The #GirlBoss Spotlight: Presenting Dr. Pramilah Streram

Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Therapists, Healthcare Professionals – it’s so easy to take our key workers for granted. We so often forget there is a person behind the mask, someone who has dedicated their life to education in able to better help others. Where would you be if you fractured your bones and nobody around had trained as a doctor? Or if you had a painful tooth in need of root canal but no dentists were there? Which is why my next heroine girl boss to highlight is Dr Pramilah Streram.

Premi, it’s so lovely to meet you! Do give a brief overview of your background and current profession

My patients call me Dr. Prem, but you can call me Premi … short for Pramilah. I was born and grew up mostly in Malaysia, but then moved to New Zealand for a couple of years to study my undergraduate degree. I graduated in 2012 from Otago University and since then have been practising as a dentist here in Singapore for the last 7 years. When I am not working as a dentist, I am dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. I train at the gym twice a week, do yoga and enjoy trying new fitness classes ( spin cycle, boxing, bootcamps). Not to mention, I also have a serious case of #wanderlust.

I hear that #wanderlust vibe loud and clear! Another negative of living through the covid times. *big sigh*  So may I ask, what made you want to come a dentist?

I come from a family of medical professionals. My father is an anesthetist and my mother is a radiologist. I knew that I wanted to be in a field that helped serve and give back to the community. I didn’t quite end up being a medical doctor ( what my parents were hoping for), but I chose to become a dentist because I could help serve the community and get in touch with my creative side.

So does that mean you’ve always wanted to be a dentist since you were a little girl? If not, what was your original career goals and dreams?

I actually wanted to be an investigative journalist when I was younger. I grew up reading Enid Blyton books like the Famous Five and The Secret Seven that were all about solving mysteries. I watched Anderson Cooper on Tv and he was somewhat of an “idol”. He used to go to war-torn countries and report on the events that were happening there. It seemed very interesting and exciting.

However, growing up in an Asian family, it seemed like your only options were either to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer. An investigative journalist was unheard of. Being dentist, however, spoke to the part of me that always wanted to help people. I guess instead of solving crimes, I am solving toothaches (LOL).

Hey, solving toothaches are definitely just as important! From someone who’s had to have emergency root canal due to intense pain, I’m so here for it! May I ask, did you have to go through education to get to where you are, or did you work your way up?

I had to undergo 5 years of undergraduate training to become a dentist.

Woah! That’s a long time training. What kind of obstacles have you met along this journey to reach where you are today?

Well, getting into University as the first port of call was not as straight forward for me. Firstly, I could not really decide what I wanted to do after finishing college. Then when I finally did choose to do dentistry, I missed the entrance exams and had to defer my studies for a year! Since getting into the programme though, I am very grateful that there were not many obstacles I had to face. Dentistry itself is a tough course but I was prepared for it.

Were your friends / family supportive of your wish to become a dentist?

My mum actually encouraged me to be a dentist when I was contemplating being a doctor or being a dentist. My mum helped organise a hospital attachment in both the medical and dental department, so I could have a better idea of what the job would entail. I think having the option to shadow these health professionals was great as it gave me a perspective as to what the career involved and assisted in my final decision to become a dentist.

Go mum! Yes I agree, being able to sample both careers first before making such a choice is so valuable. What’s your favourite part of your job?

When I am able to make a person smile and change their perception about visiting the dentist. A lot of times, people walk in either in pain or not happy with the way their teeth look. Sometimes they might have had a bad dental experience and have a preconceived notion that the dentist is “evil” and are usually afraid. However, when I am able to give them a positive dental experience and change their mindset about their teeth – they not only walk out pain- free but with newfound confidence and appreciation towards their teeth. This is usually the best part of my job!

Okay, then I of course have to ask, what’s your least favourite part of your job?

My least favourite part would be the long working hours. I used to work 12-hour shifts six days a week, and that took a toll on my physical and mental health. I would suffer lower back discomfort and feel stressed that I was burnt out. In the last 2 years, my priorities have shifted and have better management of my schedule. Also on days where I have long working hours, I try to move more.

Talking of stress and priorities, what what you say is your best life lesson you’ve learnt on your journey?

Sometimes life gives you what you need and not what you want but always trust that the universe has your back. There have been many times that I have faced situations where it was not my ideal scenario or what I would have chosen for myself. I accepted it and made the most of the situation at that time…in hindsight, I realise that those were just stepping stones for me to get to where I am today.

Have you ever had any doubts or considered giving up?

Yes, back when I decided to pursue dentistry, I actually missed entrance exams and application dates. It was a tough moment because I had to take a gap year! Taking a gap year is not a normal in thing my community. I considered at one point just enrolling in another course to avoid having to answer to people as to why I’m taking a gap year. However, I am grateful that during those times, I had a good support network from my friends and family that helped me stay focused on my end goal and apply to get into dental school.

How do you juggle work life and home life – any tips on ensuring both are a positive space?

The most important thing to ensure a positive space both at work and at home is to make sure it is clutter-free. I like my space to be simple, neat and organized. The second thing would be communication. I live with my sister and we try our best to communicate our needs and boundaries. This helps to eliminate any assumptions or conflicts. The same would be at work, with my nurses.

Do you ever struggle to get through the working week, and if so, how do you power on?

I suppose we all have our good days and bad days at work. One thing I found that helped me a lot was to have a consistent morning practice.  Some days, I would workout in the mornings, play some good tunes from my playlist or listen to a podcast while I got ready for work and this would just set a positive tone for my day. On other days, I might go for a HIIT class or Bootcamp after work to release any stress that I was holding on too.