Dr. Suganthan Kayilasanathan is a distinguished family physician known for his comprehensive and compassionate approach to healthcare. Originating from the Seychelles and relocating to Canada in 1988, he infuses his practice with a rich cultural understanding. He earned his BSc from the University of Western Ontario and an MD from the Medical University of the Americas, completing his family medicine residency in 2009.
Dr. Kayilasanathan is deeply committed to preventive medicine, striving to address the holistic needs of his patients by integrating their physical, mental, and emotional health. He champions the adoption of cutting-edge medical technologies to improve care delivery, all while preserving the personal touch that defines his medical practice.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Kayilasanathan engages in extensive community service, including volunteering at his local temple and mentoring emerging medical professionals. He also enjoys hiking, playing chess, and sports, activities that underscore his dedication to a well-rounded lifestyle. Through both his professional efforts and personal initiatives, Dr. Kayilasanathan is a constant source of inspiration and has a significant positive impact on his community.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins early with a morning run or meditation session, which helps me center my thoughts and energize for the day. I typically see patients from early morning until mid-afternoon, focusing on both acute and preventive care. To stay productive, I rely heavily on prioritization and a strong team that supports our common goals. I end my day by reviewing patient files and planning for the next day, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas, especially in healthcare, come to life through collaboration. I often discuss new concepts with colleagues and experts in other fields, refining them through feedback. Implementation involves pilot testing in controlled environments to measure efficacy and adjust as necessary before a full rollout.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing integration of AI in healthcare diagnostics and management excites me. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data rapidly helps in making more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, which is revolutionary in medicine.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily planning is a habit I can’t do without. Every morning, I spend time planning my day in detail, which helps me allocate my time effectively and stay on top of my responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to worry less about the small setbacks and focus more on the big picture. Medicine is a field where the learning curve is steep and the rewards of patience and persistence are immense.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that every patient should have a personal relationship with their doctor, similar to how they might have a personal lawyer or accountant. While this is logistically challenging, it’s a model I believe would drastically improve healthcare outcomes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Regular self-reflection is something I practice and recommend. It helps one stay aligned with their values and objectives, ensuring personal and professional growth.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a break and go for a walk or a run. Physical activity not only clears my mind but also helps me view challenges from a new perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building a network of mentors and peers across different fields has provided me with diverse insights and opportunities, significantly advancing my career and broadening the scope of my practice.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I took on more responsibilities than I could handle, leading to burnout. I learned the hard way the importance of delegation and work-life balance. Now, I make it a point to not stretch myself too thin and prioritize tasks that align closely with my core objectives.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that connects chronic disease patients with virtual group support sessions led by qualified facilitators could significantly improve mental health and compliance with treatment regimens.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use a task management software called Asana. It helps me organize my daily activities, track long-term projects, and delegate tasks to my team, ensuring that everything is on track without constant oversight.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book that has profoundly impacted me is “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi. It’s a memoir that offers deep insights into facing death and finding meaning in life, which has influenced how I interact with patients facing terminal illnesses.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “The Good Doctor.” It’s a series that portrays the challenges and triumphs of a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. I find it inspiring and a good reminder of the diversity and potential within the medical profession.
Key learnings
- Prioritize Tasks
- Build a Network of Mentors
- Daily Planning