Resident Spotlight: Dr. Pallavi Suhag
Compiled by Dr. Austyn Grissom
Dr. Pallavi Suhag is a third-year resident at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. The Paper Point‘s Dr. Austyn Grissom recently caught up with her to discuss her journey to endo, motherhood and her life outside of endo.
The Paper Point: Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview and sharing your journey with us. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Dr. Pallavi Suhag: I’m a third year Endodontics resident at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. As the daughter of a diplomat and military personnel, I grew up around the world. I went to dental school first in India and became a dentist at a very young age of 23, and then moving to the States and exploring my life here is what came as a natural progression to me. I went to dental school again at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco and got my DDS. Then I went on to do a GPR at Bellevue Hospital in New York City where I realized my love for root canals and found my true calling in Endodontics. And here I am, a few months from graduating and wrapping up this long academic journey.
The Paper Point: Wow, that is quite the journey! Out of everywhere you have lived in the world, where has been your favorite place to call home?
Dr. Suhag: That’s a tough one. So many places with distinct fond memories of my childhood but, if I had to pick one, New York city is perhaps the closest to my heart. The thronging crowds, energy and pace of New York city is very reminiscent of New Delhi. My dad worked very closely with the United Nations so growing up I spent a lot of time in Manhattan. When time came to decide where I’d go next after graduating dental school, NYC was a no brainer for me. Also, I met my best friend and husband in NYC so it’s even more special to me now.
The Paper Point: You mentioned that you recognized your calling while in your GPR at Bellevue Hospital- before this realization, what had you envisioned your career journey to be?
Dr. Suhag: I am not someone who plans too far ahead. I like to live in the moment and always trust my intuition. While I had not completely ruled out pursuing further studies, I wanted to get out there in the world and practice full scope dentistry to discover what spoke to me and what would get me excited to go to work everyday.
The Paper Point: Congratulations on your upcoming (and final) graduation. What are your plans following residency?
Dr. Suhag: Thanks Austyn, I’m really excited for what lies ahead! I will be joining an Endo office as a full-time associate and foraying into private practice. I do see myself as a practice owner/entrepreneur down the line.
The Paper Point: After all these years of formal dental education, do you think you will miss academia? Can you ever see yourself teaching in the future?
Dr. Suhag: I can see myself devoting some time to teaching residents/students once I have enough experience and wisdom to pass along. I’m also very interested in starting a mentorship program for women wanting to pursue dentistry/endodontics because often times we find ourselves at a crossroads where a little guidance can go a long way. I have been fortunate to have some very strong, supportive female mentors who have been extremely instrumental in my journey thus far and I would like to pass that along.
The Paper Point: When you have free time, what do you like to do for fun?
Dr. Suhag: Being a new mom in residency, time is of such essence now. I love to spend all the time that I can with my son Aiden and my sweet goldendoodle Bryson. My husband and I enjoy motorsports and love to go on long bike rides in beautiful New England (when the weather allows), we also love to take our car to the racetrack and autocross. Pre-COVID we would pack our bags and travel the world for quick long weekend getaways.
The Paper Point: How old is Mr. Aiden now? Do you have any advice for any current or future residents who are navigating the rigors of parenthood and residency at the same time?
Dr. Suhag: Aiden is eight months old! Navigating residency through my pregnancy, and then as a new mom has been challenging and rewarding. It’s important to have a separation between the two and strike the best balance that you can. While sometimes it is inevitable to think about that calcified canal you couldn’t negotiate or that apico you could have flapped better, its best to not bring your work stressors home. This is something I’m still working on and struggle with daily. My advice would be to chalk out a daily routine and stay organized. Time management has helped me a lot and, it’s also imperative to allocate some time to yourself daily. I love spinning and SoulCycle keeps me sane. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by great co-residents, faculty and program director that have helped and supported me along the way.
The Paper Point: I love that you are interested in interior design. How did you recognize this passion? Would you ever consider pursuing interior design as a side-hustle?
Dr. Suhag: My interest in interior design piqued because of my mom. She has been doing freelance projects and since we moved to a new house every two to three years we had our own little project at hand that we designed and made it home. I would like to go to interior design school at some point, learn the different nuances and hone in more on my eclectic style and flair for design.
The Paper Point: Any final words for our readers?
Dr. Suhag: Never let the fear of failure bog you down and keep you from realizing your goals and dreams. The failures and hardships in my life have been my biggest blessings and shaped me into the woman I’m today. As Paulo Coelho said in The Alchemist, “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure…”. We only miss the shots we don’t take, so no matter the adversities, keep dreaming and keep pushing forward.
Dr. Austyn Grissom is a postgraduate endodontic resident and a member of the AAE’s Resident and New Practitioner Committee.