From Dentistry alumni Dr. Mohammad Javaid...
Although I have been a student of dental sciences at four different universities, it is the McGill University that formed the basis of my academic career, professional identity, growth and development.
I was born, brought up and raised in Pakistan. After doing Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, Pakistan, I was accepted in MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) at the McGill University. The program was quite challenging. I did not have much research background and lacked the knowledge and skill needed to embark in the field of dental research. Perhaps, more importantly I lacked the problem solving and critical thinking mindset that lies at the very heart of scientific research and development. The program at the McGill University not only introduced me with different streams of research in the field of Dentistry it also provided me with the opportunity to learn about those fields of research. Here I would also like to mention that my program director, Dr. Kaartinen, was kind enough to allow me to spend time at her lab and learn cell culture and basic sciences research techniques. The techniques and skills I would later use for my second master at the University of British Columbia. She also encouraged and helped me get a publication which later turned out to be an important factor for my acceptance at the University of British Columbia Periodontics Residency Program. It was at McGill University, that I got a chance to take courses like Extracellular Matrix and Tissue Engineering which forced me to develop the skill of critical thinking. This would later turn out to be setting stone for my success in the Literature Review course in the Periodontics Residency Program and at the American Academy of Periodontics In-Service Exam where I was ranked higher than 98% of my peers. Also, at the time of my selection in the Periodontics Residency Program at the University of British Columbia, it was Dr. Kaartinen’s recommendation that proved to be a critical factor in my acceptance. Here I would also like to mention the fact that the scholarships that I got at the McGill University were not only very helpful from a financial point of view but proved to be pivotal in the context of improving my resume. Something which would later make a difference with regards to my selection in Postgraduate Periodontics Residency Program. All in all, I am deeply indebted to my program director and McGill University for giving me these opportunities and paved the path for my professional growth and development!
McGill will always have a very special place in my heart.