In 2025, I was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for publishing the highest number of academic papers by a dental specialist in a year. This achievement was the result of years of dedication, discipline, and a commitment to contributing meaningful knowledge to dentistry and healthcare.
It is also the result of the journey I undertook with OUM.
As a paediatric dental specialist, my work involves managing complex cases and providing the best care possible. It is both incredibly rewarding and demanding. However, while I love what I do, I wanted to broaden my approach.
That’s why, in 2018, I enrolled in an MBA specialising in Healthcare Management. Many people thought it was unusual. Why would a practising specialist go back to studying? But I knew that leadership, strategic thinking, and managerial skills are just as important as clinical expertise, especially in healthcare.
I had a tough workload, as I had to balance clinical work, postgraduate training in paediatric dentistry, research, and MBA studies. It required structured planning, prioritising tasks, and maintaining consistency in writing and data analysis, even during the busiest periods.
As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going! I stayed disciplined and focused until graduation.
I gained a lot of skills in strategic management, leadership, organisational behaviour, and decision-making. These became practical tools supporting both my academic work and professional growth.
Thanks to OUM’s open digital and distance education model, I could integrate learning into my professional life without compromising patient care or research commitments.
My success is not mine alone. I am deeply grateful to my co-authors for their collaboration and trust – and to my supervisor, Prof Datin Dr Santhi Raghavan, whose guidance and encouragement have stayed with me beyond graduation.
To my fellow OUM students and working professionals, this is my tip – stay consistent and trust the process. With structured effort, discipline, and passion, you can achieve your goals too.
At the end of the day, my journey proves that learning never stops. Every new skill, every research paper, and every lesson has strengthened my ability to serve my patients, my community, and myself.
