Payman Langroudi chats with May Firoozmand, a young dentist who recently qualified from Bulgaria. May shares her journey into dentistry, her experiences studying abroad, and her perspective on life and service shaped by her Baha’i faith. The conversation covers topics ranging from her dental education in Bulgaria to her charitable work and future aspirations in dentistry.
In This Episode
00:02:35 – Faith
00:07:35 – Family influence
00:14:50 – Study
00:19:20 – Oral surgery
00:23:25 – Bulgaria
00:29:35 – Charity and community
00:43:40 – Faith and personal loss
00:49:15 – Oral surgery career paths
00:54:15 – Mentoring and support
00:57:30 – Fantasy dinner party
01:00:25 – Last days and legacy
About May Firoozmand
May Firoozmand graduated in May 2024 from the Medical University Varna with a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine).
Payman Langroudi: You go to a new place, you almost reinvent yourself. Yes. Yeah. But, you know, I [00:00:05] found it a bit weird going from London to Cardiff yet, let alone Bulgaria. Yeah. [00:00:10] So? So you had to learn the language? Yeah, I had.
May Firoozmand: To learn the language. How long did it.
Payman Langroudi: Take you to get [00:00:15] to a point of feeling comfortable?
May Firoozmand: So sort of. We learned the language with the university [00:00:20] the first two years, and.
Payman Langroudi: That was part of the.
May Firoozmand: Course. Yeah. Well, that’s nice, but then we were up to our own devices. [00:00:25] Really. So you could continue the learning the language if you wanted to. And I thought, well, if I’m going to [00:00:30] be here six years, might as well keep practising with my Bulgarian friends. And I [00:00:35] made a lot of friends with the Bulgarian locals. They are such. So at first, you [00:00:40] know people, you know, they put up some sort of guard. But then when you break [00:00:45] the ice, people used to ask me, why are you always smiling? Why are you so happy? [00:00:50] Is there an ulterior motive? And I thought, no, I’m just a happy person. You break [00:00:55] through the ice and they are just such warm people.
[VOICE]: This [00:01:00] is Dental Leaders the [00:01:05] podcast where you get to go one on one with emerging leaders [00:01:10] in dentistry. Your [00:01:15] hosts Payman Langroudi and Prav Solanki.
Payman Langroudi: It [00:01:20] gives me great pleasure to welcome my first man onto the podcast. May [00:01:25] is a young dentist who’s just qualified from Bulgaria. Um, [00:01:30] a treacherous journey to get there in the first place. And really someone [00:01:35] who’s of service. Um, when I when I looked at your profile and all that, [00:01:40] may it just look like someone who’s trying to be of service all the time. And I’d really like to get into the sort of [00:01:45] the backstory of that. Thanks a lot for coming in. Ah, thank.
May Firoozmand: You very much. It’s a pleasure to be here. Yeah.
Payman Langroudi: Back [00:01:50] in the UK again after all that time, huh?
May Firoozmand: Yes, I am, after six years.
Payman Langroudi: Six years? [00:01:55] Yeah. So your, um, journey to dentistry was [00:02:00] convoluted. Um, and then the actual journey in [00:02:05] dentistry. Was difficult in another country and all of that. [00:02:10] And yet you’ve got this sort of. Smile on your face, and you’re telling me now you’re going to thinking of [00:02:15] going to. Switzerland to become a dentist there, this sort of tenacity [00:02:20] and adventure that sort of. Seems to be part of you. Have you always [00:02:25] been that that person that from a child or. Did you have to develop that because [00:02:30] of circumstances?
May Firoozmand: I think since I’ve been a child, I was [00:02:35] very. Sort of open minded. Um, I would always smile, you know, always [00:02:40] say hello to to anyone. Really. Um, but I was brought up, you know, sort of with this [00:02:45] principle of trying to choose something. Trying to choose a career, um, where [00:02:50] I can be of service, you know, to to humanity, let’s say. To my community and [00:02:55] my father, my belated father who passed away during my first year of dental [00:03:00] school. Oh, he was my inspiration behind that, you know. Um. [00:03:05] And your.
Payman Langroudi: Doctor? Sorry. Was he a doctor?
May Firoozmand: Yes, he was a dentist. [00:03:10] A dentist? Yes. Yes, yes. Um, and, um, I remember, you [00:03:15] know, having this opportunity to observe him in his own private dental practice and [00:03:20] also listen to the stories of when he would go and do work, for example, [00:03:25] in Iceland. So when he graduated dentistry, um, in, in [00:03:30] Newcastle, he then went for his PhD in Aberdeen and then thought, okay, [00:03:35] I’m going to go to Iceland. Um, and he went to Acuri and [00:03:40] he went, you know, with his Jeep, with his little dental kit, um, to [00:03:45] provide dental services to the most rural communities. And he had this, [00:03:50] this spirit that, you know, um, work is sort of worship, [00:03:55] you know, this, The spirit of service, you know. How can I help this community? Which are [00:04:00] which? The Dental services are quite, you know, inaccessible. Um, and so, [00:04:05] you know, again, as from an early age, I had this sort of, you know, drive [00:04:10] and anything I should do, I should try to see, you know, how can I help others? [00:04:15] And so I saw dentistry as sort of this profession where it combines, [00:04:20] you know, your love for helping others as well as science, art, business, [00:04:25] a bundle of things, you know.
Payman Langroudi: So you’re [00:04:30] Baha’i?
May Firoozmand: Yes.
Payman Langroudi: So explain for I mean, I know what a Baha’i is because I’m Iranian [00:04:35] and there’s Baha’is in Iran. But explain, explain. For someone who doesn’t know the religion, because I [00:04:40] would class myself as almost like it’s a, it’s a horrible word, but like [00:04:45] a secular extremist. And you’ll find a lot of Iranians in that, in that [00:04:50] bucket. Yeah. Because we’ve been we’ve been hit so hard by it, by religion as a country. But [00:04:55] when I look at Baha’i ism, the religion, it’s very attractive. It’s [00:05:00] very modern, number one. Right. Very new religion, yes, but very attractive, very accepting. [00:05:05] Just let’s just go through the what are the sort of the cornerstones of the religion and, and the history of it and [00:05:10] all that.
May Firoozmand: Sure. So the Baha’i Faith, the region in Iran, um, and [00:05:15] in 1844, in the city of Shiraz, there was this young Persian man, [00:05:20] and his name was the Bab. And he was, you know, sharing to the people [00:05:25] that the promised one is coming. And his name was Baha’u’llah, [00:05:30] the founder of the Baha’i Faith. And this Baha’i Faith, it’s all about, [00:05:35] um, um, embracing diversity, you know, and [00:05:40] unity in diversity. Um, and [00:05:45] so since a young age, I was actually brought up in a Baha’i family. Um, so [00:05:50] my mom is half German, half Italian, and my dad was Persian. Um, [00:05:55] so.
Payman Langroudi: Was your mum Bahai as well?
May Firoozmand: Before my mum.
Payman Langroudi: Converted.
May Firoozmand: So [00:06:00] my mum, her parents. So when she met my father, she was. She was also a Baha’i. There [00:06:05] are Baha’is all around the world. Um. And she. So [00:06:10] her parents, her mum is German from the Bavarian Alps and her, [00:06:15] her father is from Sicily. Okay. So they were both Catholic [00:06:20] and, um. So when they met, actually, my my grandpa, [00:06:25] he found about the he found out about the Baha’i Faith, um, from [00:06:30] this Persian man which was sitting in the train on the same way to Bari at the time. [00:06:35] Um, Bari is at the heel of the boot in [00:06:40] a region called Puglia. Yeah. And and he just. He was talking to this. [00:06:45] It wasn’t a man. It was actually a young boy his age. Um, and, [00:06:50] uh. Yeah, they just, you know they made friends. And this boy invited [00:06:55] my grandpa to their home, and they were just so warm and [00:07:00] welcoming. And, you know, they shared that they were Baha’is. And my grandpa, he fell in love with [00:07:05] this faith, you know, and, uh, and there’s [00:07:10] a beautiful quotation that I love to turn to while, you know, um, facing challenges [00:07:15] throughout life, you know, let go of vision, be world embracing, you know, um, [00:07:20] so, so yeah. So my mom so my grandpa, he, he [00:07:25] became a Baha’i and my mom was brought up also in a Baha’i family. [00:07:30] But you said.
