In this deeply moving episode of EZ Conversations, Furkhan sits down with Dr. Parul Dua Makkar—dentist, speaker, grief coach, and author—to explore how personal tragedy can become a mission of healing and advocacy. After losing her younger brother, Dr. Manu Dua, to oral cancer at just 34 years old, Dr. Makkar transformed unimaginable grief into purpose. Together, they discuss the critical importance of oral cancer awareness, early detection, oral-systemic health, burnout prevention in healthcare professionals, and the emotional resilience needed to navigate devastating loss. Dr. Makkar also shares practical oral health strategies, self-screening methods, and how grief can either break us or become the catalyst for meaningful change. This episode is a powerful reminder that adversity can be transformed into advocacy, and that compassion—for ourselves and others—can shape both healing and legacy. Dr. Parul Dua Makkar is a dentist, speaker, author, grief coach, and mentor dedicated to helping healthcare professionals lead with both clinical excellence and emotional resilience. After the devastating loss of her younger brother, Dr. Manu Dua, to oral cancer, she transformed personal tragedy into a mission of advocacy, education, and compassionate care. Through her platform, Dua Good Job, Dr. Makkar educates clinicians on the importance of early oral cancer detection while mentoring healthcare providers in navigating grief, preventing burnout, and sustaining patient-centred leadership. She is the author of Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide, Stories of Friends and Family Lost, and the Legacy Journal, all of which reflect her commitment to helping others transform adversity into healing and purpose. Dr. Makkar’s work bridges the worlds of dentistry, emotional wellness, and healthcare leadership—empowering professionals to care for both their patients and themselves with greater awareness, resilience, and compassion. 00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:45 Personal Loss and Mission 01:32 Why Oral Health Matters 04:24 Diet and Prevention Tips 07:20 Brushing and Flossing Basics 09:47 Tools and Proper Technique 13:50 Grinding and Jaw Health 19:31 Brother’s Oral Cancer Story 24:15 Oral Cancer Signs to Watch 24:53 Spot Early Warning Signs 26:30 Demand Timely Treatment 27:08 Where Care Fell Short 30:51 System Delays And Lessons 32:41 DIY Oral Self Screening 35:07 COVID Guilt And Loss 39:39 Legacy Through Writing 43:42 Life Interrupted Book 47:28 Choosing Strength After Grief 50:46 Final Takeaways And Links Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: For 10% off your first month of therapy Aura: For a free two-week trial Dookio Mental NuCalm: for a one-week free trial Descript LeanWorlds Dr. Lewis Nutrition WeInspect Optery Eleven Labs Jane Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
