Dr SOWMYASHREE responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I owe it to a professional Ayurveda doctor at home — a successful teacher, who was also persistent and deeply passionate about what he did. Besides, I’d a fervent penchant to becoming a teacher deep within me. Thus, the combination of academics and being a clinician ensued. It’s my ardent belief too that our professions are, sort of, predestined.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
I’m a post-grad in Kayachikitsa [Ayurveda-General Medicine]. Kayachikitsa always motivated me, thanks to its expansive compass and radar to understanding the basics of Ayurveda in combination with treating diseases, especially chronic syndromes, where other systems of medicines may not be of much use.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
Breath-taking. I chuckle to think that this may, perhaps, be too grandiose a statement, but believe me Ayurveda simply fascinates me. In other words, Ayurveda allures me, thanks to its expansive repertoire of healing wisdom.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
Patience and persistence in showing up for work and, most importantly, my avowed empathy for patients. Add to this my steadfast belief in what best I can do in a given case and it has, I reckon, made the big difference to my patients.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Wellness is a mindset; it’s also your lifestyle and just about everything that ‘ups’ your health quotient, or index.
Your ‘best’ case?
Most cases of rheumatoid arthritis and alcoholic hepatitis with impressive recovery/improvement rates — not just in terms of statistical factors, but also clinical parameters.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
Most cases that don’t report for follow-up. Or, when patients just don’t turn up after their first consultation.
What appeals to you the most?
A patient who is a bhishak vashya — that compliant, also obedient, type in reality.
What annoys you the most?
Self-diagnosis; self-medication.
Your favourite book?
Any book that teaches me about life in its truest sense, or helps me get ardently motivated.
Your favourite joke?
A joke called life.
Your favourite song?
Any song that is melodious, soothing and meaningful. Or, any song that ‘flashes’ my fond memories, or takes me into a ‘reverie’ called life.
Your favourite movie?
The list is just too long.
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
The Good Doctor [2017-2024/Freddie Highmore/Richard Schiff/Hill Harper].
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Reading books and keeping myself updated of what’s new in the world of medicine and also current affairs.
Your goal in life?
To instil in my patients and the community the holistic significance of adopting Ayurveda as a way of life — for maintenance of health and prevention of disease. It is my aim, in my own humble way, to making Ayurveda the first choice for patients when it comes to addressing their health concerns.
