By: crunchbase
Dr. Anas Rahim D.O remembers vividly the moment that shaped his medical career. Standing in a Syrian emergency room in 2014, he watched as alarm bells signaled incoming airstrikes, knowing that within minutes, the casualties would begin arriving. As a first-year medical student on a mission trip to his parent’s homeland, he witnessed the transformative power of emergency medicine and anesthesiology in saving lives amid crisis.
“Like clockwork, 10 minutes later, the ER was filled with patients brought in by ambulance,” Rahim says, recalling the scene at a hospital that had been bombed just a month earlier by the Syrian regime. “I watched as doctors, nurses, and anyone who could lend a hand worked to help those that hadn’t already passed.”
Born in Atlanta in 1990 to Syrian parents who fled political persecution in the 1980s, Rahim’s journey to becoming an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist reflects a deep commitment to service that began with his immigrant parents’ influence. The youngest of five siblings, he grew up in Panama City, Florida, where his father established a medical practice. Young Anas developed an enduring connection to the ocean and the outdoors.
Dr. Anas Rahim’s Early Years
While many teenagers were focused solely on their studies, Anas Rahim D.O. was already developing leadership skills and a commitment to community service during his dual enrollment at Gulf Coast State College. As a high school senior serving on the student government’s executive board, he initiated programs that would leave lasting impacts on the community.
“I served as the community service chairman for the college, initiating Adopt-a-Highway programs, continuing Habitat for Humanity Projects, and working with local leaders to establish multiple projects that help the community,” Rahim explains. This early dedication to service would become a defining characteristic of his approach to medicine.
Rahim’s commitment to community service deepened at the University of Florida, where he majored in Food Science and Human Nutrition. He served as treasurer for Project Downtown, a Muslim-based organization serving the homeless, leading the chapter to achieve official non-profit status and expand its services significantly.
The experience taught him valuable lessons about organization and leadership that would later prove crucial in his medical career. “We became the first Project Downtown chapter to be listed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit,” he says. “We expanded to serving hot meals twice weekly, working with Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless to facilitate interviews, preparation, and job placement.”
The Syrian Mission That Changed Everything
The 2014 medical mission to Syria marked a turning point in Rahim’s career trajectory. As the Syrian civil war intensified, news of civilian casualties prompted him to return to his parents’ homeland to help those in need. What he witnessed there would influence his choice of specialization and shape his approach to emergency medicine.
Working alongside an anesthesiologist who moved between the emergency room and the operating theater, Anas Rahim found his calling. “I watched as a bystander, not sure what I could do or how I could help,” he says. “The ability to quickly manage patients’ pains and keep them safe during surgery spoke to me and ultimately led me to pursue anesthesia as a career after that experience.”
This experience gave him a unique perspective on the role of an anesthesiologist in crises. Today, Dr. Anas Rahim, a pain management specialist, brings that same sense of urgency and care to his practice, whether in the operating room or pain management clinic.
“When a patient is under anesthesia, the anesthesiologist is expected to make life-saving decisions quickly and clearly,” Rahim says. “There’s no consideration of the cost of a drug or whether the insurance company will approve this or that. You do what you need to do right then and there to take the best care of the patient possible.”
Dr. Anas Rahim Pain Management Specialist Faces Challenges with Resilience
During his second year of residency at the University of Florida, Dr. Anas Rahim D.O. encountered a personal health crisis that tested his resilience and deepened his empathy for patients. After herniating two cervical discs, he lost function in his right arm and required neck surgery.
“It was a terrifying experience,” he says. “Though in retrospect, I look back and realize I am very fortunate to have had the support of my wife and family to get through that difficult time, and it gave me insight into my future career path.”
This experience enhanced his understanding of patient care from both sides of the medical relationship. “Early in my career, it was occasionally nerve-wracking to care for patients, especially when situations were dire,” he reflects. “Fortunately, with experience and time, you get used to being uncomfortable and can consistently make clear and logical decisions even when stressed.”
Building Strong Teams Through Leadership
Now practicing in Miami at a pain management fellowship program clinic, Dr. Anas Rahim, an anaesthesiologist, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and clear communication in medical settings. His leadership philosophy centers on creating positive environments where all team members can excel.
“There’s a great team dynamic in an operating room,” he says. “It requires clear communication between the surgeon and anesthesiologist to provide the best care for the patient again. As the physicians in the operating room, you are the leaders that guide everyone else in the OR.”
Rahim’s approach to leadership is grounded in humility and recognition of each team member’s contribution. “Everyone’s role is specifically delineated to provide a good outcome for the patient, and no one can do their job without the help of the OR staff,” he says. “The surgeon and anesthesiologist need their techs, nurses, sanitation team, and patient care assistants to do their job well, keep the OR running efficiently and smoothly.”
Dr. Anas Rahim’s Compassionate Approach to Patient Care
Throughout his career, Dr. Anas Rahim, has maintained a simple yet powerful philosophy for making critical decisions: “Trust in myself,” he says. “With more than 16 years of schooling and clinical practice combined, I ask myself, ‘What would I do for my mom?’ It keeps me in check and reassures me that I’m doing the right thing and keeping my patients’ best interests at heart.”
This approach has proven particularly valuable in pain management, where patients often arrive frustrated and discouraged by chronic conditions. “The field of pain management can often involve caring for disgruntled patients,” he says. “However, if you sit back and think about it, if someone has been in chronic pain for several months, it’s not as easy to wake up and put on a smile every day.”
His faith-based approach to patient care emphasizes understanding and compassion. “In my faith, we are taught to give someone 70 excuses when they make a mistake, as opposed to rushing to point a finger and assign blame,” he says. “Give someone the benefit of the doubt. Be there for people in the same way you’d want them to be there for you. No one is immune from a hard time.”
The commitment of Dr. Anas Rahim, a pain management specialist, to continuing education ensures he stays current with medical advances. “Medicine is constantly evolving,” he says. “If you don’t keep up, you get left behind.” He regularly attends labs to learn new procedures and techniques while keeping up with monthly anesthesia and pain management journals.
The Future for Dr. Anas Rahim
Today, balancing his medical practice with family life, Dr. Anas Rahim continues to embrace the values instilled by his parents: strong work ethic, spirituality, service to others, and family. He maintains his connection to the outdoors through physical activity and community engagement while building a medical practice founded on compassion and understanding.
His success is measured in medical outcomes and the positive environment he creates for patients and staff. “People work at their best when they’re happy,” he says. “Creating a positive environment where everyone can take pride in their work, feel respected and appreciated while positively impacting the world allows people to do their best.”
As he looks ahead, Dr. Anas Rahim remains focused on his ultimate goal: improving the lives of his patients. He is passionate about expanding access to high-quality care, particularly in underserved communities, and continues exploring ways to innovate in his field.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of Dr. Anas Rahim and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Published by Elle G.
