From Dental Clinics to Clinical Writing: Dr. Astha’s Journey

Career Snapshot

Education

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), RUHS(2020)

Reason for switching

• To find value and growth in the work I do

First Job Post Career Switch

• Medical Analyst

Current Role

• Medical Writer

From mastering dental procedures to navigating corporate strategies, Dr. Astha proves that the right career prescription is a blend of self-care, adaptability, and a dash of corporate adventure!!

Favourite Part About Corporate

Flexibility and comfort of working from home

Dislikes About the Corporate

Tight deadlines, one needs to make sure that they keep clear communication with their managers.

Connect with Dr. Astha on LinkedIn to explore more insights!

Introduction

Just keep swimming.

This quote from Finding Nemo sums up the never-give-up attitude of Dr. Astha and is the mantra behind her successful switch to medical communication.

Her career path is the perfect example of how your clinical skills can help you transition into a strong corporate healthcare role.

From Clinic to Corporate: Dr. Astha’s Journey

After completing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from RUHS in 2020, Dr Astha planned to switch careers rather than pursue the traditional clinical practice.

Dr. Astha realised that she has great communication skills, so she thought of blending that soft skill with her medical knowledge and landed her first job as a Medical Analyst in 2022

“It is very important for one to be aware of their skills,” she says.

This realisation led her to where she is today.

As soon as she cleared BDS, she started working in clinics similar to what every fresh BDS does. Dr Astha also contributed during COVID.

But she did not want to limit herself to just one career path. So she met Dr Anahita, and at that time Odigio Career had just started.

She followed everything that was told religiously.

“All I did was EXPLORE LINKEDIN and scroll it like it’s Instagram to figure out what dentists and doctors are doing in corporate roles.“

“Made a list of pros and cons and then decided to go for medical writing after a few hits and misses.” She tells.

Her key reflection is that growth can never be linear, and one can always change paths when needed, highlighting the rapid success of her pivot.

Embracing Corporate Life: Dr. Astha’s Role and Reflections

Currently, Dr Astha serves as a Medical Writer, where she continues using her clinical knowledge to create clear, accurate, and accessible medical content for diverse audiences.

She creates scientifically accurate and engaging medical content, collaborating with cross-functional teams to support research, strategy, and communication needs.

When asked about her favourite aspects of corporate life, Dr Astha has multiple favourite things.

“What excites me most is the blend of science and creativity, being able to turn complex evidence into something clear and impactful,” she shares.

Apart from this, she also openly talks about the challenges.

“The challenge, honestly, is managing fast turnarounds and aligning multiple stakeholders, but it has taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of structured workflows.”

Finding Balance: Dr. Astha’s Life Beyond the Corporate World

Outside of her 9-to-5, Dr Astha maintains a balanced personal life. “My current hobbies include exploring the new city,” she says. She emphasises the idea of pausing before nearing burnout.

Dr. Astha’s journey from dental surgery to the corporate healthcare world illustrates the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and being open to new opportunities.

Her story serves as an inspiration for those in healthcare who might be considering a career pivot.

“Some days are tough, some days give you ample rest. It’s important to rest on those days.” Dr. Astha advises.

Conclusion

Dr. Astha’s journey reflects how clinical training, when paired with curiosity and a commitment to clear communication, can open new pathways in the healthcare industry.

Her transition into medical writing not only showcases her adaptability but also highlights the significant impact clinicians can have beyond traditional practice.

She continues to grow in her role, creating meaningful and evidence-based content that helps bridge the gap between medicine and the public.