Changing the Game: Dr. Akshay’s Transition from Dentistry to Healthcare Administration
Dr. Akshay began his journey in clinical dentistry with a BDS from Amrita School of Dentistry, Kochi, Kerala. He later transitioned into the field of Healthcare Administration and Service Management, pursuing his studies at Conestoga College, Ontario, Canada. In this insightful conversation with Dr. Sreelekshmi P of MedBound Times, Dr. Akshay discusses his shift from dentistry to healthcare management, the challenges of navigating this new path, and his vision for building more inclusive and efficient healthcare systems.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Dr. Akshay let’s start from the beginning. What made you choose dentistry, and how did you get started?
Dr. Akshay: I graduated with a BDS from Amrita School of Dentistry in Kochi, an exciting journey filled with hands-on learning. I have always loved helping people, and dentistry felt like the perfect fit. While I enjoyed my time in dentistry, I eventually felt the need to shift my focus. This led me to move to Canada and pursue a degree in healthcare administration.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Why did you make the shift from dentistry to healthcare administration?
Dr. Akshay: It wasn’t an easy decision. Dentistry was rewarding—I loved seeing people smile again and knowing I made a difference. But I started to feel like there were fewer opportunities for me to grow in this field. I wanted something more—something that could challenge me in new ways. Healthcare administration felt like the right path to explore that, so I decided to take the leap and see where it could take me.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How does your background in dentistry help with your studies in healthcare management?
Dr. Akshay: It helped me a lot! Having worked as a dentist, I understand what patients go through and the challenges healthcare workers face. That gives me a real-world perspective on the problems I’m studying. It’s like I’ve already seen the issues firsthand, and now I’m learning how to fix them on a bigger scale.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What surprised you the most about moving from being a dentist to an administrator?
Dr. Akshay: The pace is totally different. In dentistry, we can see the results right away. Extract a tooth, and the patient feels better almost immediately. But in healthcare administration, things take time. It’s all about long-term planning and change. I also had to learn new skills, like budgeting and policymaking, which was challenging at first. But I’ve enjoyed the process of learning and growing.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Do you ever miss practicing dentistry? What do you miss the most?
Dr. Akshay: Yes, I do miss it sometimes. There’s something special about helping someone with a dental issue and seeing them leave happy. I miss that patient connection. But now, I’m excited about what I can do through healthcare administration. It’s not the same as working with one patient but knowing I can make a difference for many more people is really fulfilling.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Why did you choose to study in Canada?
Dr. Akshay: Canada’s healthcare system really appealed to me. It’s built on the idea that everyone should have access to care, no matter who they are or where they come from. That’s something I want to be a part of. Plus, Canada is diverse, welcoming, and has a lot of opportunities for growth. And let’s not forget the beautiful nature here—it’s a great place to study!
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What’s been the most valuable part of your healthcare administration program so far?
Dr. Akshay: The leadership and policy courses have been incredible. They’ve taught me how to think beyond the everyday issues and focus on long-term solutions. It’s not just about managing people—it’s about shaping systems that make healthcare work better for everyone.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How do you plan to combine your dental experience with your new skills in healthcare administration?
Dr. Akshay: I want to focus on making dental care a regular part of public health. It’s not just about fixing teeth when they’re hurting—it’s about preventing issues and making dental care available to everyone. My dental background helps me understand what’s needed to make that happen, especially for underserved communities.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Do you think Canada offers good opportunities for dentists in healthcare management?
Dr. Akshay: Absolutely! The opportunities are huge. You can work in public health, run dental clinics, or even help design healthcare policies. Having a background in dentistry gives you a unique advantage—you understand the real challenges people face and can help shape better systems.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How does Canada’s healthcare system compare to the one in your home country?
Dr. Akshay: The biggest difference is how Canada views healthcare—it is seen as a right, not a privilege. In my home country India, access to care often depends on your financial situation, and I’ve always wanted to change that. Canada also focuses a lot on prevention, which I think is something we need to do more of everywhere.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What skills do you think are key to success in healthcare administration?
Dr. Akshay: You really need people skills. Being able to communicate well and connect with everyone—from patients to your team—is essential. Organization is important, too, because healthcare is always changing. And adaptability is key—things can change quickly, and you need to be ready to adjust and think on your feet.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Any advice for dentists thinking about a career in healthcare administration?
Dr. Akshay: Start small. Try taking on some administrative tasks in your clinic to see if you enjoy it. If you decide to go for it, be ready to learn a lot. It’s a big shift, but it’s so worth it. You’ll have the chance to make a real difference—not just in individual patients’ lives, but in the healthcare system as a whole.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How has studying and living in Canada changed the way you view healthcare?
Dr. Akshay: Living in Canada has really opened my eyes to how powerful a healthcare system can be when it focuses on fairness and prevention. It has made me think about how I can apply these values to other systems and made me more passionate about improving care for everyone.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Have you noticed any cultural differences between Canada and your home country?
Dr. Akshay: Definitely! In Canada, people value their personal space and independence a lot more, which is different from my home country, where we tend to be more communal. It’s interesting to see how these differences play out, especially when it comes to healthcare.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What’s been your favorite part about being in Canada so far?
Dr. Akshay: I love the diversity here! It’s so exciting to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures. Canada celebrates this diversity, and it makes my experience studying here much richer. I also love the outdoors—hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery are great ways to unwind after a busy day.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What’s next for you after you finish your studies?
Dr. Akshay: My goal is to make dental care a regular part of public health—something people think about every year, just like an annual check-up. I also want to work on initiatives that make healthcare more accessible and focus on prevention. I’m excited to help create a system where everyone can get the care they need, no matter where they are.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Akshay for sharing his valuable insights on our platform.
