Ismail Mehr ’02M (Res)

Ismail A. Mehr, MD, is chair of the department of anesthesiology and medical director of operating room services at St. James Mercy Health System in Hornell, NY. Mehr received his medical degree from Universidad IberoAmericana (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) in 1998, and completed a general surgery internship at Robert Packer Hospital, followed by an anesthesiology residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2002.

Mehr is actively involved in the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA). IMANA was founded in 1967 as a professional organization for Muslim healthcare professionals with a strong commitment to providing emergency and long-term medical relief in disaster hit areas. Mehr volunteered for his first medical mission after the Indonesian tsunami in 2004 and was the coordinator for IMANA’s medical response to the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.

In 2009, Mehr became chair of what is now known as IMR (IMANA Medical Relief). Under his leadership, IMR has evolved into a globally recognized medical relief organization spanning the globe with projects in more than 30 countries. In addition to his administrative role, Mehr has served on almost two dozen medical missions including missions in Gaza, Pakistan, Haiti, Somalia, and Bangladesh.

During Mehr’s tenure as president from 2013–2015, IMANA was invited to the White House, presented at the State Department, and was invited to the United Nations General Assembly. His priority as president was the “passing of the IMANA torch” as he worked to make IMANA more visible on medical campuses and in training programs across the country, bringing new members into the organization.

Mehr serves on the board of United Muslim Relief and previously served as a member of the Islamic Society of North America Majlis Ash-Shura. He has served on numerous local boards, is involved in local youth programs, and has coached varsity football as an assistant for the past 21 years.