3 Questions With Dr. Adith Venugopal by Sam Mittelsteadt

3 Questions With Dr. Adith Venugopal

Dr. Adith Venugopal, who joined the Orthotown editorial advisory board in 2022, earned his clinical MS in orthodontics in the Philippines and his PhD in orthodontics in South Korea, lived in Cambodia for eight years, was affiliated with a university in India, and recently became a senior lecturer and orthodontist at the University of Otago in New Zealand. No matter where he resides, Venugopal has shared interesting clinical cases; his article in this issue (“Iatrogenic Challenges”) is his fourth article for Orthotown in as many years..
1. What inspired such an international, multicultural work history?

My international career comes from a mix of loving orthodontics, enjoying different cultures and a drive to learn globally. Living and working in various countries has given me a better grasp of health care systems and patient needs. Experiencing different cultures enriches my life, making me more adaptable and empathetic. These diverse environments have boosted my skills and knowledge. Plus, building an international network has opened up cool opportunities for research and teaching. My love for traveling and treating patients from different backgrounds has really expanded my understanding of smiles around the world.


2. In your article, you compare one case from early in your career with another that you treated after you’d gained more experience. Many doctors would be worried about presenting a less-than-ideal result as their finished work, but your opinion is that sharing learning experiences helps others improve how they practice, too.

While many doctors might hesitate to present less-than-ideal results, I believe sharing these learning experiences is crucial for everyone’s growth. As clinicians, we make mistakes every day, and it’s important to realize that making mistakes is normal. Sharing the common mistakes we make in our daily practice can help other clinicians immensely. A supportive community where we can exchange ideas and thoughts is invaluable. Platforms like Orthotown’s message boards offer a space for orthodontists to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. This open sharing helps us all improve our practices and ultimately provide better care for our patients.


3. As an in-demand keynote speaker around the world, what are your favorite tips or hacks to make flying and business travel less of a slog?

I love turning lecture trips into holidays by traveling with my family, which adds a fun element to work trips. I always arrive a day early to rest and ensure I’m at my best for the conference. I stay a few days after to explore and enjoy the place with family. Speaking at events where I have close friends makes the experience even better, especially because conferences often end with a party or get-together. Connecting with friends and colleagues makes the trip truly worthwhile.

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