Today’s Notable Young Professional is Dr. Sunny Malhotra, who’s made it his life’s work to improve the quality of and access to healthcare around the world. We caught up with him to find out what inspired his journey and what advice he would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am a licensed cardiologist at AdvantageCare Physicians with a focus in health technology, and an angel investor. I have spent my career improving access to care for patients in developed and developing countries.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
Experiences define and inspire us as individuals. I’ve worked in various environments, from the slums in desolate countries with slave labour children and poor women to developed countries with healthcare technology privileges. Being the change and making a difference motivates me in my career.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I have recently been awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, which recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help communities around the world. I dedicated this national honour to my late grandfather. He taught me that selfless service is a pillar, which he lived by as a Sikh immigrant daily. He had limited healthcare access in Ghana, India (temporary residences) and in Canada as a senior citizen before passing. I wanted this award to represent the dedication Canadians have to improving care here and around the world.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
We are only given so many years to live. At the end of the day, I’d like my imprint to improve the healthcare landscape and access to healthcare regardless of age, gender, or location of residence. I am currently working with a healthcare technology company (CloudDx) that provides vitals to monitor patients at home. This technology will improve numerous lives and may have saved my grandfather’s life. My overall goal is to play an active role within the healthcare technology industry and provide improved and less costly care as a result.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You will stumble. You will fall. Times will be tough. Keep moving forward.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
While I do donate to charity, I feel you can make a bigger difference dedicating personally and professionally with service. I have been taught there are various ways to donate – your money, your mind, and with your service. It’s easier to give money. I have been to Africa and India for relief work and plan to go to Guyana next.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I started as a 26-year-old cardiologist in training with long hours and really tough situations. I found those three years to be the most challenging yet educational. However, with every learning opportunity I was able to develop effective practices to overcome everyday challenges. Fortunately, I was blessed with family and mentor support that helped me push through tough times. Success comes from your effort and outworking those around you.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Notable means someone who thinks of changing the status quo by working on problems from the fringes. By that I mean tackling issues that others feel are too difficult to fix. That is how you make a difference. Doing things differently than the status quo is what makes you notable.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
When I am fortunate enough to be at home with my family, nothing beats a home cooked meal. But I currently live in NYC, and it’s the city that never sleeps. Although I appreciate the Michelin star restaurants New York has to offer, family-run restaurants are the ones that make the experience for me.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Website: Techcrunch and MedCity News. I love checking out the latest startups and innovators who disrupt the status quo.
Most played song: Anything with Drake – got to support the 6ix.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I love learning from disruptors and thought leaders on social media such as Eric Topol (cardiologist and healthcare technology subject matter expert) and Sam Altman (Y Combinator President).
These guys taught me to use social media to spread healthcare innovation awareness.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
My favourite country that I have visited is Thailand – excellent food, great culture, and breathtaking beaches. This year, I will be travelling to Guyana for relief work in 2016.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I work hard and learned that I don’t want to miss out on the little things in life, such as my family, learning new things, and travelling.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
My guiltiest pleasures are watching Saturday morning cartoons with my cousins and dancing in my condo while I am cooking.
7. What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I wish I spent more time and money on travelling the world.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
God gave us innate talents, so use them to change the world you live in. I would consider myself successful if I changed the healthcare landscape by improving the way we deliver care.
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