Dr. Rashmi Maniya is a dedicated Consulting Periodontist based in Mysore, Karnataka, blending clinical expertise with a passion for writing insightful blogs on dental health.
A graduate of KLE Institute of Dental Science, Belgaum (BDS, 2006-2007), she earned her MDS (Periodontics) from Bangalore Institute of Dental Science, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka (2015-2016).
She is among the dentists who have established herself as a blogger, content strategist, practitioner, and writer, and she wears many hats. In this interview, Dr. Rashmi Maniya discusses what has been the driving force as she navigated unchartered territories as a medical writer.
In this edition of Docscopy, Dr. Swati Sharma from MedBound Times, talks to her about her journey, inspirations, struggles, and achievements.
Dr. Swati Sharma: Briefly tell us about yourself.
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: I am Rashmi Maniya, a private dental practitioner in Mysore. As a Periodontal surgeon and general dentist, I have been working, as a consultant for eight years.
When I started the Danthi clinic in 2022 I had a dream in my heart. Struggles and achievements are always a part of life which is never a cakewalk. To me, it seems the Universe supported me, and I was able to accomplish many things I had wished for. My biggest strength has been my faith in God and when you believe in Him and yourself and plan, you are bound to succeed.
Dr. Swati Sharma: How has your journey been as a dentist?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: Fascinating in one word. As a Dentist, I get to learn new things daily and cherish meeting my goals. Learning new skills and making connections inspires me.
Dr. Swati Sharma: What made you transition to medical writing? How challenging was it to make that change? From, mirrors, probes, tweezers, extraction forceps, and all how different it is to hold a pen.
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: Educating people has always fascinated me. As practitioners, we have little space, so I chose social media, Instagram, and WhatsApp to educate people and create awareness about oral health. I find my journey as someone creating content fulfilling.
Dr. Swati Sharma: What skills did you develop to move into the unfamiliar terrain of writing? You travel that road less traveled where the landscape can be challenging, and you need to brace yourself tight. How did you put up with the challenges?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: I started as a Blogger for my friend's website writing on dental topics. She used to give me incentives but later I started working for the women's SHEROES app. The women's community and business app for entrepreneurial women. It provides literacy to women in their matters.
Dr. Swati Sharma: Since you are a consultant how have your experiences been?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: Working for another clinician is a great and responsible job, where clinical experience with skills and post-operative results counts more than your knowledge.
Dr. Swati Sharma: As you gain experience, can you pick and choose your projects? How far is that true?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: Once you master your craft, soft skills help you make a space. Mastering your craft gives you the pleasure to work and flexibility.
Dr. Swati Sharma: How was that moment when you decided to let’s say- make the quantum leap?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: The future always baffles us. I just prayed to God to provide strength and help me walk confidently.
Dr. Swati Sharma: When you look back, what do you think of the transition?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: In the beginning, all transitions are perplexing and messy somewhere in the middle, but towards the end, I think they are amazing.
Dr. Swati Sharma: How do you think dentistry has evolved for you ever since you got into writing?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: Trends, technologies, and global issues in oral health care. My outlook on dentistry and my approach to clinical work has transformed.
Writing about dentistry keeps me updated on advancements, enriches my practice, and contributes meaningfully to patient care.
Dr. Swati Sharma: What trends do you see shaping the field of medical communication?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: Online education is a big game changer. It is a powerful tool and the most valuable part of distant communication.
Dr. Swati Sharma: What has been the most rewarding aspect of the journey from a dentist to a medical writer?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: The most rewarding aspect of medical writing is that I have grown in my practice and communication skills.
The flexibility of medical writing has allowed me to grow professionally while staying connected to dentistry.
Dr. Swati Sharma: What is the one thing you want to tell students pursuing dentistry, especially in the wake of the knowledge that many dentists are pursuing medical writing or alternative careers?
Dr. Rashmi Maniya: Be specific, have goals, and do not be a Jack of all trades, master of none. You can always change your field and pursue your dreams.
My advice is to explore diverse career paths, including medical writing. As dentists, we understand clinical practices and patient care. Writing allows us to share our expertise with a broader audience, from patients to healthcare professionals.
It is also a flexible career option that lets you stay connected to healthcare while pursuing other passions. A growing trend of dentists, moving into medical writing shows the value of leveraging clinical knowledge to make a meaningful impact beyond direct patient care.
MedBound Times extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rashmi Maniya for generously sharing her time and expertise, providing invaluable insights to our audience.
