Growing up, her father, a product of a small village near Udaipur, would often recount tales of his upbringing. He spoke of being the eldest among seven siblings, born in a simple “Tokra” and of the profound loss of his father at a tender age. Despite these hardships, his mother, draped in the vibrant Rajasthani ghagra, emerged as the family’s unwavering anchor, navigating the challenges of widowhood to raise her children single-handedly, without any semblance of a support system.
Witnessing her grandmother’s resilience left an indelible mark on the girl. How could someone who had endured so much radiate such unfaltering warmth and joy? The question lingered, a testament to the depth of her admiration. Yet, her own journey was riddled with its own set of challenges. Balancing the values instilled by her upbringing in a western educational system posed a constant tug-of-war between tradition and modernity. Should she conform to societal norms or heed the wisdom of her parents’ teachings?
Through each phase of her journey – from excelling in school to navigating the rigors of medical school, residency, and eventually establishing a thriving private practice – she grappled with this dichotomy. But amidst the turmoil, she found solace in her roots, drawing strength from the resilience of her ancestors.
As her career blossomed, she never forgot her roots. Driven by a profound sense of gratitude, she dedicated herself to serving others, volunteering at missions and nonprofit organizations. Growing up as the child of immigrant parents, I faced the challenge of adapting to new cities, schools, and cultures every single year. From Los Angeles to Toronto to New Jersey, Torrence, Montreal, Philadelphia, India, and back to New Jersey, each move brought with it a new curriculum, new friends, and new challenges. Despite the constant upheaval, I found myself becoming more resilient with each transition. High school came to an end, but the journey continued as I was transported to India for medical school. The cultural shock and girls hostel life, along with the challenges of navigating a new educational system and lifestyle, tested my resilience. In those moments, survival of the fittest became my motto, and the lyrics of my favorite song, “Unche Niche Raste aur Manzil Teri Duur” resonated deeply.
Returning to the US brought its own set of challenges. With no guidance or mentorship, I embarked on the process of taking US MLE exams and applying to residency programs. Finding myself at the University of California for residency, the initial days felt like landing on Mars.
Wearing scrubs all day, reading medical literature, and being ready to tackle any task, including 24-hour night calls, became the norm. Even now, 25 years later, I still find myself walking through empty hospital corridors in my dreams.
Moving forward into my first week of Neurology residency, the intensity of the ER hit me hard. Faced with life-and-death situations, I realized the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. Despite the adrenaline rush, I knew I had to project confidence, even when I felt unsure.
One particular incident stands out during my time in residency. A young Indian boy, recently graduated with a master’s degree, was involved in a tragic accident that left him quadriplegic. His mother rushed from Mumbai, looked to me for answers and hope as she tirelessly advocated for her son’s care. Despite knowing the grim prognosis, I struggled to find the words to comfort her.
Feeling haunted by the ghost of that experience, I vowed to approach each patient as if they were my own family members. It was this mindset that gave me the strength and courage to face the challenges of residency and beyond, always striving to provide the best care possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Haunted by the haunting specter of that heart-wrenching experience, I made a solemn vow to myself: to approach every patient’s bedside as if they were my own flesh and blood. Their suffering became my burden, their hopes my aspirations, and their battles my own. With each passing day, I carried the weight of their stories etched into the recesses of my soul. It was this sacred promise that infused me with an unwavering resolve, a fierce determination to confront the relentless trials of residency and beyond. Through the darkest nights and the bleakest days, I drew upon the deep wellspring of empathy within me, channeling it into every interaction, every diagnosis, and every treatment plan. For me, it was never just a profession; it was a calling, a sacred duty to provide solace and healing to those in their most vulnerable moments. And though the path was fraught with uncertainty and anguish, I pressed onward, driven by the unyielding conviction that every patient deserved nothing less than the very best of my care, even when faced with the most daunting of circumstances.
Author: Founder of NEURO-SQUARE.COM