Dr. Shruti Ajmera’s Post

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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Hair transplant surgeon Skilled in Surgical Procedures & Patient Care

**The Journey of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in India: Challenges Beyond the Scalpel** As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in India, the path I walk daily isn’t just about performing surgeries or treating patients. It’s a journey filled with unique challenges—some unexpected and some inherent to the very nature of our profession. One of the most common hurdles I face is something as simple as the pronunciation of my title. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialty that's still relatively unknown to many, especially in rural areas. More often than not, when I introduce myself, I see confusion on people's faces, not only because of the complexity of the field but also due to the tongue-twisting nature of the name itself. I remember one particular instance, early in my residency, when a patient looked at me with wide eyes and hesitantly asked, “Doctor, what exactly do you do?” I smiled and explained that I specialize in surgeries involving the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. But what followed was a classic Indian response: “Oh, so you fix teeth, right?” While treating oral health is a big part of my work, my role stretches far beyond just dental care. From reconstructive surgeries for cancer patients to traumatic facial injuries and congenital defects, the scope is vast. Yet, due to limited awareness, people often miss the nuances of the field. Another challenge, more technical, is the availability of resources. While India has made significant strides in medical advancements, access to state-of-the-art equipment, especially in smaller cities or rural areas, is still a luxury. As professionals, we adapt, make the best use of what’s available, and find creative solutions to deliver optimal care. And then, there’s the constant balancing act between patient education and trust. A lot of patients are hesitant about undergoing surgery, especially in a field that requires precise and, at times, life-changing interventions. Communicating the importance of treatment and reassuring them about their outcomes is an ongoing effort that forms the core of our practice. But despite these challenges, the joy of transforming lives through surgery, alleviating pain, restoring function, and rebuilding self-esteem makes it all worthwhile. Every day is an opportunity to educate, heal, and bridge the gap between awareness and care. To my fellow oral and maxillofacial surgeons in India, let's continue to educate, advocate, and make a difference, one patient at a time. After all, we don’t just fix faces—we give them a voice. #OralAndMaxillofacialSurgery #HealthcareInIndia #MedicalChallenges #SurgicalCare #HealthAwareness

Neal Johnson, DDS, PhD, MBA

The Efficiency Catalyst - Empowering DSOs To Design, Integrate, & Launch Profitable Pediatric Anesthesia and Orthodontic Services with seamless efficiency using tech and AI | Blueprint Overbyte | Anesthesiologist |

3w

Thanks for sharing. It’s clear you’re focused on improving care and addressing gaps. Navigating challenges is part of the job, but it’s what needs to be done for patients.

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