About Dr. Sidra Hasnain and OHMBS
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Thank you for taking the time to explore OHMBS.
This is a platform I have founded to bring the most cutting edge personal development research, and pair it with the teachings of our Islamic tradition. The aim is simple - to help both you and I become the highest versions of ourselves إن شاء الله. I hope to do so in a way that is digestible and actionable. Otherwise, knowledge departs very quickly if it is not tethered down by consistent action.
So, let me tell you a bit about myself. I am what I would call a “growth freak”. I like to constantly be learning and growing and challenging myself with new skills and projects. I love to travel, go horseback riding, play board games, play sports, and read. I see life as an adventure. A beautiful work of art, where every colour hints towards its Creator.
In terms of educational background, I grew up in Canada and have completed all my education here. I have an Honors in Life Sciences from McMaster University and a Medical Doctorate from University of Toronto. I completed my training in Family Medicine and Psychotherapy also at University of Toronto. I continue to pursue other interests and qualifications in the areas of addiction medicine, Islamic psychotherapy and innovative solutions to delivering healthcare.
Although medicine is my passion, it has definitely been a struggle both in terms of admissions, completing medical school, and completing residency. This was due to various personal losses and challenges that I experienced. الحمد لله , by the grace of Allah, I was able to persevere. With determination, grit and consistent dua, I was accepted into not one, but five different medical schools and was able to successfully complete my training الحمد لله ماشاءالله.
You see, it's very easy to look at a finished piece of work and think, well that was always meant to be! What else could it have been? That skyscraper was always there! That painting, that sculpture always existed! It takes tremendous courage to look past what is today and take action towards what can be tomorrow. It takes courage and tremendous faith to look at the raw materials that you possess, to look at a mold of clay, and envision a magnificent sculpture. Others may ridicule you. But I am here to tell you that it is possible. All you have to do is step up and demonstrate courage. You have to choose effort over result. You have to be more focused on your effort rather than the result, because the result will never be in your hands. It is up to Allah to carry it as far as he wills. You will not be questioned about the result, only the effort. I truly believe that even in the face of tremendous loss and failures, anything is achievable if you rely on Allah, and remain focused on consistent effort.
I promise you I am not a desi aunty trying to convince you to become a doctor (I’m def not an aunty)! I am however here to help you etch out the highest version of your self so that you can be in service to others. To make this world, and the next world, a better place إن شاء الله. Having already gone through the challenges of school and university, the loss of a parent, being a visible muslim and trying to fit in without compromising my deen, the consuming fear that I will never amount to anything, experiencing failure after failure, navigating friends and family and culture, I am essentially bringing to you everything that I wish was taught to me. I had many parents in my community reach out to me to 'speak' with their children. Has that ever worked for you when your parents awkwardly push you towards someone and tell you to talk to them? No, not really eh. This is how the course Blueprint For Success (B4S) came to be. I dove into the depths of research papers and boring books to bring forth evidence based habits that have been associated with success and applied an Islamic framework. I simplified it. Made it actionable. And created a year long course and support system for students to excel. If you will allow me, I would love to share it with you.
You see, every individual has patterns and behaviours that hold them back from reaching their highest potential. I am here to help you on a journey towards not only achieving your goals, but exceeding them إن شاء الله. I am here to help you turn the raw materials you already possess into a magnificent sculpture.
I hope you’re ready to kill it!
