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What Role Does Spirituality Play in the Practice of Medicine?
Physician Health Program town hall explores its importance for patients, doctors.
Faith can help patients and health-care providers alike, said Dr. Yusra Ahmad, a community and academic psychiatrist in Toronto. To her, the word Muslim isn’t just a noun, it’s also a verb, “still and moving at the same time.
“It means one who attains inner peace by actively trusting in and surrendering one’s whole self to the creator of all the worlds,” she said.
Faith can help patients and health-care providers alike, said Dr. Yusra Ahmad, a community and academic psychiatrist in Toronto. To her, the word Muslim isn’t just a noun, it’s also a verb, “still and moving at the same time.
“It means one who attains inner peace by actively trusting in and surrendering one’s whole self to the creator of all the worlds,” she said.
Spirituality Town Hall: Listen to a Meaningful Dialogue on Spirituality
While the role of spirituality in recovery from substance use disorders may be emphasized by many physicians who recognize its importance — especially those working in the field of addiction — the broader role of spirituality in healing and other areas of medicine is easily overlooked, misunderstood or dismissed. In addition, spirituality is often a topic that doesn't figure even peripherally in physician training. And yet, spirituality — defined broadly as an experience of transcendence, or more specifically in reference to religion — plays an important role in the practice of medicine, and its influence extends beyond the more familiar (or acceptable) role it is known to play in recovery and 12 Step Programs.
The December 7 event was hosted by OMA PHP leaders Dr. Jon Novick, Ted Bober and Laura Mattila.
Panellists:
Dr. Yusra Ahmad
Dr. Ken Fung
Dr. Michael Kaufmann
Dr. Chase McMurren
Dr. Rose Zacharias
The December 7 event was hosted by OMA PHP leaders Dr. Jon Novick, Ted Bober and Laura Mattila.
Panellists:
Dr. Yusra Ahmad
Dr. Ken Fung
Dr. Michael Kaufmann
Dr. Chase McMurren
Dr. Rose Zacharias
UofTMed Magazine
“Each of us is a whole person, yet medicine has adopted a very ‘divide and conquer’ approach to the human experience, and even to the human body”
You can read more about healing the mind, body... and soul with Dr. Yusra Ahmad in the latest issue of UofTMed magazine.
You can read more about healing the mind, body... and soul with Dr. Yusra Ahmad in the latest issue of UofTMed magazine.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad Recognized at the Governor General's Residence on the Occasion of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Dr. Yusra Ahmad was invited to Ottawa for the May 18, 2022 reception to meet with HRH Prince Charles at the Governor General's residence on the occasion of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Dr. Ahmad selected because of her work on Mindfully Muslim for the last 5 years as well as her advocacy around gender-based violence, cultural safety, and refugee mental health.
Dr. Yusra had the opportunity to speak with the Prince of Wales about the Islamic Gardens at Highgrove. They also spoke about his preservation of the Islamic arts and Dr. Yusra's work on Mindfully Muslim.
Dr. Yusra had the opportunity to speak with the Prince of Wales about the Islamic Gardens at Highgrove. They also spoke about his preservation of the Islamic arts and Dr. Yusra's work on Mindfully Muslim.
OPA Centenary Event: Celebrating a Century of Psychiatry
On the evening of April 26, 2021, OPA members, supporters, and guests came together to mark the close-out of our 100-year anniversary. This virtual event was a unique opportunity to learn about the OPA's advocacy initiatives and various developments in the areas of mental health/addictions, to meet and to interact with the team behind the acclaimed CTV/NBC medical drama "Transplant", to listen to poetry, and to visit our other art exhibits. The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Michael A. Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions.
Rise in Mental Health Issues Related to COVID-19
Drs. Sarita Verma Vicky Stergiopoulos and Yusra Ahmad discuss what they talked about during their panel about COVID-19 and mental health.
How to Help Students Get Back on Track as Pandemic Disruptions Continue
As another school year starts amid pandemic disruption, what can be done to help students get back on track — academically, socially, and emotionally? We talk to Graeme Hopkins, a Grade 12 student in Saskatoon who wants schools to return to regular semesters; Tracy Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair in school-based mental health and violence prevention at the University of Ottawa, who helped author a recent policy briefing on children and schools during COVID-19; and Dr. Yusra Ahmad, a psychiatrist and clinical lecturer in the department of psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Road to Recovery with Yonah Budd - Saturday, January 22nd, 2022
On today's episode, Yonah speaks to Psychiatrist, Group Therapist Facilitator & Creator of Mindfully Muslim Dr. Yusra Ahmad about psychiatrist burnout. He then speaks with Louis March, founder of Zero Gun Violence Movement about local recent gun violence, followed by Ronan Levy, Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health about Canada approving psychedelics for therapeutic means.
