Dr Abbas Jessani
Interviewed by Zehra Azim
Can you tell me a bit about your background and upbringing?
I was born and raised in Pakistan in a middle-class family. My mother was a schoolteacher who later became a vice principal, while my father worked in book binding to support our family. Both my parents placed a strong emphasis on education for me and my siblings, making significant sacrifices to ensure we received the best possible schooling. This focus on education played a crucial role in shaping my future. I always aspired to be part of the healthcare profession, a desire my parents encouraged. After completing my dentistry degree in Pakistan, I moved to Canada around 15 years ago, a decision I consider one of the best I've ever made. The move was motivated by my desire to expand my horizons, gain global exposure, and access what I believed to be one of the best education systems in the world. I was also drawn to Canada's multicultural and inclusive society.
What was your childhood like, and how did it shape your interests and aspirations?
My childhood was happy and blessed, but it also gave me insight into the struggles faced by my parents. As the eldest child, I was acutely aware of the efforts they made to provide for our family, even when they tried to shield us from their challenges. These experiences profoundly shaped my worldview and future career path, instilling in me a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to work towards equity in healthcare. Community service was also a significant part of my upbringing. Coming from the Shia Ismaili branch of the Muslim faith, I was involved in community service from a young age. This early exposure to volunteering and community outreach laid the foundation for my later work in community-based healthcare initiatives.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your research career?
I admit that achieving a perfect balance is challenging, as my work is deeply intertwined with my personal passions. I view my research and academic pursuits not as work, but as an integral part of my life that I genuinely enjoy. This perspective allows me to approach early mornings and long hours with enthusiasm rather than dread. However, I recognise the importance of maintaining personal well-being. I am grateful my partner, who is also in the medical field, for understanding the demands of my profession and providing support. I emphasise the importance of physical activity in maintaining my mental health, ensuring I dedicate time each day for exercise, regardless of my schedule or location. I see this as crucial for sustaining the energy and focus required for my demanding career.
Can you walk me through your educational journey?
I completed my initial dental education in Pakistan at the University of Karachi. Following this, I made the significant decision to move to Canada for my graduate studies. I pursued both my master's and PhD at the University of British Columbia (UBC), focusing on public health dentistry. This experience was deeply enriching, providing me not only with advanced academic knowledge but also exposing me to diverse cultures and research methodologies. During my time at UBC, I excelled academically, winning numerous awards and distinctions. My achievements during this period were recently recognised when UBC celebrated its 60th anniversary, featuring me as an alumnus of the decade for 2000-2010.
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
The inspiration for my career in dentistry and public health stems from a combination of personal experiences and parental influence. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles my family faced in accessing healthcare, particularly during my own medical issues. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of accessible healthcare and a desire to contribute to improving health systems. My parents' emphasis on education and their encouragement towards healthcare professions also played a significant role. Additionally, my early involvement in community service through my religious community sparked an interest in public health and community-based initiatives. This background laid the foundation for my later focus on minority health and global oral health issues.
Were there any particular mentors or experiences that influenced your academic path?
My parents especially my mother stand out as my primary influencers, particularly my mother, whose dedication and generosity I strive to emulate. In my academic career, I've been fortunate to have supportive mentors during my PhD studies and in my current role. These mentors have played crucial roles in shaping my research approach, helping me identify my strengths, and providing the necessary guidance and support. I also credit the community partners I've worked with as significant sources of inspiration, driving my commitment to community-based research and outreach.
Can you explain the focus and significance of your research work?
My research primarily focuses on minority health, with a particular emphasis on oral health disparities. My work goes beyond just examining access to dental care; it encompasses a broader view of healthcare access for minority populations. A significant aspect of my research involves investigating the experiences of stigma and discrimination faced by these populations in healthcare settings. I am dedicated to developing interventions and creating safe, inclusive spaces where all individuals feel welcomed and comfortable accessing healthcare services. Another crucial area of my work is developing research initiatives in resource-limited countries like East Africa, where oral health is often overlooked as a priority. I believe in the importance of all healthcare providers taking responsibility to offer the best possible care to underserved populations. I am also passionate about capacity building, supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ethnic minorities, or those from remote communities to ensure they have equitable opportunities in the field of dentistry and healthcare research.
What are some of the key contributions or breakthroughs you've made in your area of study?