Payman Langroudi: Unity and diversity. So what does that mean? Yes.
May Firoozmand: So if you take it as like a garden, [00:07:35] you know, full of different flowers, different types of flowers as well, and [00:07:40] you sort of see this garden as an analogy for the human race. You know, we [00:07:45] are all different. We are unique in our different ways. We come from different backgrounds. Um, [00:07:50] you know, we speak different languages. We’re coming from different walks of life. [00:07:55] And this is what makes us just so diverse. Um, just like that garden. [00:08:00] Each of us were just like a flower of that garden. And that’s what makes it just so [00:08:05] beautiful.
Payman Langroudi: Yeah, but. But then. Okay, as a practising [00:08:10] Baha’i, what are the sort of the cornerstones? Is there prayer? Is there what is there?
May Firoozmand: Yeah. [00:08:15] Um, so yes, we have prayer. Um, and we dedicate a [00:08:20] life to, as I said, you know, serving one’s community. So we [00:08:25] believe that. Yes, of course, it’s important to develop materialistically, you know, whether [00:08:30] that’s academically, um, whether that’s, you know, financial [00:08:35] gain and so on. But also at the same time, it’s important to have a spiritual education. [00:08:40] So I don’t know if you believe in that. We have a soul. Not really. Um, so [00:08:45] so I believe that we have a soul, you know, and it’s important to pray every day to, [00:08:50] to sort of, like, nourish this, this, this soul like prayers are like, um, you [00:08:55] know, like food for the soul. And if we don’t pray, we’re, like, starving it. Um, [00:09:00] but what made me stronger in my faith, especially, was when my father [00:09:05] passed away. Um, I remember arriving just a couple of hours after he [00:09:10] passed away. Um, just took the flight, took a train, went back. Um, and [00:09:15] actually, he passed away in the comfort of his own home. So I saw him there. Um, [00:09:20] and I remember seeing a prayer. We have different prayers for different, uh, let’s say occasions. [00:09:25] So, like the healing prayer or prayer for unity, a prayer for children. So I said the healing [00:09:30] prayer. But even though he was still there, I already felt that, you know, [00:09:35] his soul had already progressed into the next world. You know, I already felt him there [00:09:40] with me, you know, um, and there’s this beautiful quotation in the Baha’i [00:09:45] writings which says that death is a messenger of joy, you know? [00:09:50] Um, and I definitely see prayers for my father, you [00:09:55] know, to help his soul progress into the next world further. Um, [00:10:00] and.
Payman Langroudi: I think, you know, the the roadblock [00:10:05] I’ve got in my head that I’ve only recently tried to figure it out, to understand it. Yeah. Is [00:10:10] that spirituality itself, by its very nature, isn’t logical [00:10:15] and memorable. You know, it’s it’s the other. It’s all. It’s all it’s all of the [00:10:20] other stuff that isn’t the at that side of your brain that says two plus two equals four. [00:10:25] Yeah. So for me, I’d always had a difficulty sort of describing spirituality. [00:10:30] Only recently. It’s taken me like 50 years to figure out. Describing it isn’t really the point at [00:10:35] all. Yeah. It’s all about around feelings and and and peace and [00:10:40] these sort of things. Yes. Um, but you’re sort of [00:10:45] driver in that direction. How [00:10:50] strong is that? Is that like, would you say it’s the strongest driver in in in your [00:10:55] day to day or what.
May Firoozmand: Yeah. So I think [00:11:00] definitely it is. Yes, definitely it is. I mean, as I said before I try to.
Payman Langroudi: Sorry. [00:11:05] So so that sort of let’s call it altruism that comes from that. Right.
May Firoozmand: I [00:11:10] think, I think, um, I try to live my life which is aligned with the Baha’i principles. [00:11:15] Yeah, yeah. You know, and as I said, I try to put, you know, you know, whether it’s a faith, whether [00:11:20] it’s a religion in the centre of one’s life. So rather than just seeing it as one of the things, [00:11:25] you know, just like studies, sport. Um, and so on, it’s sort of [00:11:30] in the centre and everything sort of comes from that, you know, and, and I remember [00:11:35] when I was, when I was in Bulgaria, I remember people would come to me and say, [00:11:40] but May, you’re not the sort of, you know, like young adults that we see [00:11:45] today. You know, there’s there’s something about you. You know, you’re sort of different. But why? And [00:11:50] I was like, well, it’s definitely my faith, you know, it’s because I’m a Baha’i. Um, so [00:11:55] and sort of, you know, exercising these qualities and these virtues [00:12:00] of love, kindness, peace, unity, trustfulness, you know, [00:12:05] even every day, you know, between our between our colleagues, between our friends, between our family, [00:12:10] you know, and yeah, of course, you know, when I say, oh, I want to try to make the [00:12:15] world a better place, I feel that we’re all agents of change, you know, we’re like [00:12:20] a little light bulb and we have our own little light to shine, you know, and we can all make [00:12:25] a contribution to the betterment of the world. But I think it definitely starts within [00:12:30] our families. You know, if we can be of service within our family, then we do it [00:12:35] within the community. And then, you know, we see how we can help the world, you [00:12:40] know.
Payman Langroudi: That’s lovely, man. That’s lovely. So let’s talk about dentistry. [00:12:45] What was the first? When was the first time? Were you always going to be a dentist [00:12:50] because your dad was a dentist and and, you know, you you were. Because I’ve got kids [00:12:55] and neither of them want to be a dentist. Yeah. And I feel like I failed them somehow. I don’t even want [00:13:00] them to be a dentist, necessarily. I just want them to want to be a dentist. Mhm. What was your story [00:13:05] around that?
May Firoozmand: Um, so my story, um, so [00:13:10] as I said, when I was younger, I was sort of very open. You know, I love trying new things. [00:13:15] Yeah. Um, I love chatting. I love speaking to people. Um, [00:13:20] you know, I could speak to someone, you know, elderly man. I could speak to a little [00:13:25] child. I could speak to an older person. Uh, people my age. I just love speaking [00:13:30] to people and getting to know people. Um, I think definitely the spark of dentistry came. [00:13:35] Um, when I started observing how my father was working, you [00:13:40] know, in his private dental practice. So whenever I would see a patient walk through the [00:13:45] doors really, really nervous that they’re going to have a filling, they would walk out of the [00:13:50] doors with a smile on their face. They would feel reassured. And this kindness [00:13:55] that my my dad was sort of, you know, giving to these patients, it was just so beautiful [00:14:00] to see. And I thought, okay, there is this clinical side to dentistry. There’s the artistic [00:14:05] side, there’s the business side, but there is also that sort of, you know, uh, building [00:14:10] that, uh, patient, uh, clinician sort of relationship relationship, [00:14:15] which is really, really important. And sort of my dad’s motto, motto was, [00:14:20] you know, me the more sort of dirty, smelly, [00:14:25] the person that walks through the doors, the more kindness you give them. Um, so [00:14:30] it was, it was from then. And so I was observing this environment. I [00:14:35] didn’t quite still didn’t really understand. I knew it was about [00:14:40] the teeth. I knew that there were procedures, you know, to restore a tooth and so [00:14:45] on. But I didn’t really get into the science of it, you know.
Payman Langroudi: So you [00:14:50] did understand the relationship side of it.
May Firoozmand: I didn’t understand that quite early on. And that and. [00:14:55]
Payman Langroudi: That motivated you to want to be a dentist, just that. Exactly.
May Firoozmand: I wanted to go within the medical profession, [00:15:00] whether that was dentistry, whether that was a doctor, whether it was something with the sciences, [00:15:05] you know. Um, and so what.
