Seeing the kind of amazing work my parents did, I wanted to do something similar in my life. My late aunt Dr Pumori Saokar was one of the top dermatologists and the top cosmetologist in Pune. She drew me to the field of dermatology.
Tell us about your upbringing, background and journey?
I was brought up in Kolhapur and finished my secondary and higher secondary education here. My parents are both doctors (Dad – Neurosurgeon and Mom- Neuroanaesthetist and Chief hospital administrator) running a neurosurgical centre for the past 28 years.
I was always fascinated by the world of medicine and surgery. Thereafter I studied MBBS at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad.
Why did you choose to be a doctor and decide what you specifically want to do?
Seeing the kind of amazing work my parents did, I wanted to do something similar in my life. My late aunt Dr Pumori Saokar was one of the top dermatologists and the top cosmetologist in Pune. She drew me to the field of dermatology.
When I entered the field, I was not really aware of the depth of clinical dermatology. My mentor – Dr Balkrishna (Mangesh) Nikam Sir from Krishna hospital, Karad was excellent at teaching and ensured each of his students got heavy exposure to various types of cases in the field. He encouraged us to go and present these rare cases at various state, national and international conferences and we bagged a prize every time.
I also worked extensively in the oncology department to learn about the skin signs of internal cancer and its treatment side effects.
After my post-graduation, I went to work at Hinduja hospital, Mumbai and learnt about the evolving field of vulvar disorders under the guidance of Dr Nina Madnani Ma’am.
I went to Torino, Italy to postgraduate in Vulvar disorders from the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal disorders.
Thereafter I worked at a clinic catering to various celebrities in Mumbai to learn about Aesthetic dermatology.
After all this experience, I feel I have had adequate training in
1. Clinical dermatology
2. Aesthetic dermatology
3. Vulvar disorders
4. Skin and internal cancer effects on skin
And hope that I am able to help a lot of people with my knowledge.
We salute your work during the pandemic, where did you get the inspiration to work so hard?
I have not done any specific work on covid cases during the pandemic as it falls under critical care and MD medicine.
How do you expect digital health to grow over the next 5 years?
Post pandemic, it has already grown a lot and I expect it to keep increasing with time.
What are your concerns about Digital Health?
However, in my field, online consults can be done but will not do 100% justice.
1. There can be many things that can be missed out if the patient is not examined in person.
2. Follow up can be done saving time and expense for the patient.
3. There is an increase in self-medication by patients after watching some influencers talk about their prescribed treatment and suggesting random things that they are paid to endorse. I see many cases with side effects that take extremely long to go away. Some with permanent side effects like stretch marks on the face.
Can you let us know any one application of Digital Health in your country which has impressed you?
I am not too aware of digital health platforms, would love to know about a few and check them out as I have recently started practice. I do not wish to take brand names here.
What is your message for aspiring doctors and the young generation? Which is the best medical college according to you?
Honestly, what with the ever-increasing reservations for vote bank politics, the huge number of quacks and the way doctors are treated in our country, I do not recommend the field of medicine to any youngster.
What does your typical day look like and what do you like to do besides work?
I am working at my clinic – La Confidence Derma Clinic, Tarabai park, Kolhapur all day from 10am-8pm.
Besides work, I love to spend time with animals especially street animals. And I also love my plants and tending to them.
Interviewed by - Yashika Khanna
This interview is sponsored by Plus91 Technologies, a leading Digital Health firm.
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