Kashmir-Born Psychiatrist Honoured at British Muslim Health Awards | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Dr Shaheen Aslam Shora, a consultant psychiatrist of Kashmiri origin and Clinical Director of Specialist Mental Health Services at the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom, has been named Mental Health Professional of the Year at the inaugural British Muslim Health Awards 2025.

The award was presented on December 13 in recognition of her leadership, compassion and sustained contribution to mental health services, as well as her commitment to charitable initiatives and efforts to improve access to mental healthcare for underserved communities.

Dr Shora, who was born and raised in Srinagar, completed her schooling at Mallinson Girls School, where she served as Head Girl. She later earned her MBBS degree from SKIMS Medical College and completed a diploma in psychological counselling in Chennai. Early in her career, she worked voluntarily with Doctors Without Borders, conducting trauma counselling workshops for vulnerable groups.

She moved to the United Kingdom in 2002 and became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2005. In recognition of her contributions to mental health services, education, training and research, she was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2023.

Widely regarded as a compassionate clinician and inclusive leader, Dr Shora is a strong advocate of equity, diversity and inclusion in healthcare. She currently serves as the National Equity Champion of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and is an executive member of its Old Age Faculty, where she works to enhance patient care, safety and service quality across diverse communities.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Dr Shora maintains close ties with her homeland. She serves as General Secretary of the British Kashmiri Medical Association and has been instrumental in organising educational conferences and community initiatives for the Kashmiri diaspora in the UK. She is also actively involved in charitable work aimed at improving healthcare delivery in underprivileged communities.