Dr Alka SHARMA responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I never ever wanted to be a doctor, but destiny has its ways — and, here I am, a doctor in her own right and write.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
I was looking for a job, soon after graduating in Ayurveda [BAMS]. While attending interviews for various positions I got to understand that I lacked adequate knowledge of Ayurveda. This led me to specialise in Ayurveda [MD].
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
Well, no one can be professionally happy, always, or satisfied, because there is so much to do, whatever one’s experience level, or exposure, in the field maybe. I just love challenges. This makes me to jazz-up my resolve — it makes me happy from the inner core of my heart, or being.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
Listening to patients patiently — howsoever long the consultation, or discussion, is. I reckon this is my forte, and it has made the big difference to my patients.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
The art of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attaining better physical, and mental health outcomes. We should all aim to practice this art, or else we will be depressed by age 40 and we may also look like 70+ instead.
Your ‘best’ case?
A difficult case of rheumatoid arthritis — the patient had not responded to other modes of treatment, including conventional medicine, but responded most favourably to Ayurveda.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
A case of chronic kidney disease [CKD] — the patient came to me as his last hope. There was, sadly, very little that I’d do to help him.
What appeals to you the most?
Personally speaking, nature appeals to me much more than anything else.
What annoys you the most?
A patient that does not follow my directions, or guidance.
Your favourite book?
Who Will Cry When You Die, by Robin Sharma.
Your favourite joke?
All Punjabi jokes.
Your favourite song?
Ik Pyar Ka Nagma Hai [Shor/1970/Mukesh/Lata Mangeshkar/Santosh Anand/Lakshmikant-Pyarelal].
Your favourite movie?
- The Lord of the Rings [2001-2003/Starring: Elijah Wood/Ian McKellen/Liv Tyler/Viggo Mortensen/Sean Astin/Cate Blanchett, et al]
- Laapataa Ladies [2024/Starring: Nitanshi Goel/Sparsh Shrivastava/Pratibha Ranta/Abhay Dubey/Chhaya Kadam/Ravi Kishan].
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
- Avatar [2009/Starring: Sam Worthington/Zoe Saldana/Stephen Lang/Michelle Rodriguez/Sigourney Weaver]
- Lost in Space [2018-2021/Starring: Molly Parker/Toby Stephens/Maxwell Jenkins/Taylor Russell, et al].
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Travelling, singing, and painting.
Your goal in life?
To be a good human being and an extremely knowledgeable, also articulate, doctor.
