My career journey so far..

I work full-time for a living and blogging is my hobby.

What do I do?

I am an Anaesthesiologist/Anaesthetist. Trained in India and currently pursuing fellowship in the UK.

In simple words, a physician who is specialised in peri operative medicine, making sure patients are unaware, pain-free, sedated during surgical procedures. (This is the most simple way I could describe!)

How did I start?

At the age of 15 I decided I wanted to be a doctor. White coats and stethoscopes were always glamorous for me. So I took up science in  junior college (high school). In India, there is a national level entrance exam which decides your fate of being a medical student.

I was clueless of its complexity and difficulty. Eventually I got through.

So I attended medical school and completed MBBS.

After internship I took a year-long break to clear another entrance exam and got into MD Anaesthesiology course in Mumbai.

How long was my medical training?

I started in 2006 and I finally finished my residency in 2016.

So yes, 10 years.

What next after residency?

I moved to the UK in 2017 to pursue further training in neuro anaesthesia and critical care. (Anaesthesia for brain and complex spine surgery.)

Highlight of my residency?

I won the gold medal in Maharashtra university MD Anaesthesia final exams.

Do I like my job?

I love it! And the best part, I get paid for something I love doing.

What challenges do I face?

Well, as an Anaesthesiologist, I am responsible for taking away a patient’s breath and giving it back. I need to have a in-depth understanding of human physiology and disease processes. Pharmacology, effects a drug has on the body and vice versa. Calculation of all drug doses, as well as the advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Operating all anaesthetic equipment and patient monitors.

In short I need to know anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, physics (yes physics too!), medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics etc etc etc.

But most importantly, I need to be careful, disciplined and alert when doing each and every case. I need to tailor a new plan for every patient. I need to be prepared for any emergencies.

Just like a pilot, before putting off the patient to sleep I need to make sure the equipment is working and I have the emergency crash cart ready to go. And all of this, because someone is voluntarily putting their life in my hands. I am not perfect but I have to be near perfect.

I need to update my skill set of putting tubes, needles, drains, etc.

I need to be calm in a crisis and take over leadership role.

Be it day or middle of the night, I need to keep my reflexes intact.

Is it worth all the efforts?

It is not a big deal to practice Anaesthesia, there are thousands out there. But it is a big responsibility.

I am a part of the healthcare system and I am proud of it. I am passionate about it. But what really makes it worth is seeing patient satisfaction, knowing that you saved some life.

Goals for 2018?

1. FRCA exams. (cleared part one.)
2. EuroNeuro conference in Brussels. (paper presentation.)
3. Continue Neuroanesthesia.