Payman Langroudi: Kind of dentist was he insomuch as like, [00:15:10] he sounds like a pretty happy dentist. Yeah. Um, because and, you know, you [00:15:15] you I don’t know if this is like a stereotype to say if someone is of [00:15:20] faith and he’s trying to be of service, whatever he was doing, he would be happy. Yeah. Because it is [00:15:25] it is a happy way of of being. Yeah, yeah. But what would you say makes the difference between a happy [00:15:30] dentist and an unhappy one? Because there’s many happy dentists and [00:15:35] then there’s many unhappy dentists.
May Firoozmand: I think, I mean.
Payman Langroudi: It’s very early in your career to say [00:15:40] that, but just I’d just like to hear what comes to mind.
May Firoozmand: I think if you know your reasoning [00:15:45] behind going into dentistry, your reason, you know you have that drive. If you have that [00:15:50] motivation, that determination. Okay. If you write, I want to become financially [00:15:55] independent, especially for a woman. You know, dentistry is a wonderful path to go [00:16:00] into. And that’s why my dad encouraged me, you know, did he did it? It was between medicine [00:16:05] and dentistry. And I’m so happy I went into dentistry, because also, you got to choose a career [00:16:10] that plays on your strengths as well. So, you know, if you learn a skill [00:16:15] and you repeat this skill over and over again and you can improve and get better and better, [00:16:20] then why don’t choose a career? You know where it plays on that strength. Um, [00:16:25] so going back to your question of what makes it unhappy and happy, [00:16:30] I think if you know what made him happy.
Payman Langroudi: And what made him [00:16:35] happy about the job, like what did he love about the job?
May Firoozmand: Your dad he [00:16:40] loved dentistry. He always knew that he wanted to become a dentist. [00:16:45] Um, I think it was just knowing that, uh, helping people with their [00:16:50] smile, inspiring that confidence into them, you know, because one self-esteem [00:16:55] just with, you know, refining the smile, a bit of whitening, bit of straightening. [00:17:00] Um, and especially the oral hygiene of the patient, you know, it can go a long way and it can [00:17:05] improve, um, you know, their way of life, their lifestyle as well. It can [00:17:10] make them into a transform them into a into a different person. Really. Um, [00:17:15] so.
Payman Langroudi: But what kind of treatments did he do? Did he do a lot of cosmetics? [00:17:20]
May Firoozmand: He loved a restorative dentistry. Restorative? Yes, yes.
Payman Langroudi: Okay, so then what [00:17:25] was the journey? So how did you end up in in Bulgaria?
May Firoozmand: Yeah. So I studied the [00:17:30] IB, um, at Oakham. Then I did one year, um, in [00:17:35] Haifa. Um, I dedicated a year of voluntary work of service [00:17:40] in the Baha’i Gardens. And that was beautiful as well, because I was sort of doing.
Payman Langroudi: In between [00:17:45] school and university.
May Firoozmand: It was sort of like that one year gap whilst I [00:17:50] was figuring out, uh, kind of you could say like a gap year thinking, okay, where [00:17:55] am I going to go and study dentistry? Yeah. Um, so there it was wonderful because I sort of [00:18:00] tried to, um, develop qualities like patience, [00:18:05] even just, you know, planting flowers. There are a lot of things that, you know, there’s a whole [00:18:10] process behind it. And we were also working with so many youth from different cultures as well. [00:18:15] And so we had to work as a team to try to beautify these gardens, [00:18:20] you know. Um, so after that year, um, it was very, very beautiful. [00:18:25] And I thought, okay, this is a year of service, but the service isn’t ending. It’s just beginning. [00:18:30] Let’s now go into dentistry, the career that I always wanted to go into. Um, [00:18:35] so. But before going to Haifa. I did try to [00:18:40] apply, you know, to dental school here. Um, yeah. And the doors were closing, so I thought, [00:18:45] okay. Um, what were they saying?
Payman Langroudi: What was the reason?
May Firoozmand: Um, [00:18:50] you know, the grades weren’t sort of good. The IB grades. Yeah. Yeah. You know, because, you know, you’re competing [00:18:55] with so hard to get into dentistry.
Payman Langroudi: Hard to get into dentistry? Yes it is. Especially nowadays, you know, in [00:19:00] my day. Pretty easy compared to today. Yes.
May Firoozmand: Yeah. My father told me. [00:19:05]
Payman Langroudi: Yeah, yeah, yeah. And, you know, it’s quite interesting question. Right. That the character [00:19:10] of a dentist who goes in with very high grades, and the character of [00:19:15] a dentist who goes in with not very high grades is a different character. Yeah.
May Firoozmand: I observed [00:19:20] that at university, actually. Yeah. Yes. Yeah.
Payman Langroudi: And of course, there are advantages to these super [00:19:25] brains, you know, going in. But also in our day, it was more about practical [00:19:30] people, you know. It’s very interesting difference. And I’m interested in the difference [00:19:35] it makes to the dentist coming out the other end. A lot of anxiety in [00:19:40] in young dentists these days. Of course now there’s a lot of things to be anxious [00:19:45] about. So it’s all right. So you didn’t did you consoled yourself with you’re going to go abroad. [00:19:50]
May Firoozmand: Well, so during this sort of, let’s say voluntary work here, let’s [00:19:55] say I was sort of brainstorming of other ways to get into dentistry. [00:20:00] And so I came across studying dentistry in English in the Balkan region, [00:20:05] Romania, Bulgaria and so on. Had never been to this part of the [00:20:10] world before, you know. And so I thought, okay, um, let’s start the application. [00:20:15] So I started the application process while I was there. Did you look.
Payman Langroudi: At Spain or. No. Loads of people go [00:20:20] to Spain.
May Firoozmand: Yes, yes, I heard about Spain. About Valencia. Yes, but I heard that it was very, very [00:20:25] tricky to actually get in. Okay. Um, but I was sort of very open minded, you know, [00:20:30] I was sort of, I don’t know, I was drawn to the Balkan region. Um, so So [00:20:35] yes, I came across Bulgaria and it’s home to three renowned dental schools, [00:20:40] but I chose Varna because it’s a seaside coast town. Yeah. [00:20:45] Um, you know, so during break times and breaks between exams, you can just go [00:20:50] for a stroll. Also very beautiful. It’s very, very beautiful. Yeah, the Black Sea. Yeah. Um, [00:20:55] so, so. Yeah. So I went there.
Payman Langroudi: So what was it like when you got there? When you got [00:21:00] what were your first impressions when you got there?
May Firoozmand: Well, I’m originally from a little village [00:21:05] surrounded by the countryside. Whereabouts? Um, so near Oundle. Oh.
Payman Langroudi: Near [00:21:10] Peterborough? Yes.
May Firoozmand: So near Peterborough, but in a little village near Oundle. Yeah. And. [00:21:15] And so this village is very, very small, you know. Um, [00:21:20] so when I got to Varna, I remember arriving with other students [00:21:25] in the agency. We arrived around midnight. Um, so there were some [00:21:30] cars, you know, on the road. I remember looking up and thinking, oh wow, this is a sort [00:21:35] of big city for me at the time. Um, you know, then [00:21:40] we woke up the next day and I thought, oh, it was quite busy here. And we were just trying [00:21:45] to find somewhere to stay, a flat to stay before uni started, because university [00:21:50] was going to start two days after. So I had to get my bearings sort of [00:21:55] like very, very quickly. Um, so, but um, slowly, [00:22:00] slowly. It did take some time. I think from third year onwards, [00:22:05] that’s when I sort of realised, um, I’ve got to embrace this new culture. [00:22:10] Yeah. You know, I’ve got to adapt. Um, I can’t bring my old ways [00:22:15] of doing something into a new country, you know?
Payman Langroudi: Um, by the way, it took it took me [00:22:20] a couple of years to adjust to Cardiff. You know, it’s something.
May Firoozmand: It’s a good. [00:22:25]
Payman Langroudi: Thing. It’s a good thing because you go to a new place, you almost reinvent yourself. Yes. [00:22:30] Yeah. But, you know, I found it a bit weird going from London to Cardiff yet, let [00:22:35] alone Bulgaria. Yeah, so? So you had to learn the language?
May Firoozmand: Yeah, I had to learn [00:22:40] the language. Um, was that hard?
Payman Langroudi: Or were you naturally good?
