Prof. Dr Kulsoom Fatima Rizvi is Vice-Principal, Dental Section, Bahria University Medical and Dental College (BUMDC).
Prof. Dr Kulsoom graduated from Baqai Dental College Karachi in 2006. Later on, she went to England to pursue post-graduation and completed her Masters in Dental Public Health (MSc. DPH.) from King’s College London to complete her masters in 2008.
She then joined Dow University of Health Sciences as MDS Coordinator in 2008 and later promoted to the senior registrar. She continued performing her duties till 2010 and then moved to BUMDC and has been currently working there. She is considered one of the pioneers who built the foundation of the Dental Section at BUMDC and has consistently worked hard to establish and lay the foundation of Dental Education at BUMDC.
In her fifteen years of experience, she has made her mark in an academic leadership role. Prof Dr Kulsoom also actively speaks at top international forums. She also has a keen interest in research work and has received funding for her projects from ORIC. As a token for her services rendered in the research field, she has won the award for Best Researcher for the year 2016 at BUMDC.
She also has the prestige of authoring a reputed book and 20 research publications in both reputed National and International journals to her credit. Her research work has been presented at the FDI Annual World Dental Congress, the most distinguished Dental Forum to showcase research potentials. She has also achieved awards for her research work at The First All Pakistan DUHS - DICE Health 2015 Exhibition and Virtual Student Research Competition held in 2016. Her excellence at academic sessions is evident by the Distinguished Teacher Award year 2017 presented at BUMDC. Dr Kulsoom Fatima Rizvi strives for excellence and believes that dedication, diligence, and perseverance are key to success.
She is also currently performing her duties as the Head of the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry and Head of Dental Public Health research group at BUMDC.
-By Dr Muattar Hanif
What prompted you to select this particular speciality?
I always wanted to make a difference in people's lives, so I chose Dental Institute to pursue my career in academics and the training of students. It helped me fulfil my parents' dream, and by teaching students, you make a difference in lives and leave last long impression. Choosing Dental Public Health also enabled me to get to know the needs of communities and work for humanity. So now, I am serving students and the community simultaneously.
I always wanted to make a difference in people's lives, so I chose Dental Institute to pursue my career in academics and the training of students.
Dr Kulsoom
What kind of mouth diseases is prevailing in Pakistan?
Oral disease is preventable with certain strategies implemented at the right time. Dental Caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral diseases impacting all age groups. Apart from these, oral cancer is also seen commonly due to habits of eating pan and gutka.
How do you think the raging oral cancer problem can be addressed?
We need to identify which population is suffering more or at risk of developing, create awareness amongst the common public, address the underlying cause to eliminate this habit.
How can we increase awareness regarding gutka or other tobacco-related addictions products?
Nowadays, social media platforms are the best source to address the issue and provide detailed adverse effects of substance abuse. Also, proper counselling and follow up sessions should be conducted. The alternate should be provided, and the underlying cause should be eliminated. Poverty, Social problems, family problems and psychological problems all lead to addiction, and people get addict to substance abuse. For example, it is common for truck drivers, who tend to drive long hours, to develop this habit of substance abuse as it helps them stay awake.
Social media platforms are the best source to address the issue and provide detailed adverse effects of substance abuse.
Dr Kulsoom
What steps can be taken to address the issues of people in rural areas?
Public Health dentists should be rotated in rural areas to educate the rural population, implementing the primary health care approach and oral health promotions.
How can public sectors help in oral health issues?
Health is not merely the health sector's responsibility; other sectors like agriculture, food, policymakers, water and sanitation, housing, and education play a vital role in addressing oral health issues.
Why is Pakistan’s post-graduation degree lagging on a global level?
Unfortunately, the PhD pool of the Pakistani population is very less according to student-teacher ratios. Moreover, most of the PhDs don’t return to Pakistan due to limited opportunities. Statistics show that post-graduation is limited to FCPS only, and very few institutes provide degree programs like MPhil, MSc and MDS in Dentistry.
In clinical practice, we have a ratio of 10:1 male vs female dental professionals in Pakistan; why do you think these stats are prevailing?
It is evident from the stats that females are higher in admission for BDS for the past few years. But unfortunately, they don’t pursue higher education or a career in dentistry. This is usually due to our society's cultural norms that females get married and are interested in family life. Most of the time, they don’t get the opportunity to continue after marriage and child subsequently. Also, females are more comfortable and prefer university/ college jobs. They can study and continue their career progression compared to clinical practice in hospitals/clinics due to extended hours. Jobs are limited in institutions, and hiring is according to the requirement prescribed by accreditation bodies.
As a woman, so many times, I faced gender biases, and female empowerment was not welcomed
Dr Kulsoom
As a woman, do you felt any setbacks in professional life?
There are always pros and cons to everything. It all depends upon setting up priorities, facing challenges gracefully and deal with problems. As a woman, so many times, I faced gender biases, and female empowerment was not welcomed. But as I said, if your aim is clear, your targets are defined, then no force can stop you from achieving anything.
How do you think female dental professionals can work along with all their burdens, some tips for them?
Female professionals can easily work along with some smart tricks and arrangements. They should make a to-do list of tasks at home and a to-do list of workplace tasks. Then according to availability of time, prioritise tasks, delegate tasks where necessary and pend tasks if not urgent. One should take care of mental and physical health; only females can take care of their surroundings. Always keep your mind positive so that positive energy is radiated, and it will be easier to face challenges rather than panicking and ending up in disaster. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra help at home from external resources or in the family if available. Train kids to manage small chores on their own. Meditate and Pray. Concentrate on sharing quality time with family and friends. There is no harm in taking a break from the hectic routine of work or the busy routine of home. Spend time with friends. At least once daily, do something which satisfies you or give you joy. Eat healthily and exercise daily.
What are the hot topics for dental researches these days?
With the advancement of technology and innovation in dentistry, dental research topics must be tooth regeneration, the effect of the pandemic on oral health, the role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of oral cancer and use of robots in dentistry.
Do you think research at the undergrad level has any worth?
Research at the undergrad level must be introduced from 1st year. Then, gradually, with training and guidance, students should be taught the importance of research, conduct research, and implement research results in practice. Since starting research culture will be inculcated in undergraduates, this will help them conduct research projects efficiently. Also, our graduates will not feel outdated and can compete internationally.
Research opens students' minds and enables them to think critically and logically by reading past research and researching topics that were not done earlier or due to limitations.
Dr Kulsoom
Any suggestions you want to give for dental students who are thinking of research in future?
In this era of technology, we have forgotten the trend of reading literature. Research opens students' minds and enables them to think critically and logically by reading past research and researching topics that were not done earlier or due to limitations. One should first train themselves for conducting research, then only you develop interest. Secondly, determine your interest in the type of research you want to conduct according to the resources available. It should be beneficial to the institute and eventually state. The research will enable you to obtain better prospects in post-graduation and job.
Researches done in Pakistan are still struggling to level with the ones done on an international level; how do you think this difference can be eradicated?
Research training is limited in Pakistan, funding options are limited, and procedural delays collectively call for lack of interest. Institutional ORIC (Office of Research Innovation and Commercialisation) should strengthen institutional research by supporting students in obtaining funding from outside agencies. State of Multidisciplinary research lab loaded with advanced equipment should be made available for researchers in every institute so that one doesn’t have to pay outside labs for research. Supporting staff should be readily available to all researchers, from initial guidance and training to statistical analysis. All research steps, including ERB (Ethical Review Board) and FRC (Faculty Research Committee), should be taught to researchers not to research a problem or something that is not possible.
Always keep your mind positive so that positive energy is radiated, and it will be easier to face challenges rather than panicking and ending up in disaster.
Dr Kulsoom
Research incentives should be provided to researchers for encouragement and reward for conducting research.
What advice do you have for aspiring dentists?
I have grown up with the slogan that girls can do anything since we were only girls at home, so we had to do everything by ourselves. I have learnt there nothing in life that is impossible. One should be focused and determined to achieve. Once you learn the art of facing reality, overcoming obstacles and cashing opportunities at the right time, then you are unstoppable. Hard work always pays off, it may take time, and that time provides us with the opportunity to pray and wait for the right time patiently. There is nothing that can break you or stop you; accept your mindset and thoughts. Nurture yourselves with knowledge and positive thoughts. I have my special message for girls that my marriage and pregnancy didn’t stop me from achieving my goals, and God has been very kind who helped me sail through my journey. Our parents should also encourage daughters to pursue career and don’t sit at home after marriage and should support sons to allow their wives to progress in their profession.
Dr Muattar Hanif
The author is Editor at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at newsdesk@medicalnewsgroup.com.pk
