Determination & Dentistry: Dr. Mahalakshmi A on Following Your True Calling
Dr. Nirainila Joseph of MedBound Times had the pleasure of engaging in a though-provoking conversation with Dr. Mahalakshmi A, a dental surgeon.
Dr. Mahalakshmi A embarked on her dental academic journey at Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital (TNGDCH), Chennai, where she completed her BDS degree. She pursued further specialization, earning a Fellowship in Dental Surgery (Orthodontics) from Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. However, her path to dentistry began with a brief stint in engineering.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Mahalakshmi shared her experiences navigating the transition from engineering to dentistry with valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of her chosen field. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination in pursuing one's true calling. Dive into the conversation to get valuable insights on her journey of personal and professional growth in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Welcome to a DocScopy session with MedBound Times. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your professional background?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: I am Dr Mahalakshmi A, a dental surgeon. I have done my under graduation from Government Dental College, Chennai and FDS in Orthodontics from Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. Prior to enrolling in dental college, I also pursued engineering for one year.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: It's quite an interesting switch from engineering to dentistry! Can you share what initially led you to pursue engineering?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: Actually I didn’t have enough cut off marks to join a medical degree program after my higher secondary board exams. Also, I have always been fond of mathematics which led me to opt for engineering.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Can you describe what drew you to consider healthcare as your true calling? What aspects of the field appealed to you?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: Since childhood I had the ambition of becoming a doctor. My thought is that providing proper healthcare to people is more than just earning for a living. It’s about desire to help people, personal fulfilment and having a impact in community.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How did your experience studying engineering for one year impact your perspective on career choices and ultimately guide you towards dentistry?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: Studying engineering profoundly helped me in understanding my personal interests like direct patient interaction rather than a technical application, my focus on hands-on work, work life balance considerations and ultimately personal fulfillment.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How did you navigate the process of transitioning from engineering to dentistry? What academic or personal challenges, initial doubts did you encounter along the way? What motivated you to stay committed to your new path?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: After a year in engineering, I applied for Tamil Nadu Medical Counselling again and got into Government Dental College, Chennai. Academically there were no challenges I believe. The only challenge I have experienced is that I have to spend a lot of money for this transition. As it was my ambition since childhood, it was easy to stay committed to this new path.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Once you made the ultimate decision, did you encounter any negative reactions or skepticism from professors or classmates or family regarding your decision to pursue dentistry after initially enrolling in engineering?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: Yes! When I informed about this to my department head in engineering, he seemed displeased. Then I had to talk him through my ambitions and goals which led him to be on board. When I left engineering after a year and joined dentistry, my new colleagues and faculty in dental college were welcoming and treated me like any other new student. I think this was because many students take a similar path when they don't secure a medical seat in their first year of counseling. My family and my friends were of great support to me during this transition.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How did you feel about studying dentistry after realizing it was a better fit for you compared to engineering?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: Personally I was happy during my clinical work as there was personal fulfilment, a stress free environment to work. There was also some doubts regarding financial stability after completing the course.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Can you share a few words about your Fellowship in Orthodontics? Why did you decide to choose FDS instead of MDS after your bachelor's degree in dentistry?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: The fellowship mainly concentrates on clinical training and there will be no research work and theory examinations for assessment. There will be a documentation work of our completed case records with photographs. Fellowship in orthodontics will not include treatment of skeletal malocclusion cases. My goal is to establish a private practice of my own for which this fellowship seemed sufficient.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Now that you have finally pursued your dream degree and embarked on your dental career, what excites you the most about practicing dentistry?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: I am so excited about patient interaction and relationships, the fact that I will be able to see immediate impact, constantly evolving techniques which will boost me to learn continuously. I also enjoy doing hands-on procedures and community contribution.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: If you could go back in time, would you have chosen engineering in the first place, or would you have pursued dentistry from the beginning?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: Engineering has a benefit that you can be financially independent right after a proper under-graduation degree. But dentistry takes a lot of time to evolve there. So considering my current personal situations, I think if I could go back in time, I might choose engineering. Despite being personally content with my chosen profession, I acknowledge that practical considerations sometimes lead to different decisions.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Looking back, do you wish you had someone to guide you through your career transition? In the absence of a mentor, how did you find the information and support you needed to navigate the career change?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: Yes, I wish I had someone especially someone who is specialized in Dentistry to guide me through the transition so I would have had a clear idea. I surfed a lot about it on Internet and as I said earlier the support from my parents were really encouraging.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Reflecting on my journey, what advice would you give to individuals who are contemplating a similar transition from a non-healthcare background to pursuing dentistry or medicine?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: If you are really interested in healthcare, the transition is a really great idea to think about. You can enjoy treating patients and find it really motivating and exciting. I had to just remind you the fact that you have to be patient to attain financial stability.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years of your dental career?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: I am thinking about establishing my own private practice with a chain of dental clinics and to staying current on the latest trends in dentistry, providing best possible care and to create a impact on community about oral healthcare.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Your story blends personal passion with practical insight, offering inspiration for anyone navigating their own career path. As we conclude our discussion, I'd like to pose one final question. How important is it to follow your true calling, even if it requires a significant shift in direction mid-career?
Dr. Mahalakshmi A: It is incredibly important as it gives career fulfilment and satisfaction, a motivation and encouragement of personal and professional growth, to live with authenticity and integrity. Ultimately it can lead to a more meaningful and rewarding professional life.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Mahalakshmi A for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
