This week Raabiha Maan discusses overcoming her fears, moving out of her comfort zone and growing to love social media.
Please introduce yourself?
My name is Raabiha and I am a general dentist and practice owner in west London.
Most dentists know me from my social media account @drraabihamaan on Instagram, where I share daily dentistry knowledge.
What did you get up to this past year?
COVID has put a downer on my usual plans, which involve travelling and socialising with friends and family.
So, this year I have found myself working on a few projects including writing a book on practical dentistry, reigniting dentists’ excitement for the career through social media and transforming my newly purchased dental practice!
I am also nine months pregnant, which has been a whole new challenge to navigate. As well as having a new practice and being in the middle of a pandemic!
Do you enjoy having your social media account or is it stressful to keep up with?
Truth be told I have always disliked social media because of all the negative aspects that come with it.
When I started my account, I feared other people’s judgement. I felt I was not good enough and did not have anything valuable to contribute.
But my husband pressured me into creating one. He felt it important that I challenge my fears and work outside of my comfort zone.
A year on and I enjoy the positive impact I have on so many people through my account. I get daily messages from young dentists who say they learn so much from my page, from students who say they used to fear ‘instaglam’ dentistry but, my page has shown them a realistic and fun side of the profession.
As well as other dentists who see my enthusiasm and are excited to work in general practice again.
Are you a foodie? Why and what particular food do you go for?
Yes! I love all sorts of foods! I would struggle to pick one particular cuisine, but I do love Thai or Indian street food! Yum.
What type of television/movies do you like – any guilty pleasures?
Anything but horror! Currently re-watching all of Desperate Housewives!
Are you into any sports or fitness activities?
I have not played a sport for years. But when I hurt my back early on in my career, I started to take my fitness more seriously.
My husband is a chiropractor, so he has me doing strength training exercises to make my body resilient to the stresses I put it under working as a dentist. I have not had a single issue since I started following his advice!
Do you like to travel and do your hobbies take you anywhere in particular?
Travelling is my number one hobby, and the world is so big with so much to explore, what’s not to love?
The year before COVID, my husband and I travelled the west coast of America starting in the Grand Canyon, to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, travelling along the coastline on Route 1 to San Francisco and then up to Yosemite national park!
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