I believe that hard work and a sense of social commitment are part of a doctor's mental make-up. I completed my MBBS from BJ Medical college in 1965 and then started on my internship. Although my husband was then in the USA, I was determined to join him only after my internship. During my specialisation in pediatrics in England I would have to work for long hours with hardly any time to rest. I believe one should always be in touch with the developments in the field one is working in.For example, when my children were young and I had a family to look after, I would work part-time in hospitals, read up books related to my field and attend seminars.
As a pediatrician who deals with children one has to look not just at treatment of a disease but also at the overall development of the child. In fact, I find that today's parents who do not enjoy the support of a joint family need guidance all the more. I am lucky I do not have to advance my profession for monetary gains, I can, therefore, think about giving back to society. I have set up a trust which covers four villages on the Pune-Ahmednagar Road where medical facilities are provided free of cost.
The trust will also conduct work in Dhankawdi where we plan to put up a study-room for students and clinic for children and women which will be run at a low rate.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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