Dr. Suganthan Kailasanathan is a dedicated family physician and the founder/CEO and visionary of the Virtual Healthcare service, designed to enhance patient care through technology.
Born and raised in the Seychelles Islands before immigrating to Canada in 1988, he brings a unique perspective to his practice, shaped by a diverse background and commitment to community well-being.
Dr. Kailasanathan received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2001, his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2007, and completed his family medicine residency in 2009. In addition to his medical practice, he is actively involved in sports. , having played for the Ontario Under-19 cricket team and participated in several other athletics including volleyball and track and field. His hobbies include meditation, yoga, hiking, chess, and stamp collecting, each of which reflects his holistic approach to life and health.
Suganthan is also a committed volunteer at his local temple, where he contributes to health education and community outreach programs, aligning his professional skills with charitable efforts to support and educate his community.
Dr. Kailasanathan, let’s start with your early life. What was it like growing up in Seychelles, and how did that influence your choice to pursue a career in medicine?
Growing up in Seychelles was a unique experience that deeply shaped my identity. The close-knit community and natural beauty of the islands have instilled in me a sense of responsibility for health and well-being, not only for myself but also for the community. The support and guidance from my family, especially from my family of lawyers, encouraged me to take a rigorous approach to my studies and career, and directed me towards medicine where I felt I could make a significant impact.
I have been very active in sports, especially cricket. How has sports influenced your approach to medicine and your role as a family physician?
Sports taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline and resilience, which are invaluable qualities in medicine. As a family physician, I see my role not just as a caregiver but as part of a larger team that includes patients, other health care providers, and the community. Cricket, with its strategic depth, has improved my decision-making skills and patience, which is crucial when managing complex cases or long-term care plans.
Can you share more about your initiative with virtual and mobile healthcare services? What inspired you to start it and what was the goal?
I had a desire to fill the gaps in our healthcare system, particularly in providing accessible, effective, and comprehensive care. The idea was to leverage technology to enhance patient care and streamline administrative processes, allowing doctors more time to focus on patient interactions. Our goal is to make healthcare more proactive and preventative, not just reactive.
As a doctor, you must have a busy schedule. How can you incorporate hobbies like meditation, yoga, and hiking into your routine?
It’s all about balance and prioritization. I find that these activities, especially meditation and yoga, are not just hobbies but essential components of my personal well-being. They help me manage stress, maintain my physical health, and enhance my mental clarity, making me a better doctor. I schedule these activities into my week just like any other appointment.
What does your role as a volunteer at your temple involve, and how does this fit into your personal and professional life?
Volunteering at the temple is a way for me to give back to the community and stay connected to my cultural roots. It includes organizing community events, providing health education sessions, and supporting awareness programs. This role complements my professional work by allowing me to approach health from a holistic perspective, taking into account spiritual and physical well-being.
Stamp collecting is a unique hobby. What sparked your interest in this, and what is one of your favorite pieces?
My interest in stamp collecting began during my childhood in the Seychelles, where I was fascinated by stamps from different parts of the world, each telling its own story. It is a hobby that requires patience and attention to detail. One of my favorite pieces is a vintage stamp from Seychelles from the early 1900s, which reminds me of home.
In light of this rich and diverse life, how do you define success?
For me, success is about impact, whether that’s improving a patient’s health, inspiring a community, or caring for a family. It is measured by the positive changes we make in the lives of others, not just by personal achievements.
Can you share a major challenge you faced in your medical career and how you overcame it?
One big challenge is integrating technology with traditional healthcare practices. There was doubt and resistance. Overcoming this required a lot of dialogue, demonstrating effectiveness and adapting solutions in real time to suit the needs of the practitioner and the patient. You taught me a lot about change management and resilience.
Looking to the future, what are some goals or aspirations you have both personally and professionally?
Professionally, I aim to improve access to health care across Canada and potentially globally. Personally, I am working to enhance my understanding and practice of holistic medicine, and incorporate more alternative therapies into my practice. I also plan to continue my travels and learn from different cultures and their approaches to health and well-being.
Finally, for anyone who aspires to enter the medical field, what advice would you give them?
Be prepared for a lifelong learning journey. Medicine is constantly evolving, and you should too. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Always remember the human element, compassion, empathy and genuine care are as important as scientific knowledge.