May Firoozmand: I can speak a couple of words if you would [00:22:45] like. Sure.
Payman Langroudi: How do you say. How do you say? Uh. A pleasure to meet you. Root canal treatment [00:22:50] in Bulgaria.
May Firoozmand: So root canal treatment, you can say. Listen now, Papa. And [00:22:55] if I say it was a pleasure to meet you. Prijatno means das zupa [00:23:00] znam. Um.
Payman Langroudi: So how long did it take you to get to a point of feeling comfortable? [00:23:05]
May Firoozmand: So sort of. We learned the language with the university the first two years, and that was.
Payman Langroudi: Part [00:23:10] of the course.
May Firoozmand: Yeah. Well, that’s nice, but then we were up to our own devices. Really. So you could continue the learning [00:23:15] the language if you wanted to. And I thought, well, if I’m going to be here six years, I might [00:23:20] as well keep practising with my Bulgarian friends. And I made a lot of friends with the Bulgarian locals. [00:23:25] They are such. So at first, you know, people, you know, [00:23:30] they put up some sort of guard. But then when you break the ice, people used to ask [00:23:35] me, why are you always smiling? Why are you so happy? Is there an ulterior motive? [00:23:40] And I thought, no, I’m just a happy person. You break through the ice and they’re just such [00:23:45] warm people.
Payman Langroudi: Yeah. I don’t know if I did a podcast with Jurgita [00:23:50] Sebti, who’s from Lithuania, and she [00:23:55] was saying that Eastern European mentality is they call it an egg mentality as [00:24:00] opposed to the Western, which is a peach mentality. Right? And she was saying the peach is [00:24:05] soft.
May Firoozmand: Have you heard of that analogy before?
Payman Langroudi: She was saying soft on the outside. But then when you get right to the middle you hit [00:24:10] the stone. Whereas with an egg it’s hard on the outside, but once you break through, then it’s [00:24:15] soft. Exactly, exactly.
May Firoozmand: Um. And.
Payman Langroudi: Yeah. [00:24:20] So so so so you found friends? Bulgarian friends? Yeah.
May Firoozmand: So?
Payman Langroudi: So [00:24:25] how about the other students? Were they all from other countries or were they from Bulgaria?
May Firoozmand: So within the within the Dental [00:24:30] university environment. Of course, you’ve got the international students and you’ve [00:24:35] got the Bulgarian students. So we would never have lessons at the same time. Um, [00:24:40] and so there was a point when I thought, okay, I’m always with these international students. So groups are [00:24:45] quite small actually. Where were.
Payman Langroudi: They from? From the UK. A lot of them.
May Firoozmand: Um, so my group, we were only 11 people. [00:24:50] I had a colleague from Cyprus, from Greece. Um, I had two [00:24:55] colleagues from, from Peterborough. I was like Peterborough, how come we meet [00:25:00] here in Varna? How funny. Um, so that was quite funny. Um, a lot of Germans, [00:25:05] um, other English colleagues as well. So it’s sort of like a mix. Um, [00:25:10] but after some time I realised that, you know, the Bulgarian students [00:25:15] and the English students or the international students, we wouldn’t really see each other. So [00:25:20] I thought it would be a nice opportunity to see opportunities where we could sort of mix, you [00:25:25] know. So I came across the opportunity to become a member of the Dental sort [00:25:30] of student association of the university. Um, you know, spoke with [00:25:35] the head there. Um, and he said, May, you’re welcome. You’re welcome to come. It’s going to be a challenge, [00:25:40] I’m not going to lie, he said, because of the language, because we have our own our own culture, [00:25:45] our own ways of doing something. But, you know, if we can work as a team, it will [00:25:50] be wonderful, you know? And it was nice to be encircled with like [00:25:55] minded individuals, young students, you know, aspiring to be good dentists, [00:26:00] um, to do dental campaigns within the community, to do dental projects [00:26:05] together to promote the importance of oral health. Um, and [00:26:10] we would just work as a team trying, you know, in the spirit of unity to create beautiful [00:26:15] things. And of course, there were challenges on the way, I’m not going to lie. But we did try to [00:26:20] overcome them, you know, in the spirit of consultation.
Payman Langroudi: And so in Bulgaria, [00:26:25] you have to provide your own patience. Is that is that one of the [00:26:30] major challenges?
May Firoozmand: Yes it is. Yeah.
Payman Langroudi: So is it not is it not a group of people who can’t afford dentistry? [00:26:35] And you can just go to them and say, hey, I can give you is it free or do they pay still?
May Firoozmand: So it is a walk [00:26:40] in sort of dental university clinic free, um, not free or [00:26:45] cheap. But the you know, the fee is very, very, very small. Okay. So for example, like [00:26:50] a dental examination. So there they will call it dental. And it is like [00:26:55] uh like five leva which is like £2.50. Um, and yeah, [00:27:00] we were responsible in finding our own patients.
Payman Langroudi: So, so and is there a quota [00:27:05] system like there is here. Like you have to do this many crowns, this many Indos? Yes, exactly.
May Firoozmand: Is that what it was? [00:27:10] So for each year, you know, you would have like a certain number of Indos for [00:27:15] single rooted teeth, for multi-rooted teeth, a certain number of fillings. And you would keep track [00:27:20] of all of them, you know, um, in order to sort of surpass and pass [00:27:25] the year in order to go to the next year. So it was challenging at first, [00:27:30] you know, trying to find different creative ways in trying to build [00:27:35] up a patient diary. Um, so, you know, at first I was sort of like, you know, [00:27:40] trying to follow all my other colleagues and we were writing Facebook posts, um, [00:27:45] and asking, you know, my name is this or my name is May. Come and join us at the Dental [00:27:50] University or offering more or less cheap dental services. [00:27:55] Um, but it wasn’t really working for me. You know, no patients were coming in. Um, [00:28:00] so I just thought, okay, let’s find another way. Let’s create little business cards. [00:28:05] Let’s go, you know, to the florists. Let’s go to the Baker Bakery. [00:28:10] Um, let’s go to the nail salon. And there I was, just speaking with local [00:28:15] people, you know, and we would open up. And then I would say at some time, actually, [00:28:20] they would say to me, there was in one scenario she said, um, you’re a dental student. [00:28:25] I need a filling. Can I come? I said, oh, it’s not a problem, you know. So [00:28:30] she came. And just by making hopefully one happy patient, she brought [00:28:35] the whole family, the kids and so on. And so that, you know, word spread [00:28:40] across the community. It’s quite a small town, more or less. Um, so the news [00:28:45] travels quite fast. I think, you know.
Payman Langroudi: Like a lot of what you’re saying are the [00:28:50] principles of business in general, right? Mhm. Make [00:28:55] make patients happy. Um, get out there and, you know, things [00:29:00] I’m really bad at, you know, like for instance, personally I wouldn’t, wouldn’t, wouldn’t. I’m not [00:29:05] good at saying, hey, come and talk to me. It’s just not something I’m good at. Media, [00:29:10] if you like hiring an agency to put out an advert and all of that sort of thing. Yeah, [00:29:15] but person, that personal thing of going out and doing things, you’ll find it’s going to serve [00:29:20] you well in whatever endeavour you choose to, to follow, you [00:29:25] know. And I noticed, for instance, you’re writing a lot of articles in dentistry magazine like that. That doesn’t happen by mistake. [00:29:30] Did it. You approached them, right? Mhm.
May Firoozmand: Yeah. I just sort of I wanted [00:29:35] to develop like whilst I was at university, I thought I really would like to try to write [00:29:40] some articles. Why I had never, I just wanted to develop [00:29:45] and improve a skill really another skill.
Payman Langroudi: Um, yeah. But didn’t you have enough problems? [00:29:50]
May Firoozmand: The thing is, I’m in the supreme of dental skills. And the thing is, I’m in this. I’ve always liked [00:29:55] to do lots of different things.
Payman Langroudi: Yeah, it looks like it.
