Dr. Suganthan Kayilasanathan is a respected family physician in Toronto, celebrated for his holistic and compassionate approach to medicine. Born in the Seychelles Islands and having moved to Canada in 1988, he enriches his medical practice with a diverse, multicultural insight. Dr. Kayilasanathan earned his BSc from the University of Western Ontario and an MD from the Medical University of the Americas, completing his residency in family medicine in 2009.
Renowned for blending his rich understanding of cultural nuances with modern medical techniques, Dr. Kayilasanathan provides personalized care that respects the backgrounds of each patient. Beyond his clinical responsibilities, he is deeply committed to community service and mentoring up-and-coming medical professionals, reflecting his dedication to the growth of the healthcare field. An advocate for the use of technology in medicine, he promotes the adoption of telemedicine and electronic health records to improve healthcare delivery and patient engagement.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Kayilasanathan is an avid hiker and chess player, and enjoys participating in sports. These activities underscore his commitment to a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental well-being.
How does your upbringing in the Seychelles influence your approach to healthcare?
My upbringing in the Seychelles instilled in me a strong connection to community and natural wellness, which I bring into my practice. The close-knit community of my childhood taught me the importance of personalized care and the role of environmental factors in health. This background encourages me to consider a patient’s entire living context when assessing their health, which is especially useful in a diverse city like Toronto.
What inspired you to integrate technology into your medical practice?
Technology offers the potential to enhance patient care dramatically by improving efficiency and enabling more precise treatments. My interest in technology was sparked by the challenges I saw in accessing healthcare services. Tools like telemedicine and EHRs can bridge gaps in care, especially for patients in remote areas or those with mobility issues.
Can you describe a memorable moment from your volunteer work?
A particularly memorable moment was organizing a health fair at a local community center. We provided basic screenings and health education. The gratitude and engagement from the community were overwhelming and reaffirmed my belief in preventive care and education as foundations for long-term health.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your practice today?
One major challenge is navigating the complexities of chronic disease management in a culturally diverse population. Tailoring treatment plans that accommodate varying cultural beliefs about medicine and lifestyle requires constant learning and adaptation. Another challenge is keeping up with the rapid pace of medical advancements, ensuring the treatments I provide are based on the latest available science.
How do you maintain a balance between professional obligations and your personal life?
Maintaining balance requires deliberate planning and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. I make it a priority to schedule time for physical activities and relaxation, just as I schedule patient appointments. Regular physical activity, like running and hiking, helps me decompress and provides a fresh perspective on daily challenges.
What role does patient education play in your practice?
Patient education is crucial. It empowers individuals to manage their health proactively and make informed decisions about their care. I spend significant time during consultations explaining health conditions and treatments in understandable terms, and I provide educational materials that patients can take home. This approach not only enhances compliance with treatment plans but also improves overall health outcomes.
In what way do you think your field will change in the next ten years?
I believe family medicine will increasingly focus on holistic and preventive care, with a greater reliance on technology to monitor health trends and predict potential health issues before they become serious. Personalized medicine, based on genetic profiles, will likely become more common, allowing for more targeted and effective treatments.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in medicine?
Embrace the journey of lifelong learning. Medicine is a field that is constantly evolving, so staying curious and continuously updating your knowledge is crucial. Also, never lose sight of the human element—compassion and empathy are just as important as clinical skills.
How do you approach difficult conversations with patients about their health?
Difficult conversations are approached with honesty and sensitivity. I ensure that these discussions are private and that the patient feels supported. I explain the facts clearly and provide all possible options, including the potential outcomes. It’s important that patients feel they are not alone and that they have the information and support necessary to make decisions about their health.
What innovations in healthcare are you most excited about right now?
I am particularly excited about advancements in wearable health technology and AI diagnostics. Wearables that patients can use daily provide real-time health data, which can be crucial for managing chronic conditions and preventing disease. AI, meanwhile, holds the potential to revolutionize diagnostics and personalize treatment plans, making healthcare more accurate and accessible than ever.
What does success look like to you?
To me, success in medicine transcends beyond the clinical outcomes; it involves fostering a real connection with my patients, ensuring they feel heard and cared for. True success is when a patient not only recovers from their ailment but also feels empowered to take charge of their health going forward. Additionally, success is about contribution—seeing my mentees grow into competent, compassionate doctors and making a tangible impact in the community through educational outreach and preventive care initiatives. It’s about leaving a legacy of care, knowledge, and empowerment.