From dentist to CEO: Mum of 3 balances family and career

Dr Shanila Laiju, a Dubai-based Indian dentist and mother of three, has skillfully balanced her personal and professional life to become the group CEO of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres.

- BY ASHWANI KUMAR

Born in the small coastal town of Eriyad in Kerala, her journey took her to Iraq and Kuwait. After marrying Laiju and moving to Dubai in 1999, Dr Shanila dedicated five years to raising her two sons.

“I wanted to be a hands-on parent. I took a pause in my career to focus on my family,” said Dr Shanila, who did her dentistry at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangaluru.

Once her two sons started schooling, Dr Shanila began exploring job opportunities. She made an informed decision to shift from a clinical career to a role in administration.