The 7th Saveetha Transdisciplinary Annual Research (STAR) Summit recently concluded at Saveetha Dental College in Chennai. Dr SM Balaji, Director, Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, was invited as a Guest of Honour at the grand annual event that showcases the best of student research.
Excellence in surgical research over a period of 25+ years
This was in recognition of Dr SM Balaji’s high achievements and accomplishments in the field of surgical research pertaining to the field of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. His innovations in surgical flap design for cleft lip and palatal surgery have enabled faster rehabilitation for children afflicted with this facial deformity.
Dr Sheeja Varghese, Dean, Saveetha Dental College, warmly welcomed Dr SM Balaji to the summit. Dr SM Balaji addressed the audience after the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony.
Motivating the next generation for a full time career in dental research
He spoke to the audience of researchers and postgraduate students about his journey as a surgeon in a limited resource setting nation. Explaining how constant innovations help improve the various parameters of surgical outcome, he spoke to them about the difficulties associated with research. He spoke to them about the grit, determination and hard work that are the basic qualities needed for sustaining oneself in research.
His talk was followed by a lively Question and Answer session with the audience where the audience quizzed him on a variety of research related topics. Dr SM Balaji patiently devoted quality time to answering these queries raised by the next generation of researchers.
The organizers and the students expressed their gratitude to Dr SM Balaji for the valuable insight he provided regarding research as a full time career in India.