhanced quality and safety for patients, and elevated the physician experience. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Common Credentials Committee for both SJHH and Hamilton Health Sciences, providing regional oversight for professional staff appointments, credentialing, and governance.
Over her tenure at SJHH, Dr. Nenshi has held a range of inaugural leadership appointments, including Director of Acute Care Surgery, SJH Lead for the Division of Perioperative Care, and Director of Postgraduate Medical Education. Under her leadership, the Acute Care Surgery Program evolved into a sustainable, team-based model. Within her role in the Department of Education and Learning, she strengthened academic partnerships with McMaster University and elevated the hospital’s teaching and research profile. She also strengthened educational infrastructure, improved resident onboarding and safety processes, and contributed to accreditation success for postgraduate training programs.
An exceptionally skilled and compassionate surgeon, Dr. Nenshi’s clinical practice spans minimally invasive, acute care, surgical oncology, and general surgery. She is an Associate Professor of Surgery at McMaster University, where she is widely recognized as an inspirational mentor and advocate for the physician voice. Her leadership approach is future-focused, inclusive, and driven by a deep commitment to quality and patient-centred care. Known for bringing diverse voices together, she leads with clarity, authenticity, and purpose – always with a focus on meaningful impact.
Dr. Nenshi holds a Doctor of Medicine and a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics from McMaster University, and completed her General Surgery Residency, Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, and Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the University of Toronto. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and a graduate of the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including Hamilton Top 40 Under 40 and multiple academic and clinical research prizes.
At JBH, Dr. Nenshi will play a pivotal role in advancing the hospital’s strategic vision by fostering clinical and operational excellence, championing innovation and equity in care delivery, and strengthening physician engagement. She will provide medical leadership through key initiatives such as Project Harmony, the implementation of a new digital health information system (Dovetale), major program redevelopments, and the continued evolution of the medical model of care.
