Huma
Abbas
BDS,MPH
Public Health Dentist
Masters of Health Studies Student, Athabasca University
Hello Everyone!
My name is Huma and I am a physically able, brown, cisgender, immigrant female living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I am currently enrolled in the course MHST 631Health Promotion at Athabasca University. Based on self-reflexivity, I acknowledge my standpoint as an educated woman of color and an immigrant. My diverse background and experiences shape my approach to healthcare education, allowing me to understand and address the unique needs from various cultural backgrounds. Currently I work as a lecturer at a career college. I have been associated with health care in various roles for almost ten years, initially as a dentist and later as a medical education lecturer at various organizations.
​
I am passionate about teaching, which led to the transition in my career. So far I am loving the teaching life and plan to equip myself with the knowledge and skills to get to a leadership role. As I advance through the Master of Health Studies Program, this portfolio will serve as a place for me to gather and share knowledge, resources, and ideas that reflect my personal and professional interests, values, and growth. Using this portfolio, I hope to expand my understanding of health and health leadership subjects, and contribute to the larger conversation around Canadian health care reform.
​
​My approach to life has been straightforward. "Do what you love"! I feel lucky to get to do something I love every day. Teaching has always been my passion, even when I was in dental school, trying my best to survive. I always knew I wanted to get into academia. The only thing I was not sure of was, How to do it? Luckily fate led me to a fantastic opportunity. While working as a dentist in a hospital, I got an offer to teach as a replacement lecturer in a university. Switching from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Education was a turn I never expected. I believe that every student can learn and accomplish great things even if they do not see that themselves. I will always strive to help every individual I come in contact with to realize just how much potential they have.​I want to teach, guide, and most of all, I want to make a difference.
