"I was the kid who couldn’t even dream of a TEDx stage or an MD seat—being labeled 'average' lit a fire in me that never went out."
1. You’re a doctor, educator, and creator. How do you introduce yourself today?
I like to introduce myself as someone who’s still learning. I’m a doctor by training, an educator by passion, and a content creator by accident. I wear many hats today, but at the core, I’m just someone trying to simplify medicine for every household—and help medicos feel a little less lost in the chaos of this profession.
2. How did growing up in a modest home and being labeled “average” shape your mindset?
It taught me that your marks don’t define your dreams. I was a backbencher who couldn’t have imagined standing on a TEDx stage or securing an MD seat. But those early limitations fueled my hunger. They made me over-prepare, over-practice, and over-believe. Being labeled “average” gave me the drive to prove—first and foremost to myself—that I could become something more.
3. What kept you going when the odds were stacked against your dream of becoming a doctor?
My “why” was always crystal clear—I wanted to be there for patients the way no one was there for my own family during medical emergencies. When your reason is personal, no obstacle feels too big. I’ve also always believed that you don’t need to be extraordinary—you just need to be consistent.
4. You gained massive traction during COVID. What made your content resonate with so many people?
COVID blurred the line between doctors and the public—suddenly, everyone was searching for answers. But medical language can feel like a locked door. I simply tried to open that door with everyday words, relatable analogies, and real stories. People didn’t just need facts—they needed empathy. I think that’s what truly connected.
5. Why is simplifying medical information so important in a country like India?
Because here, ignorance can literally cost lives. In a place where self-medication is common and WhatsApp forwards travel faster than ambulances, making medicine understandable isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. When people grasp how their body works, they’re empowered to make better decisions. That’s the mission.
6. What’s your biggest learning from balancing clinical practice with content creation?
Both are forms of service—but both can also burn you out. My biggest learning? Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary. I now create only what I genuinely believe in and see patients with that same honesty. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so I’ve learned to protect my energy.
7. You’ve received national recognition. What kind of responsibility comes with that spotlight?
The spotlight still feels surreal. But it’s a powerful reminder that impact speaks louder than degrees. With reach comes the responsibility to stay grounded in science, avoid sensationalism, and always remember the young medico or patient watching on the other side. I’m not here to be viral—I’m here to be useful.
8. What’s the funniest or most surprising health question you’ve ever received online?
Someone once messaged me: “Sir, I saw on Instagram that eating bananas at night causes heart attacks. Should I stop?” That’s when I realized—I can’t afford to take a day off from content, because misinformation never sleeps. So yes, I replied: “Eat the banana. But unfollow that page.”
Bio:
Dr. Vishal Gabale is a physician (MBBS, DNB/MD Medicine), educator, and 3-time TEDx speaker committed to making medicine accessible and understandable for all. With a passion for teaching and a knack for communication, he simplifies complex medical concepts for students and the public alike. Whether in clinics or online, Dr. Gabale’s mission is clear: to empower people with knowledge, empathy, and clarity in healthcare.
Interviewed by: Shrishti Chandra
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
.jpeg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments