Dr Pallav THANAWALA responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire:
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
It happened just a couple of months before my 12th Board Exams. I changed my ‘fancy,’ also entire career path, from engineering to medicine. I wanted to be a doctor. This was a whim, maybe, in hindsight, but I am happy that I submitted to it.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
To use a cliché, I did not quite think of it. It may also sound supercilious, but the fact is homeopathy ‘chose me,’ although not securing adequate percentile for MBBS had anything to do with it. It possibly emanated in the subconscious, thanks to my late father, who was greatly influenced by the homeopathic line of treatment. So much so, that he bought a copy of the good, never-old, The Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica, by Dr William Boericke, way back in the 1950s. Our whole family was ‘hooked,’ or ‘wired,’ to homeopathy for some, or the other ailment. It was, perhaps, having a good deal of exposure to homeopathy, early on, and getting qualified in it, came as a natural option for me.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
I started practicing homeopathy in 1992. I upgraded my knowledge base by enrolling at the Institute of Clinical Research [ICR], Pune, for two years. This gave me the necessary professional edge. I also worked with a reputed chain of homeopathy clinics for two decades. I now have my own private practice. As a homeopath, I get to learn, day-in and day-out, the misery that the human mind makes one undergo. The journey has been enriching and also humbling. This has made me more sensitive — a better human being.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
I am fortunate enough to possess an amiable, also a caring demeanour — this, possibly, has a comforting effect on my patients. I believe I also understand what is not said by the patient, while what is being said.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Optimal wellness, in my view, encompasses the obvious, the subtle, physiological as also psychological parameters, along with rational thinking and feelings. It is about being able to have a balanced outlook towards expectations, and also results, at the physical and emotional levels. This eases the conflict and chaos within our mind, body, and soul.
Your best case?
I look at all cases with equal emphasis — irrespective of whether they are headline grabbers, or routine illnesses. Yes, the most professionally challenging cases are the most satisfying to me. My best case was probably my first — a case of ulcerative colitis. My second best was a case of avascular necrosis of head of femur.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
My first case of psoriasis.
What appeals to you the most?
Genuineness.
What annoys you the most?
When people want to put others down.
Your favourite book?
Bhagavad Gita and I’m OK – You’re OK
Your favourite joke?
Marriage is not a word, but a sentence: ’Life Sentence.’
Your favourite song?
Dhaage tod laao chandni ke noor se [A Sufi hit by Rahat Fateh Ali and Mahalakshmi Iyer] and Jhoom barabar jhoom [Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy].
Your favourite movie?
Navrang [1959]; Kartyaar Kaljaat Ghusali [2015].
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
The Alienist, Better Call Saul, Anne with an E.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Painting, riding the bicycle, and watching OTT.
Your goal in life?
Be minimalistic — for the maximum.
Superb. Something straight from the heart.
I’ve known Dr Pallav Thanawala for over 15 years, as a friend and as also patient. Apart from being a good doc, he is good human being too. He understands the pain of the patient. I wish him all the success in his career.
He is a gem of a human being and a tad better doctor, or vice versa. Honoured that I know him.
I know Dr Pallav for more than 15 years. He was my colleague, and is my 4:00am friend, and will be always. More than that, I admire him for being a genuine and non-manipulative person and, of course, a very good doctor.