May Firoozmand: But I’m in this frame of mind is if you don’t see [00:30:00] the opportunity in front of you, maybe in that area or in that country. Yeah. Um, [00:30:05] look outside and be open, you know? So [00:30:10] what? I remember writing my first article and thinking, my goodness, I don’t know what I’m doing. [00:30:15] The layout, you know, what kind of style. And slowly, slowly. I just really [00:30:20] enjoyed it. You know, there’s lots of improvements that have to be made. But, [00:30:25] you know, a we make mistakes throughout life and we learn new skills. This is, [00:30:30] you know, what makes the journey of life quite sort of fun and, you know, interesting. And have you [00:30:35] tried.
Payman Langroudi: Social media.
May Firoozmand: What, building up a an [00:30:40] Insta. Yeah. Slowly, slowly. I’m trying TikTok or uh, no, [00:30:45] I haven’t really I’ve tried to create, um, my little Insta page, which [00:30:50] I just got up a couple of months ago. Um, but, uh, I [00:30:55] think definitely, you know, social media such as Instagram, maybe TikTok as well, [00:31:00] and these podcasts as well, they’re such a powerful tool, you know, to transmit [00:31:05] powerful messages and important messages out there in society. Um, so, [00:31:10] yeah, it can be used in both, you know, good and. Yeah, but [00:31:15] constructive ways.
Payman Langroudi: My point is, my point is some people have something to say and, and [00:31:20] The impact they want to make. Yeah. Yeah. Uh. Others don’t. [00:31:25] Yeah. And there’s no right or wrong about it. Yeah. Some people don’t want to share. [00:31:30] Yeah. But you do. It’s clear. Yeah. [00:31:35] So if you do want to share, for instance, if I want to tell the story of enlighten. Yeah. Yes. [00:31:40] I have to go on social media. Yeah. Not personally that I do, but. But [00:31:45] the brand has to go on social media. Yeah. Because it has a story to tell. Yes. Yeah. So [00:31:50] if you have a story to tell, it needs to be on social media right now. Right. There’s no [00:31:55] other way. It’s the only way of really getting travelling fast.
May Firoozmand: Yeah. [00:32:00] Yeah.
Payman Langroudi: But, you know, I’m kind of interested in the why more than the [00:32:05] tactics. Yeah. And I get it. And I hear what you say about the way you were brought up. [00:32:10] Yeah. That’s a big factor in everything that we do. Um, [00:32:15] but have you heard of effective altruism?
May Firoozmand: Um yes. [00:32:20]
Payman Langroudi: It’s got a bad name.
May Firoozmand: Uh, more or less.
Payman Langroudi: Do you know what I mean by it? Is it so [00:32:25] there’s an idea that you going out and [00:32:30] doing check-ups on Children in Need? Yeah. [00:32:35] Is one form of giving. Yeah. But is the end goal [00:32:40] the thing we get out of that? Is that the pleasure [00:32:45] you get from it? Or is the end goal the number of children that get [00:32:50] seen? Yeah. And so, for instance, if I was going to do that. Yes. It [00:32:55] wouldn’t make sense for me to do it. If, if, if the number of children that are being seen [00:33:00] is the end goal, it would make much more sense for me to go off and do whatever, whatever [00:33:05] it is that makes me the most amount of money and then pay a bunch of people to go and do that. Yeah. And [00:33:10] that, that sort of motivation [00:33:15] for doing charity work. Mhm. And the notion of, if I’m driving this [00:33:20] truck and I’ve got bread in the back of my truck and I handing out bread to the hungry. Yeah. [00:33:25] Is it the thrill I’m getting by? The power I’m getting by by. If I don’t drive my truck. [00:33:30] This guy goes hungry. Is it the. The little dopamine rush I get when I hand [00:33:35] the bread? Is that what I’m in it for? Or am I in it for feeding the [00:33:40] hungry? You know, what are your thoughts around that subject?
May Firoozmand: I think [00:33:45] I mean, I can sort of maybe apply this concept in whilst [00:33:50] I was studying abroad, in which it was sort of like the process. Okay. So you’ve got this goal [00:33:55] of becoming a dentist. Okay. Let’s find different ways whilst you [00:34:00] are as a student in how you can help sort of the community. So I [00:34:05] would take the time to people who are saying, hey, what are you doing in your free time? We never [00:34:10] see you at parties. I wasn’t really the party person, to be honest, and so I would [00:34:15] sort of like speak with local people. And I had this dear friend of mine and she opened a [00:34:20] children’s bookshop. And so from there we really created [00:34:25] a lovely bond of friendship. And she said, May. As you are a native British speaker, do [00:34:30] you want to come along every Sunday and read? You know the author of [00:34:35] The Gruffalo? Yeah. Uh, Julia Donaldson. Exactly. [00:34:40] And so I would just start reading these stories, you know, um, to kids. To kids. [00:34:45] Yes. And so she created, like, this really nice, inviting atmosphere outside [00:34:50] her children’s bookshop and encourage so many kids from the community. [00:34:55] First we started off with five, then ten with 2025, and we grew [00:35:00] gradually. Then she said to me, May, shall we? Um, I’m [00:35:05] going to open up in a little centre now. We’ve still got the bookshop, but what [00:35:10] about we? Now? Rather than just having storytelling, we create little children’s classes. [00:35:15] Okay. And they can also have like a sign up sheet.
May Firoozmand: So slowly, slowly, rather [00:35:20] than it being, you know, um, one Sunday a month we would do [00:35:25] every Saturdays and Sundays at this little centre. Still kids would come [00:35:30] and not only the kids from the community would come together and make new friendships [00:35:35] and listen to a native British speaker. But also the mothers would [00:35:40] sort of say, oh, you know, I’m not I’m not [00:35:45] the only one. We’re all in the same boat. And they would speak with the other mothers and a sense of community, a [00:35:50] sense of community, you know, friendships would be born. And then after that, my [00:35:55] friend said to me, we want to go on a larger scale. Now we’re going to buy a whole [00:36:00] sort of building and create different activities. Would you like to join [00:36:05] our team? I said, yes, I would love to. And shortly after, you know, I left my time in Varna [00:36:10] was coming to an end. But do you see that? You know, from one little idea. [00:36:15] You go to another step, but it comes with stages to reach the [00:36:20] end goal. But it’s not necessarily the result or the end goal that matters for me. For [00:36:25] me, it’s the process. The people you come across, the networking, [00:36:30] the relationships that you’ve created, what challenges you’ve come across [00:36:35] and what solutions you’ve tried to find on the way that makes you a stronger [00:36:40] person. So yeah, not necessarily. It is the result. Very interesting. [00:36:45]
Payman Langroudi: Very interesting, very interesting that you’ve looked at it that way. So if you look going [00:36:50] forward you’re going to be doing dentistry hopefully. Um, do you think on [00:36:55] the service side, if you could sort of wave a magic wand? And I know waving the magic wand doesn’t help you [00:37:00] because you like the process, right. But but do you think you’re going to do something dental [00:37:05] charity wise? Go for. And I noticed you did this rowing thing. Explain [00:37:10] that. Was it like ultramarathon? What was it, 100 miles?
May Firoozmand: 100km. [00:37:15]
Payman Langroudi: 100km of rowing.
May Firoozmand: I did two as well.
Payman Langroudi: Two in a.
May Firoozmand: Row? [00:37:20] Uh, no. Two.
Payman Langroudi: You did? Twice.
May Firoozmand: One. And then five days after. So? So [00:37:25] basically, are you.
Payman Langroudi: Super, super super fit?
May Firoozmand: Not really. No. It’s it’s. You [00:37:30] just.
Payman Langroudi: Decided to go for.
