Don’t just treat disease, also heal the person, doctors told at SGPGI convo | Lucknow News
Lucknow: In a heart-touching chat with the outgoing batch of specialist doctors and nursing students at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS)’s 29th convocation, globally acclaimed gastroenterologist and the only doctor to have earned all three Padma awards, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, presented ten commandments for a purposeful and satisfying life.Recalling that he left his high-paying job in the West to come back to his roots and serve the country, he said that success was not defined by the kind of assets and material worth one creates but by the kind of impact one’s existence has on people touched by them. His list of mantras included the love and respect for one’s parents and teachers in recognition of the immense contribution made by them. “Be lifelong learners” was another mantra. “Medical science changes every single day. What you learn here is the foundation, not the final word. If you do not upgrade your skills, the strong foundation would become redundant,” he said. Cultivating discipline, determination, and attitude was the fourth point. The fifth point was a practical one. “Build strong peer networks. Treasure the friendships and professional bonds you have made here,” said Dr Reddy. Developing empathy was the sixth point. “It is not enough to treat the disease; you must also heal the person. Listen to your patients’ fears and speak with compassion,” he said, adding that learning leadership and teamwork was the seventh commandment. “Lead with humility, with gratitude, and with the ability to say ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ when needed,” he said. Dr Reddy said that embracing entrepreneurship and financial literacy was equally important. Placing it as his eighth commandment, he said: “Money, when used wisely, is a tool to build institutions, support research, and extend healthcare to those who need it most.” Humility and work-life balance were the remaining two. “Humility will keep you grounded and open to growth. Also, medicine is a demanding profession, but do not neglect your health, your relationships, and your loved ones,” he said.
