You have a truly unique story for your journey into medicine, can you give us a little bit of your background?
My family came to America from India when I was three. I grew up on the East Coast and I think I always wanted to be a doctor. When I was four, I was burned on both of my legs and spent three months in the hospital. It was here that I first started thinking about what doctors do. I had three operations and it was formative seeing how nurses and doctors looked after me, it had a big impact. Growing up I was also always interested in biology, so it was a natural path to becoming a physician.
In terms of why I chose ophthalmology, during medical school you undertake different rotations, for example, general medicine, paediatric care, surgery, emergency etc… With ophthalmology you combine everything and have the ability to take care of patients of all ages. You see all different types of diseases, get to do exquisite procedures, and help support patients of all ages over time. Ophthalmology is dynamic and exciting with constantly evolving technologies.
I had an interesting start to my career. I began school at age six like everybody did, but I completed two years of school each year, finished early and went on to medical school (becoming the youngest person to qualify as a doctor). Everything I’ve achieved has been through God’s grace, my family’s support, parents, and brother. By finishing training early, I was able to finish my fellowship in cornea by 24, and now at 44 I’m pretty well experienced in the fields of cornea and cataract and have learnt a lot of things. I’m fortunate to continue learning and contributing to ophthalmology and working with wonderful people.
How did you become aware of Orbis and what motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I first learned about Orbis through my mentor Dr Roberto Pineda, from Boston. I always wanted to join and then I had the opportunity in 2005 to apply. Soon after I was able to go on my first programme to Ghana in 2006. This was my first time working with my good friend Hunter (VP of Clinical Services, Orbis International) on the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. I had met him before in training and we’ve been friends ever since.
I’ve undertaken three programmes in India, Indonesia, trips to Panama, the Philippines and Malaysia and worked on both Hospital Based Trainings and Flying Eye Hospital programmes.
Can you tell us what it is like to volunteer on an Orbis programme?
It’s rather nostalgic to think about my work with Orbis with all the big changes we’ve experienced over the last few years. When there were in person programmes, it’s a very impactful week. Its’ high intensity long days. On day one you focus on meeting patients and deciding who are the best surgical candidates. We discuss plans with the medical teams we are training, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we operate. Friday is dedicated to post-op work and lectures. This is one of the very good things about Orbis programmes, they’re focused on skills transfer and teaching and sharing knowledge. We’re increasing the capability of local surgeons, but not just the surgeon, the whole eye care team to ensure everyone from the nurses to the anaesthesiologists, the sterilisers, etc… the whole eye care team is supported. This is unique. Orbis programmes are not just about not flying in and out, it’s about leaving a legacy behind.