Balancing the Scales of Medicine and Life

Dr. Suganthan Kayilasanathan is a dedicated family physician and the visionary Founder/CEO of a virtual healthcare service, designed to enhance patient care through technology.

Born and raised in the Seychelles Islands before migrating to Canada in 1988, he brings a unique perspective to his practice, shaped by a diverse background and a commitment to community well-being.

Dr. Kayilasanathan earned his BSc from the University of Western Ontario in 2001, followed by an MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2007, and completed his residency in Family Medicine in 2009. In addition to his medical practice, he is actively involved in sports, having played on the Ontario U19 cricket team and engaged in various other athletics including volleyball and track & field. His hobbies include meditation, yoga, hiking, chess, and stamp collecting, each reflecting 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 philanthropic efforts to support and educate his community.

Dr. Kayilasanathan, let’s start with your early life. What was it like growing up in the Seychelles, and how do you think that influenced your choice to pursue a career in medicine?

Growing up in the Seychelles was a unique experience that deeply shaped who I am. The close-knit community and the natural beauty of the islands instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards health and well-being, not just for myself but for the community. The support and mentorship from my family, especially coming from a family of lawyers, encouraged a rigorous approach to my studies and career, steering me towards medicine where I felt I could make a significant impact.

You’ve been quite active in sports, notably cricket. How have sports influenced your approach to medicine and your role as a family physician?

Sports taught me about teamwork, discipline, and resilience—qualities that are invaluable 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 healthcare providers, and the community. Cricket, with its strategic depth, improved my decision-making skills and patience, which are crucial when managing complex cases or long-term care plans.

Could 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 bridge gaps in our healthcare system, particularly in providing accessible, efficient, 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 preventive, rather than just reactive.

As a physician, you must have a busy schedule. How do you incorporate hobbies like meditation, yoga, and hiking into your routine?

It’s all about balance and setting priorities. I find that these activities, particularly 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, which in turn makes 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 align with 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 involves organizing community events, providing health education sessions, and supporting outreach programs. This role complements my professional work by allowing me to approach health from a holistic perspective, considering spiritual as well as physical well-being.

Stamp collecting is quite 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’s a hobby that requires patience and attention to detail. One of my favorite pieces is a vintage stamp from the early 20th century Seychelles, which reminds me of home.

With such a rich and varied life, how do you define success?

For me, success is about impact—whether that’s improving a patient’s health, inspiring a community, or nurturing a family. It’s measured by the positive changes we bring into the lives of others, not just by personal achievements.

Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced in your medical career and how you overcame it?

One significant challenge is integrating technology with traditional healthcare practices. There was skepticism and resistance. Overcoming this involved a lot of dialogue, demonstrations of efficacy, and adapting solutions in real-time to suit practitioner and patient needs. It 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 healthcare accessibility across Canada and potentially globally. Personally, I am working towards enhancing my understanding and practice of holistic medicine, integrating more alternative therapies into my practice. I also plan to continue my travels, learning from different cultures and their approaches to health and well-being.

Finally, for anyone aspiring to enter the medical field, what advice would you give them?

Be prepared for a lifelong journey of learning. Medicine is constantly evolving, and so should you. Embrace the challenges as opportunities to grow. Always remember the human element—compassion, empathy, and genuine care are as important as scientific knowledge.