Srinagar: In a moment of immense pride for Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Shaheen Aslam Shora, a Kashmir-born psychiatrist and Clinical Director of Specialist Mental Health Services at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (UK), has been conferred with the ‘Mental Health Professional of the Year’ award at the inaugural British Muslim Health Awards 2025.
Born and raised in Srinagar, Dr. Shora completed her early education at Mallinson Girls’ School and went on to earn her MBBS from SKIMS Medical College, before further specialising in psychological counselling and mental health services. Her professional journey — from voluntarily serving vulnerable communities in the early stages of her career to leading specialist mental health services in the United Kingdom — stands as a testament to her dedication, compassion, and exemplary leadership.
The prestigious award recognises Dr. Shora’s sustained contributions to advancing mental healthcare, promoting equity and inclusion, and extending support to underserved and marginalised communities. Her work has had a significant impact on improving access to quality mental health services within diverse populations.
Despite her international professional stature, Dr. Shora remains deeply connected to her Kashmiri roots and continues to actively contribute to community initiatives and healthcare outreach programmes, both in the UK and among the Kashmiri diaspora.
Her achievement marks a proud milestone for the Valley and serves as an inspiration for aspiring healthcare professionals from Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming that global excellence can emerge from local beginnings.
