Om Raizada, a junior school student from Chicago, has found his passion in medicine. Working as a dental assistant, his interest was sparked by accompanying his mother to her clinic. Through web series, books, and personal exploration, he embarked on a self-driven journey of learning. Attending camps on diabetes prevention and physical exercise, Om became certified in CPR and actively volunteered in medical societies. He also delved into the realm of Ayurveda and Yoga for disease prevention.
MedBound Times interviewed Om Raizada, discussing his life and remarkable professional growth.
Himani - Hello Om, welcome to MedBound Times! Could you please tell our community about yourself and your profession, what are you doing currently?
Om - I'm currently a junior-grade student, I run the tracks for my school while focusing on my studies to get good grades. Additionally, I work as a dental assistant in a dental office. Just living life!
Dr. Meghal - What led you to choose this profession at such a young age?
Om - My parents are doctors and I have grown up surrounded by medical professionals. While I initially had non-professional jobs like working in restaurants, I seized the opportunity to speak with my dentist about working in his clinic. He agreed, and I've been working with him for the past 4 months.
Dr. Meghal - Since you are new to this field, could you describe the nature of your work and the procedures you perform?
Om - Initially, my tasks involved sterilizing instruments and running errands at the clinic. Since I was very enthusiastic to learn more about dentistry, I began assisting the doctors. In today's date, I have learned quite a bit and now I perform tasks such as taking X-rays (including panoramic and specific tooth X-rays) before the doctor's arrival. I also clean and prepare operation rooms. I am now trained in infection control and also involve myself in setting up instrument trays for the doctors, preparing the rooms, and even providing suction during procedures to facilitate a smooth workflow for the doctor.
Dr. Meghal - It's truly impressive how much you've learned without formal education or background in dentistry. Weren't you or the dentist you work under skeptical about you working there?
Om - Yes, initially it was indeed a bit strange. I was very new to everything, I relied on a small assistance manual available at the clinic, which proved to be quite helpful. I mainly learned through hands-on experience, observing doctors' conversations, and watching other assistants. The people in my office are very nice and supportive, always willing to answer my questions and queries.
Dr. Meghal - Your dedication to learning and working is commendable. In terms of formal education, are there any specific courses or examinations required for this profession in the US?
Om - Legally, there aren't any specific requirements. However, there is training available, such as infection control, which I have also received. In America, anyone above 16 years can pursue this training. While no formal education is mandatory for dental assistants, those who aspire to become dental professionals typically pursue education in dental schools.
Dr. Meghal - How about students coming from foreign countries who aspire to become dental assistants in the US? Are there any specific requirements or procedures for them?
Om - As far as I know, the procedures and requirements are pretty much the same for everyone. Licensing and adherence to regulations regarding employer conduct and patient safety are important aspects for anyone in the medical field. You do not need a special skill set particularly.
Dr. Meghal - As someone new to the field, what challenges do you encounter? Despite having a friendly and cooperative office environment, are there any specific challenges you face?
Om - Oh definitely yes! I initially underestimated the amount of learning required in this profession, and now I realize how much I still have to learn. For me Working long hours and managing travel is a task. I am gradually getting used to it, but it's definitely a transition for me.
Dr. Meghal - Well, transitioning always involves making small adjustments. What are your plans for the future, considering your interest in the medical field?
Om - I am definitely interested in medical. It is not I want to become a dentist, but working here has given me a clear path. I might not feel the same after a few years though! Working in the clinic doesn't even feel like work anymore because I have developed strong friendships with my coworkers. It brings me satisfaction to see patients come in with pain and leave the clinic treated. So, let's see what the future holds!
Dr. Meghal - As a newcomer, do you experience performance pressure? Being expected to perform tasks perfectly despite not knowing everything so well, how do you handle that fear?
Om - Well, in the medical and dental fields, you cannot afford to make a mistake. If the procedure has to be done on a particular tooth or surface, it has to be done on that only. But what calms me down to meet the expectations of this perfectionism is knowing that I can take my time to refine my skills and perform the tasks. Whenever I feel like I am not doing anything right, I always ask since I am also scared of messing up. One mistake is one too many!
Dr. Meghal - This line definitely is scary in terms of this since the human body is involved. So generally speaking, what do you think so far is the scope of this career, especially in the US?
Om - I think the scope is pretty similar...pursuing appropriate subjects and selecting a dental school if one wants to be a dentist. There's also the scope of becoming a dental hygienist. Interestingly, one of my colleagues works as a full-time traveling assistant. Additionally, one can also open their own clinic.
"One mistake is one too many!"Om Raizada
Dr. Meghal - Now, setting academics aside for a moment, my colleague and I are curious to learn more about you as an individual. What is your Birthplace?
Om - I was born in Chicago
Dr. Meghal - What all languages can you speak and write?
Om - I speak Hindi fluently at home. I don't know how to write and can read a little. I am learning Spanish also.
Dr. Meghal - What is the last thing you read?
Om - A really old book from my literary class - a gothic novel
Dr. Meghal - What is your favorite dish?
Om - Mac and Cheese
Dr. Meghal - How would your friends describe you as a person?
Om - Extroverted, social person, pretty laid back and easy-going
Dr. Meghal - What is your most and least favorite subject?
Om - The most favorite subject is probably chemistry or biology and the least is mathematics!
Dr. Meghal - What would you want to change about this world?
Om - World hunger is a huge problem that should not be actually. I worked in the food industry a little bit and have seen how much is thrown in the garbage. There is a lot of scarcity of food.
Dr. Meghal - If your life was a book, what would be its name?
Om - Living life!
Dr. Meghal - What are you passionate about?
Om - Healthcare - I love and look forward to working in it!
Dr. Meghal - What do you do in your free time?
Om - I usually hang out with friends. I occasionally like my alone time too, listening to music too.
Dr. Meghal - What is your dream destination?
Om - Bahamas, the Island. It is pretty cold here so ya!
Dr. Meghal - What triggers you the most?
Om - People interrupting is a triggering point for me. I have read about active listening. People actually don't listen to others, but they wait for their turn to speak!
Dr. Meghal - How do you keep calm before any exam or stressful event?
Om - I just remind myself that nothing is so serious. I know how much I have prepared. If I haven't, nothing will change by stressing out now!
Dr. Meghal - Which pill would you take? Red or blue Pill? Red Pill: You can go to the past with all of your present knowledge. Blue Pill: You will skip 20 years of your life with billions of dollars in your bank account
Om - I would take the red pill. Billions of dollars is too much money for anybody! I would just know about certain things like Bitcoin and Tesla, go in the past and earn so much more and become rich - I don't need a billion dollars! If I knew I have a red pill, I would take it immediately, learn the current new advancements, go back, and save many lives and I will be rich.
Dr. Meghal - Finally, a quote that you relate to
Om - You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take by Michael Scott.
Dr. Meghal - Thank you Om for your valuable time. It was a pleasure talking to you and I really learned a lot from you too!