Life-giving force
Dr. Meera Agarwal, gynaecologist and obstetrician
Starting out…
Giving birth to a baby is probably one of the greatest joys one can receive. For the last four decades Dr. Agarwal, Agarwal Nursing Home has been basking in this joy, courtesy her profession. Born to freedom fighter parents, Dr. Agarwal always wanted to be a doctor so that she could do something for society. She reminisces, “Looking at the last 40 years, the journey has been sweet and memorable. Sweet because I deliver babies, little bundles of joy to many families and memorable because no other profession can give you the same amount of happiness, respect and satisfaction as this one can.”
Being the Godmother…
Due to her profession, she has never been treated as just a doctor, but also as a confidante to her patients and Godmother to the babies she has delivered. “Being a lady gynaecologist, my patients have never been hesitant about sharing their problems. In fact, they open their hearts out to me, and share their problems without wincing,” she says.
A challenging journey…
Dr. Agarwal has experienced complicated surgeries, changing technology and some exhausting, yet unforgettable times. Speaking about her most memorable delivery till date she says, “In 2006, along with my team, we delivered 5 sets of twins, i.e., 10 babies in 15 days. It was stressful and exhausting, but the feeling during that period was unique.”
The future…
Looking back, she says, “Science has progressed and so has the practice. Earlier the only option to couples suffering from infertility and other complications was adoption, but today through IVF and other methods, they too can experience childbirth and this is a completely different feeling.”
Balancing act
Dr. Manju Bhutani, anaesthesiologist
Starting out…
I completed my MD in 1981. At that time, most women studying medicine either became general physicians, paediatricians or gynaecologists. I wanted to do something different. I wanted to be more ‘active’ in medicine. That was when I met an anaesthesiologist who provided me with information on this field. I immediately took a liking to it. When I first started, there was little fear and apprehension since you need to get the combination of anaesthetics right or there can be complications in the surgery. However, it was balanced out by the confidence in what I’ve learned.
Memorable moments…
A lot has changed since I first started out, the way surgeries are performed and even the way we monitor the patient. I remember a time when a senior doctor had to undergo surgery. Everything seemed fine until she recovered from the anaesthetic and began questioning the surgeon about the procedure, including steps that were discussed while the surgery was going on! On another occasion, another patient seemed to recall the music that was playing in the operation theatre during the surgery.
Juggling responsibilities…
An anaesthesiologist has a job as complicated as a pilot’s. During a surgery, we have to constantly monitor the patient’s vital signs like temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, respiration, and other vitals that are part of the surgery. There’s also the monitoring of the anaesthetic, which needs to be done very accurately. In fact, anaesthesiologists are trained on simulators, which are designed to replicate a variety of emergencies they might face while on the job. In the end, it is my responsibility that the patient remains pain-free, anaesthetised and alive through the surgery.
Love for kids
Dr. Purna Kurkure, paediatric oncologist
Starting out…
Dr. Kurkure began her journey as a paediatrician in 1979, and it was a six-month training programme at Tata Memorial Hospital, which made her realise that this is what she wanted to specialise in. “At that time there was only a chemotherapy ward. Childhood cancer was considered curable but the facilities were limited. It seemed like a challenge, a challenge I wanted to take up.”
Post her stint at Tata Memorial Hospital, she went to London for training. When she returned in 1982, she resumed working with Tata Memorial Hospital in their medical oncology department and in 1985 a paediatric oncology division was set up and she hasn’t looked back since.
Challenging cancer…
Treating cancer stricken children can be quite stressful. She says, “In my career spanning 30 years, there have been so many memories – some happy and some sad. During your training, you suffer mentally because when you are young, you get involved but as you mature, you grow stronger and learn to focus on the treatment and try to mentally disassociate yourself. Yes, you are human and some amount of involvement is natural, but when I look at the survivors, I get the satisfaction and encouragement to move on and give my best.”
The journey ahead…
She says, “Childhood cancer is not about control, but about cure. It needs to be looked at from both the medical perspective and the psycho-social angle. During my entire career, I have witnessed great improvement; however, there is still scope for more. The good part is that along with medical progress, hospitals along with NGOs are even creating a social support system for the families to walk them through these difficult times.”