Although I describe myself as being in an early career trajectory, my work has already made significant impacts in the field of minority health in dentistry. One of my key contributions has been bringing attention to the oral health needs of LGBTQ+ populations, an area that has been largely overlooked in mainstream dental research. By focusing on these underrepresented groups, I am helping to fill a crucial gap in dental public health research. My work is instrumental in putting these issues on the agenda for broader discussion and research in the dental community. Additionally, I hope that my research in Africa will contribute to a greater understanding of oral health disparities in resource limited countries and helping to develop targeted, risk-based interventions. While I may not claim any singular breakthrough, the cumulative impact of my work in bringing attention to overlooked populations and issues in oral health is significant in advancing the field towards more inclusive and equitable care.
How has your research impacted or advanced the field of dentistry?My research has contributed to advancing dentistry by broadening the scope of what's considered relevant to oral health. My work encourages a more holistic approach to dentistry, moving beyond the traditional "drill fill and bill" model to consider the broader social determinants of health. By focusing on providing safe, inclusive spaces for all patients, particularly those from minority groups, I'm helping to reshape how dental care is conceptualised and delivered. My research on LGBTQ+ oral health has opened up new avenues for understanding and addressing the unique health needs of this population. Furthermore, my work in Africa is contributing to the global oral health agenda, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions in diverse settings. Through my teaching and research, I am influencing the next generation of dental professionals to consider these broader aspects of oral health, potentially leading to more comprehensive and inclusive dental care practices in the future.
Do you engage in any public outreach efforts?
Community engagement is at the core of my work. I ensure that every research project I develop is deeply rooted in the community it aims to serve. My approach involves working closely with priority populations at all stages of research, from development and implementation to decision-making. The goal is not to parachute in from Canada with a quick fix, but to engage deeply and promote empowerment within the communities. I ensure that community members and stakeholders are integral parts of the research process, including them in publications, outreach efforts, and knowledge synthesis. A key aspect of my work involves training and empowering individuals from within the community, fostering local capacity and ensuring the sustainability of interventions.
How important is it for researchers to communicate their work to the general public?
I believe that communicating research to the general public is not just important, but essential. I argue that research confined to high-impact journals and academic citations, without reaching grassroots levels or being implemented in integrated, community-based models, fails to achieve its full potential. For me, the translation of research findings into practical, accessible information for the public is a fundamental responsibility of researchers. I advocate for making research findings available in layman's terms through various mediums such as infographics, brochures, social media and educational campaigns. I stress that this approach should be integral to all research, regardless of the specific field. I see this as crucial for ensuring that research has a tangible impact on the communities it aims to serve.
What does it take to be a successful researcher in your field?
First and foremost, I stress the importance of being innovative and bold, unafraid to ask questions and think outside the box. I believe that being true to oneself is crucial, noting that fear - particularly the fear of being authentic - can be the biggest obstacle to success. I advocate for hard work and strong work ethic, as I firmly believe that there are no shortcuts to success. Passion is another essential quality I highlight; without it, the work can become tedious. I encourage researchers, especially graduate students, to take ownership of their work and to understand the broader context of their research - its potential impact and how it contributes to the field. I must also emphasise the importance of loving what you do and maintaining strong connections with family and loved ones, seeing this as vital for sustaining a long and fulfilling career in research.
Are there any challenging aspects or obstacles you've had to overcome in your role?
I've identified several challenges in my role as a researcher and educator. One significant obstacle is the lack of resources and funding, which can limit the scope and impact of research projects. The occasional lack of buy-in from leadership or policymakers, where the importance of my work in making a difference is not always fully recognised. This can be frustrating when my passion and dedication are viewed merely as part of a regular job rather than as efforts to create meaningful change. Another challenge I face is the limitation of time. I often feel that there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I aim to do, reflecting the demanding nature of balancing research, teaching, and community outreach. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my work, finding ways to navigate these obstacles and continue making impactful contributions to my field.
Has anything surprised you or challenged your preconceptions about your role as a researcher?
I've been pleasantly surprised by the incredible willingness of my students and collaborators to support and engage with my research ideas. I've found that when I propose new initiatives or approaches, people are often remarkably receptive and supportive, going out of their way to help bring these ideas to fruition. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and shared goals. I've observed that the sense of common purpose and shared objectives often proves more powerful than any differences that might exist between individuals or groups. This realisation has been particularly striking in my work with diverse local Canadian and global communities. I've learned that while challenges are inevitable in research, finding the right people who share common ground can transform these challenges into rewarding parts of the journey. This perspective has not only surprised me but also deeply influenced my approach to research and collaboration, reinforcing my commitment to community-based and inclusive research practices.