Dr Devanshi THAKUR responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
My interest, also passion, stemmed from my profound love for science, particularly biology, and a strong desire to helping others. I was always fascinated by the human body and its functioning. My family physician inspired me, no less. My innate urge to contributing my humble bit to society and/or the community and making a tangible difference to peoples’ lives propelled just about everything, in me, for a career in medicine.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
That homeopathy is often introduced from an early age, in certain families, is one clinching factor in its favour. Calcarea phosphoricum 6X, for one, which is given to most kids, for teething, is a classic example. The ease of administering the medicine ensures minimal, or zero, side-effects. My tryst with a senior homeopath was sufficient to making up my mind, primarily because homeopathy offers a holistic approach — treating the individual having the disease, not just the disease in isolation. The medicines are prescribed only after vigorous case-taking, which includes every physical and mental dimension of the patient — they are also given equal weightage. The outcome? Holistic healing at its best.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
The advantage of being a doctor is our ability to catering to the patient’s needs and helping them during illness and also after — for optimal wellness. Yet another point is: most patients are a tad sceptical about homeopathic medicines, what with the common notion prevalent among them being that ‘homeopathic medicines act slowly.’ It’s a great feeling to breaking such barriers and serving the community. Professionally speaking, my practice primarily focuses on holistic healing, patient education, fostering long-term health and well-being, through safe, gentle and individualised homeopathy.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
I reckon, with all humility, that I have a vibrant personality with good communication skills. This, I feel, is a major asset to connecting with my patients and changing their lives — for the better. The art of articulating my thoughts clearly plays a crucial role too in persuading my patients to adopting a healthy lifestyle.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Optimal wellness includes physical, mental and social well-being. Psychological disorders are on the rise, at present, maybe, like never before. According to the World Health Organisation [WHO] one in every eight people live with a mental disorder. Optimal wellness is also our ability to responding and adapting to our ever-changing milieu — in a balanced manner.
Your ‘best’ case?
When a 27-year-old lady came with a complaint — haemorrhoids [piles]. During case-taking, I got to know that her husband also suffered from the condition. After considering the underlying causes, I inferred that spicy food was probably the ‘root cause’ of the disorder. With proper homeopathic medications and lifestyle changes, she was completely relieved of her distressing problem.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
When a patient came with recurrent episodes of headache for the last 20 years. In spite of proper case-taking and several medications, there was but too little improvement, not to speak of relapse.
What appeals to you the most?
The most appealing aspect is the profound impact we [doctors] make on people’s lives. Our profession combines scientific knowledge with compassionate care, fostering trust and making a tangible difference in the individual’s health and well-being.
What annoys you the most?
When patients do not take their health seriously. When patients do not follow the prescribed diet and regimen.
Your favourite book?
- Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
- Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas by Satyarth Nayak.
Your favourite joke?
There is no particular joke; however, I enjoy watching comedy movies and shows.
Your favourite song?
- Fireflies — Owl City [Adam Young]
- The Nights – Avicii [Tim Bergling].
Your favourite movie?
3 Idiots [2009/Aamir Khan/Sharman Joshi/R Madhavan/Kareena Kapoor Khan/Boman Irani/Omi Vaidya/Rajkumar Hirani].
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
The Good Doctor [2017-2024/Freddie Highmore/Richard Schiff/Hill Harper].
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Cooking, reading books, and singing.
Your goal in life?
The pursuit for academic excellence, at every step, gaining in-depth knowledge about homeopathy, and not only serving my patients, but also the community, with utmost diligence and fidelity.
