A Life Dedicated to Healing
A compassionate and deeply committed physician, Dr. Zaher Naji is making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families at Hurley Medical Center. His journey into medicine and pediatric hematology/oncology is both inspiring and a testament to the power of purpose-driven work.
Tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to become a physician.
I earned my medical degree from Damascus University, completed my pediatric residency at the University of Missouri–Columbia, and then pursued a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan/Wayne State University.
My passion for medicine began early in life. Growing up, I deeply admired healthcare professionals—their compassion, their resilience, and their dedication to helping others during some of the most challenging moments in life. That admiration ultimately inspired me to become a physician, with the hope of making a difference in the lives of others.
What led you to choose Pediatric Hematology/Oncology as your specialty?
It was during my medical school training that I discovered my true calling. My rotation in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology left a lasting impression on me. Working with young patients and their families during such vulnerable times was both humbling and profoundly rewarding.
The strength and courage I witnessed in the children, as well as the trust and deep bonds that form between families and their medical team, moved me deeply. That experience solidified my desire to dedicate my career to this field.
What brought you to Hurley Medical Center and to Michigan?
Hurley Medical Center stood out to me as a healthcare institution truly committed to serving its community with excellence and compassion. Its reputation for high-quality care and its mission-driven approach strongly aligned with my own values as a physician. I was drawn to the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team and to contribute to the meaningful work being done here every day.
Can you tell us about your current role at Hurley?
I serve as the Medical Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. In this role, I provide both inpatient and outpatient care to children with hematologic and oncologic conditions, and I also offer consultations for related disorders. Each day involves a combination of clinical care, collaboration with colleagues, and working closely with families to provide support and guidance.
Our department is committed to delivering the highest standard of care in a supportive and compassionate environment. We recognize that every patient and family is unique, and we strive to meet their individual needs with empathy and professionalism.
What advice would you offer to future physicians or those considering a career in medicine?
Medicine is more than a profession—it’s a calling. It requires dedication, resilience and a deep sense of responsibility. As a physician, you are often invited into the most intimate and vulnerable moments of someone’s life, and that trust is a profound privilege.
To future physicians: never lose your sense of empathy. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember that compassion can be as powerful as any treatment. Approach every patient with integrity and humility, and you will make a lasting impact.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside the hospital, I cherish spending time with my wife and our four children. We love the outdoors—whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply exploring nature together. These moments help me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is essential in such a demanding field.
Do you have a quote or message that reflects your philosophy or the spirit of your work?
Certainly. A quote that has always resonated with me is:
“Whoever saved one life, it is as if he saved all of mankind.”
This sentiment beautifully captures the essence of our work in pediatric hematology/oncology. Every child we help is a life transformed, a family touched, and a future restored.
