In our latest DocScopy segment, we are delighted to feature Dr. Sundari Durairajan, a BDS graduate of the Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital in Chennai, India. Following her graduation, Dr. Sundari dedicated her time to preparing for entrance exams, leading to her role as the Director of Content and Strategy at MERITERS MDS Prep.
In this insightful interview, Dr. Sundari speaks with Dr. Nirainila Joseph from MedBound Times about her journey and expertise as a content expert in the dental PG entrance exam preparation app. She shares her responsibilities in this role, the process of creating engaging and effective content, and the various types of content they develop. Dr. Sundari also discusses how her team interacts with students, resolves their doubts, and highlights the success stories of students who have benefited from their guidance.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Please introduce yourself to our readers
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: I am Dr. Sundari Durairajan, a graduate of the esteemed Government Dental College in Chennai. Following my graduation, I dedicated my time to preparing for entrance exams and eventually became a content expert at MERITERS MDS Prep. Currently, I hold the position of Director of Content and Strategy at the organization. In addition to my work at MERITERS, I have completed courses in cosmetology and continue to engage in clinical practice.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Well, that is an interesting career path. Can you describe your current role as the Director of Content and Strategy at MERITERS MDSPrep? What are your main responsibilities?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: As a team, we prioritize providing top-notch content tailored to evolving exam patterns. I meticulously craft questions, deliver engaging video lectures, facilitate interactive sessions with students, and offer comprehensive support to help them excel in their exams.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What inspired you to pursue a career in dental education and content strategy?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: My passion for learning has not only shaped my career in dentistry but has also led me to excel in content strategy and management for exams. While I continue to maintain my clinical practice, my drive to stay updated on the latest trends and topics in both fields brings me immense satisfaction. This dual focus allows me to enhance my knowledge, contribute to student success, and continually improve in both my dental practice and content management role.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: From your experience, what skills do you believe are essential for educators and content creators in the field of dental education?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial qualities for educators and content creators in the field of dental education. Being open to new ideas and eager to upgrade skills enables professionals to stay current with changes and advancements in the industry, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and content provided to students.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: As the director of content and strategy, what strategies do you use to ensure the quality of content delivered and enhance entrance exam preparations through your platform?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: In our app, MERITERS MDSprep, we take pride in offering top-notch content including a comprehensive question bank, engaging video lectures, and effective test series. Our standout features include high-quality notes and workbooks that are designed to enhance the learning experience for our users.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: With different entrance exams like NEET, INICET, etc., how do you ensure the content aligns with the specific requirements of each exam?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: Our app, MERITERS MDSprep, offers test series that closely simulate the patterns of NEET, INICET, and PSC exams. We provide specialized packs for PSC exams to help users prepare effectively for these specific assessments.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: As someone who transitioned from being a student preparing for PG exams to a guidance expert for these exams, how do you see the evolution of the landscape of dental postgraduate entrance exams in recent years? What are some key trends you've observed?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the exam patterns of NEET, INICET, and PSC exams towards more clinically oriented questions. This change emphasizes the importance of practical application of medical knowledge and requires candidates to effectively manage their time during the exams.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in managing content for such a comprehensive academic platform?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: Our primary focus is on preparing students for the evolving exam patterns and scenarios by incorporating a wide range of image-based and case-based questions. With thousands of such questions at our disposal, we are committed to providing students with the most up-to-date dental knowledge to help them adapt effectively to these changes.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What is your strategic vision for the content future of your platform, and how do you plan to achieve it?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: Our core strategy moving forward is to make high-quality dental education accessible to a wide audience of students, supporting them in both exam preparation and daily practice. We prioritize continuous learning and improvement based on student feedback, with many students already choosing our app, MERITERS MDSprep, as their go-to resource. Our ultimate vision is to see MERITERS MDSprep become the preferred primary source for dental students across the board.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How do you see the role of technology evolving in dental education, and what innovations do you foresee being incorporated into your field of work?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: Technology has been a cornerstone of our app's success, enabling us to offer a range of user-friendly features that set us apart from other dental education resources. We are constantly innovating and have exciting plans to further enhance the app's usability and functionality in the future, ensuring an even more seamless and engaging experience for our users.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Can you share the rewarding experiences of guiding dental students in their exam preparation?
The impact of our app on students' success is truly heartwarming. Each year, we witness countless students achieving top ranks and securing admissions in prestigious colleges, all thanks to their dedication and our comprehensive resources. Even postgraduates continue to rely on our app for thorough revision of fundamental subjects, highlighting the enduring value and trust they place in our platform.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: On the other hand, what are the biggest challenges students face when preparing for dental postgraduate entrance exams?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: One of the most significant challenges that many students face is determining the best approach to strategize their studies, refine their revision plans, and effectively manage their time. This hurdle often requires thoughtful consideration and careful planning to overcome and progress in their academic journey.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What advice would you give to aspiring dental professionals preparing for postgraduate entrance exams to overcome the challenges you have mentioned?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: One valuable piece of advice is to encourage dental students to adopt a proactive approach to their studies right from the beginning of their academic journey. In the field of medicine, such as MBBS, students typically start preparing early on, setting a solid foundation for their future success. By instilling this mindset in dental education as well, students can better orient themselves over the course of four years and be better prepared for entrance exams. To support this approach, offering foundation courses that students can enroll in from their first year can be highly beneficial. Additionally, providing resources such as an app that has been proven to help students excel in both college exams and entrance exams can further aid in their academic progress and success.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Apart from content creation, how do you engage with students to understand their challenges and needs in exam preparation? How do you handle student queries and provide personalized support beyond academics in an online education environment?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: We host interactive Telegram sessions where students can engage with us and participate in open doubt-solving sessions. Our doubt-solving groups are open to all, providing a platform for students to ask questions and seek clarification on various topics. Our Telegram sessions cover test-related topics and upcoming plans to enhance student engagement. We are committed to addressing their queries promptly and effectively. We have a range of upcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing our connection with students, with many exciting plans in the pipeline to further improve student engagement and support.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Based on your frequent interactions with students, how do you incorporate feedback from students to continually improve your teaching materials and methods?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: As we continuously seek feedback from students, we evolve our question bank to align with current trends and enhance engagement. This iterative process of learning and adapting allows us to provide relevant and effective support to our students.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How do you measure the success and effectiveness of your platform and its materials?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: Our platform's success is measured by the achievements of our students. Many have shared their success stories and recommended our platform to their peers. From starting at the basics to mastering complex subjects, our app provides a convenient way to study anytime, anywhere on your phone or tablet.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: With so many centers and resources for dental entrance exam preparations, how does MERITERS MDSPrep distinguish itself from others?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: Our platform consistently delivers exceptional results, with a remarkable 97% strike rate in exams over the past three years. Our top-notch test series and study materials have been highly effective in helping students achieve their academic goals. Our marathon series and last-minute revision packs are especially praised for their effectiveness in preparing students for exams.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Thank you for the informative discussion. As a closing question, what are your personal goals and aspirations within the dental education landscape?
Dr. Sundari Durairajan: My ambition is to drive innovation in exam trends, remain at the forefront of industry developments, and bridge the gap between theory and practice. I'm eager to embark on a series of clinical courses that will not only enhance my expertise but also enable me to make a meaningful impact in the field. I'm excited to explore the opportunities that lie ahead and make the most of them.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Sundari Durairajan for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.