In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Shankargouda Patil, Full Professor at Roseman University of Health Sciences, has shaped his path as an esteemed leader in dental education and research. Join us as he shares insights into his leadership philosophy, innovative initiatives, and the transformative trends redefining the landscape of dental academia. Discover how Shankargouda Patil continues to push the boundaries of research, education, and social responsibility, while inspiring the next generation of clinician-scientists and academic leaders around the globe. Prepare to be inspired by his impactful journey and unwavering commitment to excellence in higher education and biomedical research.
Core Leadership Qualities That Shaped the Journey
Authenticity and consistency have served as the foundational qualities in Shankargouda Patil’s leadership. In both classroom settings and research environments, he leads with curiosity, empathy, and a desire to uplift those around him. Shankargouda Patil believes that a great leader is first a great listener. Through an approachable and purpose-driven leadership style, he has cultivated trusting, high-performing teams. Rather than simply issuing directives, Shankargouda Patil focuses on creating opportunities and pathways for others to excel.
The Future of Dentistry and Dental Education
Emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, precision diagnostics, and personalized care are redefining dental practice and education. Shankargouda Patil recognizes these advancements as vital to the profession’s evolution, while also noting persistent challenges such as access to care and workforce shortages. As a leader in education, he emphasizes the need to prepare students for a future in rapid transformation—one that demands digital fluency, ethical grounding, and interprofessional collaboration.
Staying at the Forefront of Research and Teaching Innovation
Shankargouda Patil has strategically embraced translational research, aiming to bridge laboratory findings with practical patient care. His current work, including an NIH-funded clinical trial on image-guided photodynamic therapy for oral potentially malignant disorders, reflects this dedication. In the realm of education, he integrates active learning strategies such as case-based discussions and digital platforms to enhance student engagement. He also mentors students in research activities, including poster and paper presentations, fostering early contributions to scientific literature.
Overcoming Setbacks in the Academic Journey
Transitioning from clinical practice to academic research posed initial challenges for Shankargouda Patil, particularly in navigating grant applications, scholarly publishing, and building collaborations. He addressed these obstacles by committing to continuous learning, cultivating strong professional networks, and viewing setbacks as valuable learning experiences. Each rejection, whether of a manuscript or a research proposal, became a tool for professional growth and resilience.
Fostering Innovation in Academic Dentistry
Innovation, for Shankargouda Patil, extends beyond technology to include new ways of thinking and problem-solving. He encourages students and faculty alike to pose bold questions and to embrace failure as a component of progress. As a faculty senator and active member of curriculum and research committees, he advocates for evidence-based, student-focused reforms. His leadership in initiatives related to sustainability and precision education has introduced impactful changes that benefit both learners and the broader community.
Influences That Shaped the Leadership Approach
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping Shankargouda Patil’s academic leadership. He attributes much of his growth to mentors who modelled scientific excellence with humility and compassion. Participation in the ADEA Leadership Institute further broadened his understanding of academic dentistry and refined his leadership capabilities. Involvement in interdisciplinary research and service on editorial boards has enriched his perspectives and reinforced his role as a thought leader in the field.
Building and Empowering High-Impact Teams
When assembling academic and research teams, Shankargouda Patil prioritizes passion, curiosity, and collaboration over flawlessness. He fosters an environment where all contributions are valued and ideas are welcomed without judgment. By creating a psychologically safe and inclusive atmosphere, he ensures that students, faculty, and collaborators feel recognized and empowered to innovate. His mentorship spans DMD, Master’s, and PhD students, as well as international co-authors, with a consistent focus on fostering meaningful impact in dental science.
Integrating Sustainability and Social Impact in Dentistry
At Roseman University of Health Sciences, Shankargouda Patil led the creation of a sustainability committee dedicated to dental education and practice. His commitment to social responsibility extends to curriculum development, where he advocates for topics such as oral health justice, prevention, and access to care. By embedding community and environmental stewardship into dental training, he prepares students to become responsible healthcare professionals beyond clinical proficiency.
Embracing Digital Transformation in Dental Education
Shankargouda Patil views digital transformation as an essential evolution in dental education. At Roseman University, he supports the adoption of technologies such as virtual microscopy, simulation tools, and AI-assisted diagnostics. His efforts include promoting adaptive learning platforms and encouraging research using digital health data. He also emphasizes the importance of tele-dentistry and virtual outreach, particularly as solutions for addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
Essential Skills for Success in Higher Education and Research
According to Shankargouda Patil, the modern academic landscape demands adaptability, collaboration, and scientific integrity. Success in this environment requires the ability to navigate change while remaining grounded in core principles. He underscores the value of critical thinking, cultural competency, and a growth mindset, especially given the non-linear nature of research and higher education. These attributes form the foundation of long-term professional achievement.
Why the Leadership Journey Is Worth Following
Shankargouda Patil’s career exemplifies resilience, purpose, and a global vision. With experience across continents and authorship in prestigious journals like The Lancet, Nature Medicine, JADA, JDE and The New England Journal of Medicine, his impact spans both research and mentorship. He has led groundbreaking NIH-funded clinical trials and guided emerging scholars, always remaining dedicated to service—whether to students, patients, or peers. His approach to leadership, anchored in integrity and empathy, continues to resonate with those striving to make a difference in academic healthcare.
Vision for the Future of Dental Education and Research
Shankargouda Patil envisions a future where precision education, evidence-based policies, and international collaboration are central to the evolution of dental research and instruction. Through editorial leadership, global partnerships, and consistent mentorship, he is committed to shaping clinician-scientists who are both technically skilled and human-cantered. His continued advocacy ensures that dental education remains innovative, equitable, and aligned with societal needs.
Milestones That Define the Impact in Academia and Research
Dr. Shankargouda Patil’s academic and research journey has been marked by a series of impactful milestones that reflect his dedication, innovation, and leadership in dental science. Among his distinguished recognitions, he is a biographical listee in Marquis Who’s Who, a prestigious publication that profiles individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their fields. He has been honored as a Top Professional by Marquis Who’s Who, earning titles such as Top Educator and Top Scientist, underscoring his dual influence in both academic excellence and research innovation. Shankargouda Patil’s academic and research milestones include being appointed Full Professor at Roseman University, securing NIH/NCI funding for a pioneering clinical trial, and being recognized among the top 2% of global scientists according to Researchers from Stanford University. He has coauthored papers in journals such as The Lancet, Nature Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine and has mentored students whose work has received national recognition. Recent ScholarGPS® rankings reflect his prominence in global dental research: ranked #2 globally and #1 in the U.S. in Oral Cancer, #3 globally and the sole U.S. scholar in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and #11 worldwide in the broader Field of Dentistry. These accolades place Shankargouda Patil among the top 0.05% of global researchers and underscore the growing impact of Roseman University’s contributions to the academic and clinical community. Despite these achievements, his most valued moments remain those in which students discover their ability to be both compassionate healers and impactful scientists.
Together with his colleagues and students, he has helped propel Roseman University of Health Sciences to 48th in the world in the field of dentistry and number 3 in the field of oral cancer globally according to ScholarGPS rankings.
In conclusion, Shankargouda Patil’s journey in dental academia and research reflects the powerful synergy between leadership, innovation, and mentorship. These achievements would not have been possible without the support of his Dean, Dr. Frank W. Licari, and President, Professor Renee Coffman. Through overcoming personal and professional challenges, embracing technological advancements, and instilling a sense of responsibility in students, he has left an indelible mark on both his institution and the global dental community. His relentless dedication to excellence, combined with his passion for creating meaningful change, serves as an inspiration for future leaders and innovators in the field of healthcare.
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