About Us
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Aazam, MD, PhD is an Iranian-born physician, human rights advocate, and author renowned for his bravery in documenting medical and political injustices. His memoir, Bleeding Truth, emerges from his frontline experiences in Tehran—experiences that forced him to confront the moral cost of bearing witness in the face of oppression.
Early Medical Career & Ethical Awakening
Born and educated in Iran, Dr. Aazam completed medical training and later served as a military physician in Tehran. His posting at Baghiatollah Hospital’s emergency ward placed him at the intersection of healthcare and state-sanctioned brutality. A pivotal moment came on June 27, 2003, when Zahra Kazemi—a Canadian-Iranian photojournalist detained by the government—was rushed in suffering from severe nasal fractures and other injuries. Through examination notes, Dr. Aazam recognized signs of torture and forced silencing a moment that marked the beginning of his journey as a medical witness to human rights violations.
From this point, he understood that treating patients was inseparable from documenting the abuses they endured. He became determined to provide medical care while gathering evidence of state violence—knowing that speaking out could endanger both himself and his patients
Witness to Repression & State Violence
Operating in a system where authorities denied medical care to those deemed “enemies of the state,” Dr. Aazam faced an ethical crossroads. His memoir recounts countless stories of injured protesters, political prisoners, and civilians injured under suspicious circumstances. He navigated impossible situations—faced with threats, threats to his medical license, and constant surveillance from intelligence agents. Yet, even as he risked retaliation, he diligently recorded injuries, patient histories, and testimonies—knowing these details could one day serve justice.
In Bleeding Truth, he writes unflinchingly about his moral dilemmas: Should he obey orders to leave suspected dissidents untreated? Should he remain silent when torture signs appeared unmistakably in a patient’s injuries? He chose his oath—to heal and to tell the truth.
Ethical Reflections & the Doctor’s Duty
Dr. Aazam’s reflections echo broader debates in medical ethics: is it not a physician’s duty to document and oppose torture? Bleeding Truth invites readers into the emotional and moral terrain of doctors working under repression, where neutrality itself becomes a political—and sometimes criminal—stance.
His narrative interrogates the concept of medical neutrality, emphasizing that bearing silent witness to injuries inflicted by political violence makes clinicians complicit. As a result, doctors like him become targets of the same authoritarian apparatus they strive to expose.
Exile & Continued Advocacy
Eventually, the pressure became unbearable. Recognition of his work spread abroad, and Iranian authorities offered him a stark ultimatum: cease his documentation or face dire consequences. He chose exile over silence, departing Iran and resettling in Canada (Montreal area), where he continued both his medical practice and advocacy. Despite the distance, he remained deeply connected to Iran’s plight, using his clinical insight to support victims who escaped abroad.
In exile, Dr. Aazam embraced writing Bleeding Truth as a mission—not only to chronicle past events but also to amplify current and future injustices. The memoir is his refusal to allow histories of state violence to fade into obscurity.
Humanizing Conflict: Stories & Solidarity
While the memoir confronts graphic realities—torture, oppression, and cruelty—it is also suffused with empathy. Dr. Aazam paints rich portraits of the people he treated: protestors who displayed unexpected courage, families trying to reclaim lost loved ones, and fellow physicians risking everything to deliver care.
These human stories form a core element of Bleeding Truth, illustrating that political violence is perpetrated against individuals with names, histories, dreams, and relationships. The narrative drives home a powerful message: the personal is deeply political.
Continuing Mission & Moral Clarity
Now based in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Aazam continues his dual roles as a practicing physician and public advocate. He frequently engages in speaking events, writing, and collaboration with human rights organizations to support the global fight against authoritarianism. Through his online platform—“Publishing Stories, Inspiring Minds”—he elevates the voices of those affected by conflict, trauma, and state-sanctioned violence.
Dr. Aazam insists that telling uncomfortable truths is itself an act of healing. By sharing what he saw, he honors victims, challenges silence, and demands accountability.
Summary:
Dr. Shahram Aazam’s life is defined by the intersection of medicine, ethics, and courage. Beginning in the corridors of Tehran’s emergency wards, he witnessed firsthand how authoritarian power can corrupt healthcare and compromise human dignity. In response, he embraced extraordinary risk: documenting abuse, telling the truth, and eventually sharing his story with the world in Bleeding Truth. Now living in Canada, he continues his commitment as both healer and witness—advocating for human rights, medical ethics, and the enduring necessity of bearing witness to injustice.
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AWARDS WINNING
The Award I Received as a Writer
Delighted to share the honor of receiving an award for my work as a writer. Grateful for the recognition and excited to continue crafting stories that resonate with readers. Thank you for your support on this incredible journey!
