Dr. Sudeep Pawa has carved an extraordinary path through the world of surgery, one marked by resilience, reinvention, and rare distinction. Born and raised in Bangkok as the only brother to three sisters, his early academic journey was unremarkable — an average student by his own admission. But a pivotal high school exchange program in Mississippi sparked something deeper: a sense of purpose and possibility. Years later, that spark would lead him to become Thailand’s only Thai-Indian Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, a position that places him at the intersection of surgical precision and meaningful social impact. Now, with advanced fellowship training on the horizon, Dr. Pawa stands as a symbol of how dedication and vision can turn even modest beginnings into remarkable milestones.
How did this all begin?
My journey into Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) began with a fascination for the intricate anatomy of the face, where every millimetre matters and every movement affects how we breathe, speak, eat, and express ourselves. What drew me in wasn’t just the surgical complexity, but the ability to make a tangible difference in someone’s life, especially in restoring both function and identity. I studied at the College of Dental Medicine, Rangsit University, and it was during my fifth year, on a clinical rotation at Khon Kaen Regional Hospital, that I was first introduced to OMFS. After graduating, I spent a year in private practice before entering the four-year residency training program at the Faculty of Dentistry at Mahidol University.
As I delved deeper into the field, I developed a particular interest in Head and Neck Surgery, where the challenges are amplified by cancer, trauma, and dentofacial deformities — and where the solutions often lie in advanced reconstructive techniques.
I was fortunate to train under two exceptional mentors, Dr. Boworn Klongnoi and Dr. Kanin Arunakul, both of whom were trained in Germany. They instilled in me a philosophy of discipline, precision, and compassion—and helped me see surgery not only as a technical craft but as a responsibility to help patients through some of the most life-altering moments of their lives.
As my clinical experience grew, I was given the opportunity to present complex head and neck cases, both cancer and non-cancer, at national and international conferences, sharing Thailand’s progress in advanced maxillofacial surgery on a global stage. These experiences have deepened my commitment to this field and affirmed my desire to push boundaries, improve access, and contribute meaningfully to surgical care at home and abroad.
This particular position may not be as well-known to many. What does your role of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon entail?
An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a specialist who performs surgery on the face, mouth, jaw, and neck. We deal with everything from removing wisdom teeth to fixing broken jaws and treating oral cancer. It’s a field that blends medicine and dentistry, art and science. We’re often the people behind the scenes helping patients speak, eat, smile, and live with confidence again.
As for Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction, this is a very specialised area that focuses on treating cancers in the head and neck, such as mouth, throat, or jaw cancer. The oncology part is about removing tumours, and the reconstruction part is about rebuilding what’s lost. We often use tissue from other parts of the body, like the leg or arm, and reconnect tiny blood vessels using a microscope. It’s complex, high-stakes work, but incredibly meaningful—because it’s not just about survival, it’s about restoring quality of life.
In the process of restoring the quality of life in others, what makes this journey so special to you?
I’m currently the only Thai-Indian Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing in Thailand, and I’m also the first Thai OMFS to be accepted into a Head and Neck Fellowship in the United States. There was no clear path for this—I had to carve it out myself. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve always believed that if we want better care for patients in Thailand, someone has to go out, learn from the best, and bring that knowledge home. I just hope I can inspire others to dream big, too.
Which seems to be a challenge soon conquered. But what would you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?
In April 2025, I led Chulabhorn Hospital’s first-ever “Jaw in a Day” procedure—a groundbreaking surgery widely regarded as the gold standard for treating advanced jaw tumours.
The patient had a large mandibular tumour requiring complete resection and immediate reconstruction. Through meticulous pre-operative digital planning, we virtually simulated the entire operation, created patient-specific cutting guides and custom implants, and prepared for immediate dental rehabilitation.
On the day of surgery, a team of five surgeons worked continuously for over 12 hours, performing tumour resection, fibula-free flap reconstruction, and dental implant placement — all in one coordinated procedure.
This made Chulabhorn only the third centre in Thailand to successfully perform this complex surgery, and the first to do so outside of a formal training program. For me, it was more than just a surgical achievement. It was proof that with innovation, precision, and teamwork, we can push boundaries and deliver world-class care to patients who need it most.
That really paints the picture of how intense and high-stakes this career is. How do you manage to balance your personal and professional life? What does downtime look like for you?
It’s definitely not easy. In this line of work, especially being the only Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in my hospital, you’re almost always on call. Even on days off, I often find myself back at the hospital or checking in on patients. The line between personal and professional life is constantly blurred—plans get interrupted, emergencies arise, and the people around me have had to understand that this is part of the responsibility I carry.
But I’ve also come to value the importance of disconnecting when I can. I enjoy scuba diving and trekking, and recently took a week off to explore the islands in the Philippines. Being in nature or underwater gives me the mental space to reset. I also really cherish time with my family and young nephews. Those quiet, joyful moments, whether it’s playing with them or just being present, remind me why I do what I do.
In the end, balance doesn’t come easily, but it’s essential. And having a strong support system, both at work and at home, makes all the difference.
A support system is crucial in a career like yours, especially when ushering in a new generation. Looking back at your experience so far, what are some words of wisdom that would serve as a supporting nudge for younger minds seeking to make a difference like you?
One piece of advice I’d give to young minds in this field is to stay curious and stay connected. Opportunities often come not just from being technically skilled, but from being present—showing up, asking thoughtful questions, and seeking mentors who see your potential even before you do. It’s okay not to have all the answers early on. What matters more is your consistency, your integrity, and your willingness to learn, especially from the most difficult or challenging moments.
Also, don’t be afraid to reach out across disciplines, borders, and generations. The path isn’t always linear, but it’s in those detours and connections that we often find our defining moments.
The next steps in your journey are also quite defining. Where does Dr. Sudeep Pawa go next? Where does the journey lead?
As mentioned, I’ve recently been accepted into a Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, USA—one of the leading programs in this highly specialised field. This next chapter will allow me to train alongside world-class surgeons, deepen my expertise, and eventually bring these advanced techniques back to Thailand to enhance cancer care and help shape the future of reconstructive surgery at home.