Dr. Raju Hajela is a highly respected physician with over four decades of experience in family medicine, addiction medicine, and public health. He earned his MD from Dalhousie University and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Harvard University. Dr. Hajela has held numerous leadership roles at provincial, national, and international levels and has made significant contributions to the field of addiction medicine. He is the lead developer of the Canadian Certification in Addiction Medicine (CCSAM) and contributed to the internationally recognized definition of addiction through the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). He is a Distinguished Fellow of both ASAM and the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM), and a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (FCFP). His work includes extensive teaching, program development, and speaking engagements for healthcare professionals, organizations, and the public. Dr. Hajela brings a holistic and evidence–based approach to care, supporting patients with mental health concerns, chronic pain, and substance use disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he is actively involved in community and global initiatives, including his role with Rotary International and addiction prevention programs