All of that and more on today's episode of Road to Recovery with Yonah Budd.
Reach out to Yonah anytime by visiting The Farm Rehab, calling 1-877-777-5808, or emailing the show at roadtorecovery@640toronto.com
All of that and more on today's episode of Road to Recovery with Yonah Budd.
Reach out to Yonah anytime by visiting The Farm Rehab, calling 1-877-777-5808, or emailing the show at roadtorecovery@640toronto.com
OPA - We're Listening - Jan 26, 2022
0:00-3:28 - Introductory Remarks (Opening Remarks, Land Acknowledgment)
3:29-10:57- Indigenous Mental Health Presentation
10:58-48:34 - Keynote Address & Interview
48:35-1:03:54 - Resilience Exploration
1:03:55-1:23:24 - Cross-Border Collaborations for Suicide Prevention
1:23:25-1:26:50 - Closing Remarks
#BellLetsTalk #Jackorg #BTWFoundation
3:29-10:57- Indigenous Mental Health Presentation
10:58-48:34 - Keynote Address & Interview
48:35-1:03:54 - Resilience Exploration
1:03:55-1:23:24 - Cross-Border Collaborations for Suicide Prevention
1:23:25-1:26:50 - Closing Remarks
#BellLetsTalk #Jackorg #BTWFoundation
OPA Breakout Community Psychiatry Advocacy Award
This award is supported by the Council of the Ontario Psychiatric Association. The OPA Breakout Community Psychiatry Advocacy Award recognizes contributions to the profession of psychiatry and to the public by a community psychiatrist engaging in grassroots advocacy in their local area. It is expected that candidates have not previously had provincial or national level recognition for their advocacy work. The successful candidate must spend a majority of her/his time engaged in delivery of clinical services. The award is open to OPA members who have been engaged in advocacy work through one or more of the following areas: clinical care, education, and administration.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad was a recipient of the 2019 OPA Breakout Community Psychiatry Advocacy Award.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad was a recipient of the 2019 OPA Breakout Community Psychiatry Advocacy Award.
Doctors Document the Devastating Fallout on Mental Health
OMATalks targets COVID’s impact
Alcohol and drug use are up; our young people are dealing with rising levels of depression and anxiety and more women are experiencing increased domestic abuse.
And there’s more.
Our seniors are feeling alone, their caregivers worn out, and marginalized communities have been pushed further into isolation.
People are suffering as the worst public health crisis of our generation takes an alarming toll on our mental health and well-being. And Ontario’s doctors are working through strategies to help.
Alcohol and drug use are up; our young people are dealing with rising levels of depression and anxiety and more women are experiencing increased domestic abuse.
And there’s more.
Our seniors are feeling alone, their caregivers worn out, and marginalized communities have been pushed further into isolation.
People are suffering as the worst public health crisis of our generation takes an alarming toll on our mental health and well-being. And Ontario’s doctors are working through strategies to help.
As a Parent and a Teacher, Here’s What I’m Doing to Avoid Back-to-School COVID-19 Burnout
Dr. Yusra Ahmad, psychiatrist and clinical lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, to talk about how educators, parents and students can prepare for the upcoming school year.
OPA - Celebrating 100 Years of Psychiatry
We learn through stories. Sometimes, they’re stories of pain and struggle. Other times, they’re stories of hope. The Ontario Psychiatric Association put those narratives forward at an event commemorating its centenary.
We learn through stories. Everybody has one. Sometimes, they’re stories of pain and struggle. Other times, they’re stories of hope. The Ontario Psychiatric Association (OPA) put those narratives forward at an event commemorating its centenary. The evening brought an eclectic group of speakers, from mental health professionals to the creator and lead actor of the hit TV drama Transplant, to a Diné artist who shared reflections about the interconnectedness of nature on our mental health. Michael Tibollo, Ontario’s first Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, was the event’s keynote speaker.
We learn through stories. Everybody has one. Sometimes, they’re stories of pain and struggle. Other times, they’re stories of hope. The Ontario Psychiatric Association (OPA) put those narratives forward at an event commemorating its centenary. The evening brought an eclectic group of speakers, from mental health professionals to the creator and lead actor of the hit TV drama Transplant, to a Diné artist who shared reflections about the interconnectedness of nature on our mental health. Michael Tibollo, Ontario’s first Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, was the event’s keynote speaker.