May Firoozmand: This. The mind. And also I love the sport. I think basically, [00:37:35] you know, it was coming towards the end of my studies in Barnum and I thought, May I really [00:37:40] want to do something to sort of mark the end and I want to create [00:37:45] this sense of community, you know. And so I sort of like called some friends [00:37:50] and I said, look, you know, we did a marathon a couple of years ago together alongside [00:37:55] each other, rowing on the machine. What about we create a larger event? [00:38:00] So there was a lot of planning behind it because it wasn’t the the rowing [00:38:05] wasn’t sort of the main thing behind it. It was more of finding [00:38:10] which day to do it on 1st of June International Children’s Day. So [00:38:15] we celebrated that. Then we thought, okay, there in the Balkan region, [00:38:20] it’s not very well known to do, you know, like here in England, you set up [00:38:25] a JustGiving account, you choose your charity and you raise, you know, the funds there. [00:38:30] It’s not very popular. Um, so I thought, okay, let’s choose a Bulgarian [00:38:35] charity to support. Um, so we chose a charity. It was called [00:38:40] um Plus Mesh, which is called the Teddy Bear Charity, supporting [00:38:45] children who don’t have parents and who would like to pursue a secondary [00:38:50] education, and who are the aspiring teachers and doctors and, [00:38:55] you know, artists and dentists of today. So we chose that charity as well. [00:39:00] And this was a charity. Little did we know, very, very close to many people’s [00:39:05] hearts. So we raised over £6,000. We had over 500 participants [00:39:10] And yes, we had the rowing machine. I was rowing, [00:39:15] um, basically we were changing every three kilometres with this other, with this other friend [00:39:20] of mine, and we were from two different realities like I was.
May Firoozmand: He was a local, [00:39:25] I was an international student. He had a family. But it was just so beautiful to see [00:39:30] how the sport brought us together. And so we had other machines [00:39:35] lined up. It encouraged local participation. Everyone was given a certificate at the [00:39:40] end, you know, they were rewarded for rowing 200m or something. Um, [00:39:45] but it was just I think, yeah, I had the initiative. I had just the [00:39:50] idea. But I think the success of the event was that everyone came together, you [00:39:55] know, um, like from, from, um, the local radio [00:40:00] actually gave us the venue and they supported us and actually promoting the event, the [00:40:05] local radio station, you know, invited us to go and speak and say, what was the inspiration [00:40:10] behind it? What’s the purpose behind it? Um, so we did that [00:40:15] and that was just really, really nice, you know, to do. Um, and then I thought, [00:40:20] well, let’s do another one in the UK was at a much smaller [00:40:25] scale. I think the planning had to be refined a little bit because more, more of the energy [00:40:30] was going into the Bulgarian one, but this one was for Dentaid and the dental team. [00:40:35] They really, really supported me and, you know, helped me in trying to get this initiative [00:40:40] up and going. So I did it at the Oundle Sports Centre and all the schoolkids [00:40:45] would be, you know, walking past. And there was one little boy that looked at me and smiled [00:40:50] and just started cheering me on. And then everyone continued, um, had the support of my [00:40:55] sister. Um, and that was another hundred K, but that was a solo challenge. [00:41:00] Wow. Um, so that was doing all on my own. And I remember that take it [00:41:05] took around eight hours, eight.
Payman Langroudi: Hours on the rowing.
[TRANSITION]: Machine.
May Firoozmand: Yeah. And I [00:41:10] remember it’s all about the power of the mind. Because the half way mark, I thought, I can’t [00:41:15] do this. And I remember looking at my sister and she said, yes, you can. You’ve just finished dental [00:41:20] school. You’ve already done the half way mark. Let’s go. And she was like my emotional [00:41:25] support. Um, and, um, but it was, it was it was an [00:41:30] interesting experience and I really wanted to support Dental the small contribution, [00:41:35] you know, that that we did. But I really want to, you know, take this opportunity to thank each and [00:41:40] every, you know, friend or person or colleague that donated, um, you [00:41:45] know, to to make this possible.
Payman Langroudi: So interesting that, that, you know, [00:41:50] much of what you’re saying is reliant on sort of the best of humanity [00:41:55] and thinking the best of people. And when when there’s a purpose [00:42:00] led thing, people open doors, right? The radio station, the sports centre or whatever. [00:42:05] Does that leave you when you look at the worst of humanity. Does that [00:42:10] leave you sort of more damaged than the rest of us? [00:42:15] Like when I’m. When I’m. If. Did you feel like now, when you look at the world on [00:42:20] fire like it is at the moment, do you think, do you see a solution that that [00:42:25] comes from this way of thinking that on a bigger scale. Mm.
May Firoozmand: I think [00:42:30] especially, you know, as, as a youth, we are exposed to so many forces. Yeah. [00:42:35] Constructive forces, but also destructive forces. And we’ve got to protect [00:42:40] ourselves and shield ourselves from these destructive forces, the wars [00:42:45] that are happening in the world at the moment, the too much consumption of social media [00:42:50] occupying our time and influencing us to, I don’t know, to all follow a [00:42:55] specific trend or all be the same. No, we’re all different, you know, so we’ve got to sort of shield [00:43:00] ourselves from this. But yes, you know, of course there are [00:43:05] lots of things are going to happen in the world. They’re going to continue happening in the world. They’re going to get more [00:43:10] and more dire the situation. But if we are, if each, each and [00:43:15] every one of us, you know, takes this responsibility to try to walk this path of service, [00:43:20] then, you know, slowly, slowly we can make the world a better place together. [00:43:25]
Payman Langroudi: So along the same lines, if something happens in your life [00:43:30] that feels totally unfair, or if something to someone else. [00:43:35]
May Firoozmand: Happened with the death of my father. Yeah.
Payman Langroudi: Or to someone else, you know, like a death of a child or something. [00:43:40] Does that make you question your faith, ever? Or no. Does it strengthen your faith? Well, how do you [00:43:45] feel about it?
May Firoozmand: Strengthens.
Payman Langroudi: So to take take me through it. Like if something awful happens, something that feels totally, [00:43:50] totally unfair, how does that how does that feed back into thinking? That’s part of God’s [00:43:55] plan sort of thing.
May Firoozmand: So I think I can definitely I think challenges within [00:44:00] this life are there to make us stronger. You know um, [00:44:05] and to prepare us for the next world. But I remember, [00:44:10] you know, experiencing, you know, the death of my father. It was, [00:44:15] you know.
Payman Langroudi: The worst thing that’s ever happened to you.
May Firoozmand: I really think [00:44:20] so. And I think I didn’t actually have time to even mourn, because I [00:44:25] had to go back and do the exams while everyone was returning home for the Christmas [00:44:30] holidays. I was returning to go and do the exam. Um, but then when Covid [00:44:35] hit.
Payman Langroudi: That’s pre-COVID. That happened.
May Firoozmand: Pre-covid. One year before. [00:44:40] Um, but then when when Covid hit, there was time. I actually was at [00:44:45] home for seven months. And that was the time when we really had time to [00:44:50] reflect and think, you know, what had happened. But even with, as you said, even [00:44:55] with the death of someone, yes, it is emotional, you know, and and I was thinking, [00:45:00] you know, why did this have to happen to us? You know, why we always question why? [00:45:05] You know, um. But I see it. I love this beautiful [00:45:10] analogy as as a as a bird in a cage, you know, like, the cage [00:45:15] resembles the body of a human, and the bird resembles [00:45:20] the soul of a human being. And so in this life, you know that the cage is sort of around [00:45:25] the bird. It’s enclosed. But when we pass away, the cage opens up [00:45:30] and the bird is able to fly, you know, into a much more beautiful place. And that’s [00:45:35] how I see it, you know. Um, so, yeah, of course, my father [00:45:40] isn’t here in physical presence, but, um, I always [00:45:45] believe that there is always a reason behind something happening. I can [00:45:50] apply it to my life, you know? Um, yeah.
Payman Langroudi: So [00:45:55] tell me about the relationship you had with your father. And did you feel like [00:46:00] you’d missed out on him because you were away.