Matters of the mind
Dr. Shamsah Sonawalla, Associate Director, psychiatry research and consultant psychiatrist
Starting out…
“The intricacies of the human mind and its interplay with behaviour are perhaps among the most fascinating aspects of being human, and my fascination with this began during my high school years and got enhanced during my years as a medical student. I attended OPDs and psychiatry rounds as an MBBS and was intrigued to see how a ‘chemical imbalance’ in the brain manifests itself in behavioural symptoms and more importantly, how individuals got better with treatment. The five years I spent at Harvard post-residency enhanced my clinical and research interests,” she says.
The turning point…
The turning point in her career was during her residency training, when she along with 23 other psychologists went to study the psychological consequences post Latur earthquake. She says, “We met over 2000 individuals across nine villages over a span of two weeks and found a high rate of psychiatric illness. However, what was most striking was that in the midst of all the destruction and emotional devastation, the villagers displayed amazing amounts of resilience and a desire to bounce back, combined with warmth, consideration and a touching degree of sensitivity towards us. That experience was truly enriching and has encouraged me to focus on the strengths and positive traits in every patient over the years.”
The journey so far…
In 15 years of her career she has witnessed a lot of changes for the better. She says, “These days, with the surge in information available over the internet and via the media, the informing part of my work is becoming relatively easy. Also there has been a significant advancement in diagnosis, treatment and medication, and people are becoming more open, empathising and understanding to this field. Even the movies and media are doing a great job of increasing awareness in this area, thanks to which, more individuals, including children are getting help.”
“The most gratifying part of my profession is to see my patients get better and to make a difference in their lives: this continues to be the most fulfilling part of my work to this day,” she concludes.
Heartfelt
Dr. Hemant Thacker, physician and cardio-metabolic specialist
Starting off…
“I always thought that the things surrounding a doctor’s profession were interesting. The thinking, the clinical acumen, dealing with people, I enjoyed all of this and wanted to make a career out of it,” says Dr. Thacker. After graduating, he realised that there are lot of cardio-metabolic problems in the world especially in India. “So I decided to specialise in this field and took it up very enthusiastically,” he adds.
Dealing with patients…
Talking about how he deals with his patients, he says, “I always think that a doctor’s job does not end by only prescribing on paper but continues to understanding the psychology of the patient and re-evaluating his/her prescription. Nothing works like clockwork. There will always be stubborn patients but doctors shouldn’t give up on them. However, if I see an obese or smoking person, I would be concerned. 90 per cent of a healthy lifestyle is the patient’s work and the rest is the doctor’s.”
Having said that what if he spots one of his patients indulging in an unhealthy lifestyle? He says, “When I met him next at the clinic, I would let him know my concern. I wouldn’t admonish him in public. I would enquire about his habits in private asking him whether it was one of his off days out of the 10 on days.”
Professional satisfaction…
Seeing their patient recover is a gratifying feeling for any doctor and Dr. Thacker is no different. He says, “Being a physician I don’t operate. But if one of my patients is in the ICU and after 3 weeks goes home, I would feel ecstatic; as good as what an engineer feels when he assembles a new car!”
Child’s play
Dr. Soonu Udani, MD, Head of the Section of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai
Starting out…
Dr. Soonu Udani originally wanted to become a surgeon, however, during her posting in paediatrics, she had an inspiring teacher in Dr. Y.K. Amdekar. The lure of the innocent eyes of the little patients was hard to resist. She ended up specialising in paediatric critical care and has been in it for the last 20 years.
Persuading children…
Most people think the biggest challenge in being a paediatrician is giving injections to little patients; however, Dr. Udani thinks it is really not that difficult. “I distract the child with a toy – most of them are very fond of my drum playing Mickey Mouse – and of course, you need to be quick. Today’s needles don’t hurt that much at all.” She adds, “I try not to lie and say, ‘This wont hurt at all’. Sometimes, sweetening it up with a small sweet certainly helps!”
Dealing with parents…
She usually has to warn parents about ‘internet information’ as it doesn’t always tell the entire story. Most parents don’t call unless they really have to but there is the odd one who will message or call and ask if they can add sugar in the milk at midnight. I try to revert through messages most of the time.
