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Dr. Salman Fidahussein is a face many probably recognize from WellStar West Georgia Medical Center.

Fidahussein, 38, is a pulmonary and critical care physician at WGMC and has been recognized as a leader in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I am able to help people and their families during their most vulnerable and stressful time,” he said. “I am very grateful that I have that responsibility and honor, and I hope I am able to support and comfort them. Although it is very stressful, it is truly humbling. I am lucky to have a job that I genuinely love, respect and challenges me daily.”

Fidahussein was originally born in Tanzania, an East African country. He moved to the United States on a cross country scholarship for the University of South Carolina Upstate and has lived in numerous states across the country. Beyond that, he went on to graduate from internal medicine residency in 2011, then did a year-long fellowship in medical research. He then continued training for critical care and pulmonary medicine at Yale University. He’s also currently pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration at Ohio University and recently completed Physician Leadership Academy at WellStar. He moved to LaGrange in 2015. Fidahussein is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives, American College of Physicians, American Thoracic Society and Medical Association of Georgia.

He’s led an effort locally to teach young people of the dangers of vaping, smoking and addiction and was a member of the most recent Leadership-Troup class. Moving forward, he wants to continue to work to become a better physician and better leader.

“The recent COVID-19 outbreak has challenged me and humbled me further,” Fidahussein said. “Working alongside these selfless colleagues and peers during these unprecedented times and seeing our community come together has been eye-opening, and I will definitely take these lessons with me into my future.”

Fidahussein is married to his wife, Munira,and the couple has three daughters, Amatullah, Zahra and Sakina.

When he’s not working, he loves to run and make friends.  

-Story by Daniel Evans, photo by Jenna Oden