Dr. Shahana Alibhai
Session Synopsis: When Nothing is Left - Using Emotional Literacy to Understand the Meaning of Burnout
Burnout is not a destination, it is a slow, insidious journey. It is the feeling, or perhaps the absence of knowing what and how you feel and more importantly, how you got to this place. Welcome to a burnout talk that is not synonymous with self-care; here, I won’t tell you that bubble baths and walks are the ways to alleviate your burnout, although they might feel good in the moment. If only we understood what our emotions are trying to tell us, the clues they leave behind, then perhaps we would be more equipped to deal with the fragments of our feelings that are often left behind when picking up the pieces.
Biography
Meet Dr. Shahana Alibhai: TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and powerhouse in the field of emotional health. As a dedicated family physician and Medical Director at Foundry Abbotsford—British Columbia's largest youth health centre—Dr. Shahana has made it her mission to empower others with the tools to navigate their emotional well-being.
Her debut book, Feel Better, endorsed by the legendary Mel Robbins, soared to #1 in and Parenting on Amazon. A sought-after speaker, she has worked with top organizations like Yale University, UBC, Scotiabank, and Remax, bringing clarity to the crucial connection between emotional and mental health.
Dr. Shahana's insights have captivated audiences on major media platforms, including CTV and Global, and her wisdom has even made it to Hollywood—the quote, "We do not suffer from a lack of joy, simply a lack of recognizing it", was handpicked for an award-winning planner gifted to celebrities at the Oscars. She has also been featured in Medium - Authority Magazine, where she shared her expertise on emotional resilience and well-being. In recognition of her impact, she has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
Passionate about education and outreach, she created the groundbreaking "Think Like a Doc" program, where students step into the shoes of a physician, learning about both their physical and mental health. She has also contributed to global mental health initiatives, volunteering her time to support communities in developing nations like Nepal.
Beyond her work in medicine and advocacy, Dr. Shahana is a proud mom to three energetic young boys who keep her on her toes and continuously teach her the true meaning of patience, resilience, and joy. Balancing a thriving career with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, she brings a refreshingly real and relatable perspective to her audiences.
When she's not on stage, in the clinic, or chasing after her little ones, Dr. Shahana serves as a National Accreditor for the College of Canadian Family Physicians and has been a mentor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine Residency Training Program. Her TEDx talk, "Emotional Literacy for Better Mental Health", has resonated with thousands, cementing her as a leading voice in the space of well-being and resilience.
With a unique ability to blend science, storytelling, and real-world strategies, Dr. Shahana leaves every audience inspired, informed, and ready to feel better.