Dr. Meera Agarwal, gynaecologist and obstetrician
Starting out…
Giving birth to a baby is probably one of the greatest joys one can receive. For the last four decades Dr. Agarwal, Agarwal Nursing Home has been basking in this joy, courtesy her profession. Born to freedom fighter parents, Dr. Agarwal always wanted to be a doctor so that she could do something for society. She reminisces, “Looking at the last 40 years, the journey has been sweet and memorable. Sweet because I deliver babies, little bundles of joy to many families and memorable because no other profession can give you the same amount of happiness, respect and satisfaction as this one can.”
Being the Godmother…
Due to her profession, she has never been treated as just a doctor, but also as a confidante to her patients and Godmother to the babies she has delivered. “Being a lady gynaecologist, my patients have never been hesitant about sharing their problems. In fact, they open their hearts out to me, and share their problems without wincing,” she says.
A challenging journey…
Dr. Agarwal has experienced complicated surgeries, changing technology and some exhausting, yet unforgettable times. Speaking about her most memorable delivery till date she says, “In 2006, along with my team, we delivered 5 sets of twins, i.e., 10 babies in 15 days. It was stressful and exhausting, but the feeling during that period was unique.”
The future…
Looking back, she says, “Science has progressed and so has the practice. Earlier the only option to couples suffering from infertility and other complications was adoption, but today through IVF and other methods, they too can experience childbirth and this is a completely different feeling.”
Balancing act
Dr. Manju Bhutani, anaesthesiologist
Starting out…
I completed my MD in 1981. At that time, most women studying medicine either became general physicians, paediatricians or gynaecologists. I wanted to do something different. I wanted to be more ‘active’ in medicine. That was when I met an anaesthesiologist who provided me with information on this field. I immediately took a liking to it. When I first started, there was little fear and apprehension since you need to get the combination of anaesthetics right or there can be complications in the surgery. However, it was balanced out by the confidence in what I’ve learned.
Memorable moments…
A lot has changed since I first started out, the way surgeries are performed and even the way we monitor the patient. I remember a time when a senior doctor had to undergo surgery. Everything seemed fine until she recovered from the anaesthetic and began questioning the surgeon about the procedure, including steps that were discussed while the surgery was going on! On another occasion, another patient seemed to recall the music that was playing in the operation theatre during the surgery.
Juggling responsibilities…
An anaesthesiologist has a job as complicated as a pilot’s. During a surgery, we have to constantly monitor the patient’s vital signs like temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, respiration, and other vitals that are part of the surgery. There’s also the monitoring of the anaesthetic, which needs to be done very accurately. In fact, anaesthesiologists are trained on simulators, which are designed to replicate a variety of emergencies they might face while on the job. In the end, it is my responsibility that the patient remains pain-free, anaesthetised and alive through the surgery.
Love for kids
Dr. Purna Kurkure, paediatric oncologist
Starting out…
Dr. Kurkure began her journey as a paediatrician in 1979, and it was a six-month training programme at Tata Memorial Hospital, which made her realise that this is what she wanted to specialise in. “At that time there was only a chemotherapy ward. Childhood cancer was considered curable but the facilities were limited. It seemed like a challenge, a challenge I wanted to take up.”
Post her stint at Tata Memorial Hospital, she went to London for training. When she returned in 1982, she resumed working with Tata Memorial Hospital in their medical oncology department and in 1985 a paediatric oncology division was set up and she hasn’t looked back since.
Challenging cancer…
Treating cancer stricken children can be quite stressful. She says, “In my career spanning 30 years, there have been so many memories – some happy and some sad. During your training, you suffer mentally because when you are young, you get involved but as you mature, you grow stronger and learn to focus on the treatment and try to mentally disassociate yourself. Yes, you are human and some amount of involvement is natural, but when I look at the survivors, I get the satisfaction and encouragement to move on and give my best.”
The journey ahead…
She says, “Childhood cancer is not about control, but about cure. It needs to be looked at from both the medical perspective and the psycho-social angle. During my entire career, I have witnessed great improvement; however, there is still scope for more. The good part is that along with medical progress, hospitals along with NGOs are even creating a social support system for the families to walk them through these difficult times.”
