Thanks to covid, digital health has been given priority. There was a time when it was illegal to consult over the internet or on phone calls. Now that the option of digital health has come up, people that are unable to seek help due to busy schedules will be able to opt for digital health care options. This will help to reduce the disease burden on the country. This is especially important for mental health.
1. Tell us about your upbringing, background and journey?
I was born in Canada, lived in 6 different countries, 3 continents and moved 12 times internationally. We grew up in a tight-knit family. All the travelling, changing schools and countries has helped to mould me into the person I am today.
2. Why did you choose to be a doctor and decide what you specifically want to do?
Since before I can remember, my brother and I both always wanted to be doctors. My dad always encouraged us, he even bought us a doctor toolset when we were little. He would ask us to check his reflexes with the toy hammer.
My elder cousins in Canada were also doctors. They were an inspiration for both my brother and me. Once my brother joined MBBS, he paved the path for me and I had no doubt that this is what I want to do. He has always been my role model.
After graduating from MBBS, I knew that I wanted to specialise in Dermatology. I’ve grown up seeing my mom take care of her, she always had beautiful skin and I always had allergies. I wanted to learn more and be able to help people. People have a misconception that dermatology is only about “skincare routines” and Botox and fillers.
This is not at all true, there are so many debilitating diseases that affect your physical and mental health. Some people are not even able to work because of their disease or go about their daily lives. Skin is the largest organ of the body! Nothing gives me more pleasure than to be able to help people feel confident in their own skin.
3. We salute your work during the pandemic, where did you get the inspiration to work so hard?
Thank you! I have a family full of doctors and most of my friends are doctors. For me, it’s a no brainer. I could never imagine not working, pandemic or not.
4. How do you expect digital health to grow over the next 5 years?
Thanks to covid, digital health has been given priority. There was a time when it was illegal to consult over the internet or on phone calls. Now that the option of digital health has come up, people that are unable to seek help due to busy schedules will be able to opt for digital health care options. This will help to reduce the disease burden on the country. This is especially important for mental health.
5. What are your concerns about Digital Health?
My main concern is that Digital Health may not always be able to match up to physically visiting a clinician. When a patient visits me, I assess them from the time that they walk into my room before they even start talking. If we speak in terms of dermatology, I assess their hygiene, weight, anything visible on the skin/hair/nails etc. Sometimes a patient won’t even mention discolouration or other issues with their nails, but if they’re sitting in front of me and I see it. It is a clue to a different diagnosis.
6. Can you let us know anyone application of Digital Health in your country which has impressed you?
Practo is a great platform for connecting doctors with patients. I won’t say that it’s impressed me, but it definitely makes it easier for patients to connect to doctors around them or online.
7. What is your message for aspiring doctors and the young generation? Which is the best medical college according to you?
My message would be that even though it’s a difficult and stressful road. Enjoy the process and just keep reading. Take time out for yourself as well.
It’s difficult to define any college as the best, but you need to find out what interests you. For Eg, if you’re planning to specialise, if there’s a particular doctor that you would want to be your mentor, apply for those colleges. Check the infrastructure of the college. Truth be told, in India, the best college is always the one that you get admission to. It is a tough road, but once you’re in, it’s in your hands to make the most of it.
8. What does your typical day look like and what do you like to do besides work?
I work 7 days a week because I love it!
I wake up early, workout, meditate (even if it’s for 5 mins), go to work. I run my clinic independently, so there’s a lot of nitty-gritty involved. Coordinating staff, procedures, patient consultations.
I also go to Mata Gujri Medical Centre in the Gurdwara in Gk1 twice a week. It is a charitable hospital run by the Gurdwara. Where I have a charitable OPD as I feel it’s important to give back to society and help those that are not as privileged. Besides work, I love singing, dancing, reading and working out. I manage to squeeze my hobbies in throughout the week.
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