How the Canadian TV Show ‘Transplant’ is Humanizing Refugees
Polls continue to demonstrate that attitudes toward immigration, refugees, and visible minorities remain negative among significant swathes of the Canadian public. In this climate, CTV’s “Transplant” has somehow managed to attract millions of Canadian viewers to a story that centres the experiences of a Syrian Muslim refugee in Toronto — a first in North American prime-time drama.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad, a psychiatrist and lecturer at the University of Toronto, provided advice on how to portray the mental health struggles of Dr. Hamed and his little sister in the show. She pointed out that it has taken too long to see a show like this come to mainstream television.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad, a psychiatrist and lecturer at the University of Toronto, provided advice on how to portray the mental health struggles of Dr. Hamed and his little sister in the show. She pointed out that it has taken too long to see a show like this come to mainstream television.
When Living a Double Life Takes a Mental Health Toll
Being unable to be truthful to others and thus true to yourself can manifest in depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders and self-harm
Dr. Yusra Ahmad shines light on the struggles of Muslim youth in the GTA as they navigate the conflicting expectations of society and family.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad shines light on the struggles of Muslim youth in the GTA as they navigate the conflicting expectations of society and family.
Sad After Getting Married? That’s the Post-Wedding Blue
When the twinkle lights have been taken down, the leftover cake is eaten, and the honeymoon is over, it’s common for sadness to set in. Struck with the sudden realization that the wedding is over, a wave of emotions formerly kept at bay can come crashing onto newlyweds who figured they’d be in bliss.
Psychiatrist Dr. Yusra Ahmad explains that when less-than-ideal emotions are put on hold, they can take a toll that is only evident after the wedding’s over. “Weddings exemplify our cultural obsession with perfect ideals when it comes to comportment, behavior, romance, and beauty; it leaves very little space for any pain, stress, and struggle,” she tells Vogue. “This leads to a pressure cooker situation where anger, resentment, or sadness builds up until these emotions come out explosively either during the wedding-planning stage or after the wedding is over.”
So what to do?
Psychiatrist Dr. Yusra Ahmad explains that when less-than-ideal emotions are put on hold, they can take a toll that is only evident after the wedding’s over. “Weddings exemplify our cultural obsession with perfect ideals when it comes to comportment, behavior, romance, and beauty; it leaves very little space for any pain, stress, and struggle,” she tells Vogue. “This leads to a pressure cooker situation where anger, resentment, or sadness builds up until these emotions come out explosively either during the wedding-planning stage or after the wedding is over.”
So what to do?
Race, Religion And Mental Health: Therapy Should Be Culturally Relevant
Mental health care urgently needs to be more adaptive to the needs of different communities. What’s available now is often unhelpful, insensitive or worse.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad addresses the lack of therapeutic programs based on faith and spirituality.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad addresses the lack of therapeutic programs based on faith and spirituality.
Muslim Women Hand Out Roses as a Thank-You for Toronto’s Support
A group of Muslim women in Toronto handed out a thousand roses in Nathan Phillips Square on Sunday as a thank you for the support Torontonians have shown since the Paris attacks, each bearing a note saying: “From a Muslim who loves and cares for all of humanity.”
Organizer Dr. Yusra Ahmad said the recent spate of terrorist attacks that culminated in Paris, and the local fallout involving violent acts against women in Toronto, motivated the initiative.
Organizer Dr. Yusra Ahmad said the recent spate of terrorist attacks that culminated in Paris, and the local fallout involving violent acts against women in Toronto, motivated the initiative.
Don’t Be a Lawnmower Parent. Allow your Kids to Grow on their Own
Lawnmower parents, according to a 2018 article on weareteachers.com, “go to whatever lengths necessary to prevent their child from having to face adversity, struggle, or failure.” They have also been described as “curling parents” — always rushing ahead to sweep away any obstacles, difficulties, or challenges that may stand in the way of their children’s quest for success.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad illustrates that “kids are feeling a lot of pressure to perform. (There is) no space or room for failure or displays of weakness. No space to talk about struggle, or vulnerability.”
During discussions with young people, Ahmad noticed a persistent theme.
Dr. Yusra Ahmad illustrates that “kids are feeling a lot of pressure to perform. (There is) no space or room for failure or displays of weakness. No space to talk about struggle, or vulnerability.”
During discussions with young people, Ahmad noticed a persistent theme.
How to Communicate with Teens During the Critical High School Years
Dr. Yusra Ahmad provides a few suggestions on how to communicate with teens during critical high school years.
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