Dr. Samir I. Farah, 85, of Minot, ND passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024, in Maple Grove, MN. Samir embraced a life filled with tight-knit family bonds and a deep-rooted passion for medicine. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a humble servant to his patients in northwestern North Dakota and dedicated teacher to students and residents at the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Samir is survived by his wife, Hanzada; daughters, Ronda (Kellen) and Rina; grandchildren, Lilah and Gavin; brothers, Said and Sameh; sister, Asmat, and other relatives.
Samir was born on September 25, 1938, in Alexandria, Egypt, to Ensaf Ali El-Sayed and Ibrahim Farah Nagi. Samir grew up by the Mediterranean Sea, which he adored. He loved playing soccer, but academics were the center of his life. He graduated 9th of all high school graduates in Egypt and immediately enrolled at Alexandria University, Faculty of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree. In 1972, driven by his dedication to healing and helping others, he immigrated to the United States to complete his internship at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee Hospital, residency at Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University, School of Medicine and fellowship in Endocrinology at Wayne State University, School of Medicine. He became certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Endocrine, Diabetes, & Metabolism. He was also a fellow of the prestigious American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. In 1977, he was recruited by St. Joseph’s Hospital to Minot, ND and opened his private practice in the Trinity Professional Building. He practiced at Trinity Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Trinity Nursing Home. He met his wife Hanzada and they were married in 1982. Over the next four decades, as he grew his family, Samir diligently cared for patients in Minot and the surrounding area.
Dr. Farah was dedicated to medical education and welcomed medical students and residents to rotate through his practice, sharing his expertise in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, thyroid and metabolic diseases. Throughout his illustrious career, Samir made a lasting impact on the healthcare community. Earlier in his career, he served as a Clinical Professor at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences and received the Dean’s Special Recognition Award for outstanding Volunteer Faculty at UND. He later became the Director of Internal Medicine and Vice Chairman of the Internal Medicine Program for UND’s Northwestern Campus.
Dr. Farah’s legacy as a respected physician, esteemed colleague, passionate educator, trusted mentor, and dedicated family man will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of others and his profound contributions to the medical field will continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in his footsteps. Samir’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he positively impacted throughout his remarkable journey.
Samir was buried in a private ceremony on May 22, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Samir I Farah Excellence Fund (https://undfoundation.org/samir-farah-fund) at the UND, School of Medical & Health Sciences. May his legacy of excellence in patient care and medical education be carried forward.
A memorial will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 in his honor at Trinity Health Hospital (2305 37th Avenue SW, Minot, ND 58701) in the Prairie Rose Conference Center from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Please, join us as we celebrate his life.
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