May Firoozmand: So while I was away for six years. [00:46:05] Well, yeah. That’s, um, quite a deep question. [00:46:10] Um, I think that, um, I always looked up to my father, both my mum [00:46:15] and my father, and they have supported me. You know, with every challenge we’ve come across, [00:46:20] they’ve always supported me. Um, and, um, I [00:46:25] remember not knowing at the time, but the, the last [00:46:30] sort of, uh, let’s say time I spent with my father, I took some weeks off from university. [00:46:35] It was during the first year I went home, you know, and just spent time [00:46:40] with my father. But like the little little moments, sort of, you know, like, built up to [00:46:45] much larger memories that now I think back now, um, and I remember one time [00:46:50] he was lying on the couch and he said, me, can you read? Can you read something? Um, [00:46:55] can you read? Uh, I don’t know, a couple of paragraphs from this book. And the book [00:47:00] was fire and gold. And it was about, um, challenges that are thrown at you, [00:47:05] you know, during life. So I just started reading because usually [00:47:10] when I was a child, you would read to me, and he had just such a beautiful, sort of eloquent [00:47:15] voice. I loved listening to it. So I thought, oh, blimey, now I’m [00:47:20] now I have to read. So I just started reading and I remember there was [00:47:25] just, um, there was a pause. I sort of paused because my phone started ringing, [00:47:30] vibrating. And I remember that moment just pushing the [00:47:35] phone aside and thinking, no, it’s not important. Thinking I have a.
Payman Langroudi: Choice [00:47:40] right to on what I focus exactly.
May Firoozmand: At that moment, because I think, you [00:47:45] know, life is just full of distractions. But I remember at that moment specifically just pushing [00:47:50] it aside. And there was a pause, quite a long pause. And my father, he opened his eyes. [00:47:55] Me? What’s happened? Everything okay? What beautiful For reading, [00:48:00] and it just made me. I just had this, you know, this smile that [00:48:05] came across my face and just, you know, continued reading, um, and we just, you [00:48:10] know, chatted a couple of times. And I remember the last time, you know, giving him [00:48:15] a hug, not knowing at the time, um, walking through the doors, [00:48:20] going back to Bulgaria and then, you know, shortly after hearing, you [00:48:25] know, I think it’s time to come back. And then arriving a couple of hours after he passed away. [00:48:30] Um, but but I think it was a very special, sort of, you [00:48:35] know, bond, father, daughter. Um, do you have brothers and sisters as [00:48:40] well? Yes, I do, yeah. I’m the eldest. Um, I’ve got a younger brother who’s 17, um, and [00:48:45] also a younger sister as well. Yeah. Who’s 20, who’s also an aspiring dentist as well. [00:48:50]
Payman Langroudi: Was studying where.
May Firoozmand: Um, so she’s at the moment studying biomed, but [00:48:55] she’s, you know, in the UK. Uh, yes.
Payman Langroudi: I.
May Firoozmand: Think [00:49:00] I was the only one that thought dentistry. I’ll even travel to the other side of the world to, [00:49:05] uh, yeah, to study that. So with your with.
Payman Langroudi: Your sort of limited experience of [00:49:10] dentistry.
May Firoozmand: Yes.
Payman Langroudi: What are your thoughts on where which direction in dentistry [00:49:15] you’re going to go? Yeah.
May Firoozmand: At the moment it’s, I think too early [00:49:20] to say, but to be open minded. Um, I really [00:49:25] like oral surgery. Do you? And, yes. You like blood. [00:49:30] I would love to be a specialist. And to be honest with you, um, I’ve had [00:49:35] just such beautiful experiences. I went to Heidelberg, um, two years [00:49:40] ago. And Heidelberg University. Yeah. Um, in the maxillofacial department, [00:49:45] I was there. Um, I also went to just recently. I came back, [00:49:50] actually from from Switzerland, from a lovely little town, 20 minutes from Zurich [00:49:55] in the canton of Aargau, a place called around and I was there in the Cest Landing [00:50:00] clinic. Again, the craniofacial department. But it was oral surgery and [00:50:05] it was Max FACs. Um, and it was just an incredible [00:50:10] experience, you know, and this sort of like inspired me to go down that route. [00:50:15] Um, are.
Payman Langroudi: You open to the sacrifice that that would mean? I mean, that’s that’s [00:50:20] Max.
May Firoozmand: Max. That’s Max facts. Um, so oral surgery.
Payman Langroudi: Implants?
May Firoozmand: I [00:50:25] think oral surgery. Um, I think, you know, while I was there in East London, [00:50:30] I observed these surgeons who were taking, you know, 100 wisdom teeth out a day. [00:50:35] 100 a day. Yes. And, you know, for impacted wisdom [00:50:40] teeth a day. And for me, it became more like an art. I [00:50:45] don’t know if you can follow me, but. Or if you can relate. But to me, it wasn’t just like extracting a [00:50:50] tooth. It was. It was an art in itself, you know, and they were trying to sort of like [00:50:55] teach me a couple of top tips and. But the more I saw it, the more I like sort of fell in love [00:51:00] with it. Um, so and then as well as that also saw much [00:51:05] larger cases. Um, orthognathic surgery, which is something I just [00:51:10] love. Um, but I think I’ll just keep it as a passion. Um, although.
Payman Langroudi: You [00:51:15] know, that execution of a treatment could be [00:51:20] a composite filling. Exactly. Especially with some of our biomimetic friends. [00:51:25] I don’t know if you’ve seen the, you know, some of the work they do. Yeah. Um, and the life of a dentist [00:51:30] is one piece of art after another.
May Firoozmand: Exactly.
Payman Langroudi: You know, whether [00:51:35] it’s taking out a wisdom tooth or whether it’s prepping or whether it’s the mix of those things. [00:51:40] Yeah, exactly. But my my observation would be there’s enough dentists who are scared of blood [00:51:45] like me here that if you’re not scared of blood. Yeah, certainly. Look [00:51:50] into implants, you know, at your stage. Mhm. Get into it.
May Firoozmand: I loved [00:51:55] Perio and Implantology.
Payman Langroudi: The thing about Implantology, though, is that it’s all or nothing kind of field. [00:52:00] You know where if you want to go into it, you have to throw everything at it and it might be too early [00:52:05] to make that decision. Mhm.
May Firoozmand: Um, yeah. As I said I’m like open at the moment. [00:52:10] And you know I may like start, start working and thinking oh I really like this field [00:52:15] or I like this field. Yeah I think the underlying question is do you want [00:52:20] to become a specialist in just one thing, or would you like to do a little bit of everything? [00:52:25] You know, it’s always this sort of question that comes about.
Payman Langroudi: I think my [00:52:30] view on it is you need to get better at stuff.
May Firoozmand: Exactly. And implement what you’ve learned from uni. [00:52:35] I think my dad gave me the best piece of advice. Maybe it’s practice, practice, practice, [00:52:40] practice. You know the protocol. Now just practice and get better and better.
Payman Langroudi: Yeah, [00:52:45] well, uni is very early, right? You’ve done nothing. Yeah, but.
May Firoozmand: But then do uni [00:52:50] in Bulgaria. We started seeing patients from third year Dear. And, you know, [00:52:55] saw quite a lot of patients if you could find them. So there was a lot of practice there, but [00:53:00] compared to some.
Payman Langroudi: Compared to some. Yeah. Because I know someone who went in Prague and [00:53:05] he, he’d done hardly any dentistry. Um, and some of the people who qualified in Covid here [00:53:10] done hardly any dentistry before or much less dentistry than, than than they were [00:53:15] supposed to do. Yeah. Um, but going forward, I don’t know. The thing is here [00:53:20] that this question of something popping out at you and you’re thinking, I’m going to love this thing [00:53:25] now doesn’t tend to happen just by itself. It comes from looking into [00:53:30] stuff like you’ve looked like you’ve been looking into oral surgery. Yeah. You’ve done these two oral [00:53:35] surgery placements. Yeah. And now I bet you know a lot more about wisdom tooth extraction [00:53:40] than I do. Yeah. Little tips and tricks on how to protect the nerve. Or, you know, which [00:53:45] ones need cutting and which ones don’t. So what I’m saying is you’re improving at it. As soon as you start improving [00:53:50] it, something, it starts becoming more interesting. Um, so improve [00:53:55] improve it a few things, but I don’t know. My view on it is is to less [00:54:00] generalise. But I’m I’m definitely not in the majority. The majority [00:54:05] of people think generalise generalise generalise now and then specialise later. [00:54:10] Yeah. So now looking for a job.
May Firoozmand: Yes. [00:54:15]
Payman Langroudi: Have you been on many interviews here.