Matters of the mind
Dr. Shamsah Sonawalla, Associate Director, psychiatry research and consultant psychiatrist
“The intricacies of the human mind and its interplay with behaviour are perhaps among the most fascinating aspects of being human, and my fascination with this began during my high school years and got enhanced during my years as a medical student. I attended OPDs and psychiatry rounds as an MBBS and was intrigued to see how a ‘chemical imbalance’ in the brain manifests itself in behavioural symptoms and more importantly, how individuals got better with treatment. The five years I spent at Harvard post-residency enhanced my clinical and research interests,” she says.
The turning point…
The turning point in her career was during her residency training, when she along with 23 other psychologists went to study the psychological consequences post Latur earthquake. She says, “We met over 2000 individuals across nine villages over a span of two weeks and found a high rate of psychiatric illness. However, what was most striking was that in the midst of all the destruction and emotional devastation, the villagers displayed amazing amounts of resilience and a desire to bounce back, combined with warmth, consideration and a touching degree of sensitivity towards us. That experience was truly enriching and has encouraged me to focus on the strengths and positive traits in every patient over the years.”
The journey so far…
In 15 years of her career she has witnessed a lot of changes for the better. She says, “These days, with the surge in information available over the internet and via the media, the informing part of my work is becoming relatively easy. Also there has been a significant advancement in diagnosis, treatment and medication, and people are becoming more open, empathising and understanding to this field. Even the movies and media are doing a great job of increasing awareness in this area, thanks to which, more individuals, including children are getting help.”
“The most gratifying part of my profession is to see my patients get better and to make a difference in their lives: this continues to be the most fulfilling part of my work to this day,” she concludes.
Heartfelt
Dr. Hemant Thacker, physician and cardio-metabolic specialist
Starting off…
“I always thought that the things surrounding a doctor’s profession were interesting. The thinking, the clinical acumen, dealing with people, I enjoyed all of this and wanted to make a career out of it,” says Dr. Thacker. After graduating, he realised that there are lot of cardio-metabolic problems in the world especially in India. “So I decided to specialise in this field and took it up very enthusiastically,” he adds.
Dealing with patients…
Talking about how he deals with his patients, he says, “I always think that a doctor’s job does not end by only prescribing on paper but continues to understanding the psychology of the patient and re-evaluating his/her prescription. Nothing works like clockwork. There will always be stubborn patients but doctors shouldn’t give up on them. However, if I see an obese or smoking person, I would be concerned. 90 per cent of a healthy lifestyle is the patient’s work and the rest is the doctor’s.”
Having said that what if he spots one of his patients indulging in an unhealthy lifestyle? He says, “When I met him next at the clinic, I would let him know my concern. I wouldn’t admonish him in public. I would enquire about his habits in private asking him whether it was one of his off days out of the 10 on days.”
Professional satisfaction…
Seeing their patient recover is a gratifying feeling for any doctor and Dr. Thacker is no different. He says, “Being a physician I don’t operate. But if one of my patients is in the ICU and after 3 weeks goes home, I would feel ecstatic; as good as what an engineer feels when he assembles a new car!”
Child’s play
Dr. Soonu Udani, MD, Head of the Section of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai
Starting out…
Dr. Soonu Udani originally wanted to become a surgeon, however, during her posting in paediatrics, she had an inspiring teacher in Dr. Y.K. Amdekar. The lure of the innocent eyes of the little patients was hard to resist. She ended up specialising in paediatric critical care and has been in it for the last 20 years.
Persuading children…
Most people think the biggest challenge in being a paediatrician is giving injections to little patients; however, Dr. Udani thinks it is really not that difficult. “I distract the child with a toy – most of them are very fond of my drum playing Mickey Mouse – and of course, you need to be quick. Today’s needles don’t hurt that much at all.” She adds, “I try not to lie and say, ‘This wont hurt at all’. Sometimes, sweetening it up with a small sweet certainly helps!”
Dealing with parents…
She usually has to warn parents about ‘internet information’ as it doesn’t always tell the entire story. Most parents don’t call unless they really have to but there is the odd one who will message or call and ask if they can add sugar in the milk at midnight. I try to revert through messages most of the time.