May Firoozmand: I’ve been on a couple. Yeah. [00:54:20] So I’m still waiting for um, I’ll be applying for the GDC GDC [00:54:25] number shortly after the graduation ceremony in, in October, which is exciting. [00:54:30] Yeah.
Payman Langroudi: And what, you’ve got a digital CV?
May Firoozmand: Yes. [00:54:35] Yeah. Like a PDF. That and a cover letter. And I thought maybe to [00:54:40] I during university I created and compiled a couple of, uh, clinical [00:54:45] cases that I had done and just thought to send that out to, um, [00:54:50] but I’m very open. You know where to go really within the UK. I just really would [00:54:55] like, you know, to fight. I think for me, at this stage, it’s really, really important to find a mentor. [00:55:00] I mean, someone I would like to go into private dentistry, but when I say a [00:55:05] mentor, I mean so much more than that. You know someone who shares the same passion as you. Someone [00:55:10] who can, um, sort of who’s really passionate within that field [00:55:15] of dentistry, who can sort of guide you, you know, and I think, again, [00:55:20] at this stage, it’s really important to encircle yourself with positive people, you [00:55:25] know, and a good environment where you can thrive.
Payman Langroudi: I’d say mentors. [00:55:30]
May Firoozmand: Mentors. Exactly. Yeah.
Payman Langroudi: Because sometimes mentors implies there is this one person. [00:55:35]
May Firoozmand: Exactly.
Payman Langroudi: Um, you know, the other thing that I’ve noticed is very [00:55:40] many people will help if you ask them for help. Um, [00:55:45] very many people. It’s very few who won’t. Yeah. You know, if you if you [00:55:50] send a private message to a famous dentist. Yeah, [00:55:55] that dentist will try his best to help, you know. And I [00:56:00] didn’t realise this in my day. There wasn’t private messages, right? But I didn’t realise how. [00:56:05] What a big thing that is when you look at different people and not just dentists, by the way, in the world of business as well. [00:56:10] Yeah, people who ask for help tend to go a lot further than [00:56:15] people who don’t ask for help. And shy people are very shy when it comes to this [00:56:20] sort of thing. Yeah. It doesn’t serve you to be shy at all. Yeah, it’s [00:56:25] much better if you happy to ask questions and all of that. Yeah.
May Firoozmand: I love reaching out to yeah [00:56:30] yeah yeah yeah.
Payman Langroudi: And, you know shadowing. Yes. Um, I had a guy on [00:56:35] yesterday and he was saying a week of shadowing the right dentist is better than an MSC [00:56:40] in prosthodontics, like, um, and the number of dentists who will agree to that is interesting too. [00:56:45] You know, loads will. So, you know It’s a good idea to do [00:56:50] that sort of thing. Are you planning if you stay in the UK to stay in London, or [00:56:55] you’re so happy to move around the UK?
May Firoozmand: Yeah. So I’m actually from outside Peterborough. Yeah I know. [00:57:00] So people were asking me, are you thinking of staying in Peterborough? So I’m still very, very sort [00:57:05] of open minded and you know, looking within Cambridgeshire or London or [00:57:10] very, very open when a vacant position is there.
Payman Langroudi: Amazing. Let’s [00:57:15] come on to our final questions. You’ve [00:57:20] had them before, right? Fantasy dinner party. [00:57:25] Three guests, dead or alive. Who would you have? [00:57:30]
May Firoozmand: So the first person I would invite would be my father. Of course. Oh, [00:57:35] um, I haven’t seen him for a couple of years now, so it would be really, really nice to, you know, [00:57:40] reunite and sort of catch up. You know, how life has been and what’s [00:57:45] been happening and so on. So it’d be really, really nice, just for, you know, one evening. [00:57:50] Um, I think the second person would definitely [00:57:55] be the founder of the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah as well. You know, this this historical [00:58:00] figure that came, uh, and brought this new religion of unity, you [00:58:05] know. And the third person, uh, would be my 16 year [00:58:10] old younger self.
Payman Langroudi: Oh, I’ve never heard that before. I like [00:58:15] that. Go on.
May Firoozmand: Because, um, you know, now ten years, fast forward, it [00:58:20] would be nice to, you know, have a look and say we made it even [00:58:25] at the time, at 16 years old, you know, struggling through GCSEs. [00:58:30] Um, if you have a goal and you have a dream, you’ve got to go and chase it, [00:58:35] you know, and to never give up and never take no as a final answer, you [00:58:40] know. So I think that would be quite interesting.
Payman Langroudi: So that that is interesting. That is I’ve never heard that before. But [00:58:45] so on, on that question of, you know, the cliche, what would you say to your 16 [00:58:50] year old self? Would it be you’re going to make it? As in, were you? Were [00:58:55] you worried that you wouldn’t make it? We all we all worry a little, right?
May Firoozmand: Yes yes.
Payman Langroudi: Yes. But [00:59:00] I’m interested in this question of, you know, I’ve got a friend. He’s quite he’s got he’s got a very strong [00:59:05] faith. Yeah. And when it comes to something really difficult, something [00:59:10] happens to him his. He goes, I know it’s going to be okay. Yeah. Did [00:59:15] you have that at 16? Did you feel like your faith? Whatever would say, I know [00:59:20] it’s going to be okay. Or what would you say to your 16 year old self?
May Firoozmand: I mean, slowly, slowly. I would [00:59:25] just say that. Just keep on going. You know, keep on going. And [00:59:30] even if something happens, even the death of a loved one or there’s a big challenge [00:59:35] or struggling in GCSEs or anything, channel all that negative energy [00:59:40] into a positive way. And even if you want [00:59:45] to achieve this goal, this door is closing. There’s going to be another path. Might be a less, [00:59:50] you know, a path not commonly taken. Yeah, but [00:59:55] just just keep on going. Um, and I would, I would give my 16 [01:00:00] year old self a big smile and a hug and say, we did that within [01:00:05] ten years. Let’s take the next ten years. There will be challenges. We did it. Now [01:00:10] we can do it.
Payman Langroudi: Then we’ll have you back on episode 2030 when [01:00:15] you’re when you’re 36 years old again. Fast forward ten years. [01:00:20] The final question. It’s a deathbed question on [01:00:25] your deathbed, hopefully in many years to come, surrounded [01:00:30] by your loved ones. If you had to give them [01:00:35] three pieces of advice, what would they be?
May Firoozmand: I think my first one would be [01:00:40] to try to walk this path of service and contribute to the betterment [01:00:45] of the world, you know, through kind and goodly deeds. I think [01:00:50] number two, try to protect and shield yourself from these destructive [01:00:55] forces in society. Um, such as the consumption of media, [01:01:00] you know, and and other things. But if you are focussed on trying to fulfil [01:01:05] a specific purpose, just keep on going. You know, don’t let it distract you too much. [01:01:10] I think the third one would be to enjoy the little moments [01:01:15] in life as well, whether that’s having a cup of tea with your mum in the morning, whether [01:01:20] that’s watching a romantic comedy, you know, with the family and eating [01:01:25] popcorn. These are little, little moments, small moments. But they will add up and you [01:01:30] will treasure them, you know, in the future.
Payman Langroudi: Yeah. They matter. Those small moments, [01:01:35] definitely.
May Firoozmand: They add.
Payman Langroudi: Up. Definitely true. It’s been a massive pleasure. Massive, [01:01:40] massive pleasure. Thank you so much. Really, really speaking to you really enjoyed that. Really learned a lot from you. Well done and [01:01:45] thank you. Really hope that the future you carry on like this and [01:01:50] obviously succeed as a dentist, having been through that journey. Brilliant. [01:01:55] Thanks for coming in.
May Firoozmand: Thank you very much.
[VOICE]: This [01:02:00] is Dental Leaders, the podcast where you get to go one on one [01:02:05] with emerging leaders in dentistry. Your [01:02:10] hosts Payman Langroudi and Prav Solanki.
Prav Solanki: Thanks [01:02:15] for listening, guys. If you got this far, you must have listened to the whole thing. And [01:02:20] just a huge thank you both from me and pay for actually sticking through and listening to what we’ve had to [01:02:25] say and what our guest has had to say, because I’m assuming you got some value out of it.
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