Dr Vansh LUNIYA responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
It was a blissful accident, also god-sent, perhaps, that I chose homeopathy for a career. Well, I was all set to enrol in forensic sciences, but, by a quirk, I opted for BHMS. When I look back, I feel this was, indeed, my eureka moment, also destiny — call it a life-changing choice, or what you may, I’ll not disagree.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
My curiosity and quest for knowledge — it expanded with every passing day. I set my clear goals in my first-year, as an undergrad. I wanted to learn from the best homeopaths across the country, not just my hometown. I reckon this was all pre-planned to taking up every learning opportunity that came my way.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
I have realised that everything that happens is, perforce, destined. I strongly believe that we are chosen by the profession, not vice versa. Being a doctor is a lifelong responsibility. Add to it diligence, and here I am at service for my patients and for a higher purpose to the community. I believe that the medical profession ‘programmes’ you and, as a result, you evolve — it is a continual, endless process. Your goals are also far beyond materialism, or materialistic elements. You begin to be inquisitive and analytical — and, in more ways than one, you develop a growth mind-set, always seeking a higher echelon, or vista, in every aspect of life. Professionally, you overcome your inadequacies; you take up them up as a challenge. When you grow with experience, along with a salt-and-pepper mane, you become contended, but no less inquisitive, and, perhaps, a tad wiser than before. Remember — you are a student for life. It is a never-ending voyage. It’s, therefore, imperative that you are open to new learning in every facet, at every step.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
Communication — the skill of being selectively informative to patients, while assessing problems and counselling them. In my experience, educating the patient about their illness, its causes, and evaluating them, without bias, has provided me with positive outcomes in patient compliance.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Most of us seek external sources for wellness, more so in the troubled times that we now live in. While we don’t often make the effort to look from deep within, we ought to believe that health and wellness emerge from awareness and also acceptance. Being aware that what makes us ill is one thing; acceptance to making conscious efforts to work over our ills is another. Yet, they go hand-in-hand for our optimal well-being. When I look ahead, I believe that it would be a sine qua non to restoring ourselves on the path of emotional and mental harmony, or balance, and to leading a long, healthy and active life.
Your ‘best’ case?
This was a case from my early days in homeopathic practice — an elderly man suffering from non-healing ulcers for more than four years, which led to gangrene in his limb. He was advised amputation. Owing to his meagre finances and other constrains, aside from the fear of being crippled, he came to me to ‘save’ his limb. His non-healing ulcers resolved with homeopathic treatment and the gangrene got reversed in six months following regular treatment. His limb was saved. He now walks without the creepy thought of ever having gone through an agonising four-year ordeal.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
Well, I’ve had them, like most in the medical profession, but, for me, this is tantamount to learning from failures — for the good of my patients. Let me recall a simple dermatitis case. Despite my best efforts, the patient did not respond to any homeopathic remedy. I had to ask him, with utter despair, to ‘drop’ the treatment, because I had learned my limitations and I did not want my patient to wait just hoping for the best, when I could not see any such thing happening.
What appeals to you the most?
Honesty. Not being materialistic. Profound conversations over life, spirituality, and history. The individual’s intelligence, their curiosity to learn and grow. A progressive mentality that is understanding and receptive to diverse interpretations, or analyses.
What annoys you the most?
Lying. I just can’t take it. I’d rather appreciate someone critical of me on the face than someone flattering me. Constructive criticism is always welcome. But, being dishonest, or lying, to scoring a point, or sweet-talking, annoys me.
Your favourite book?
I’m a bibliophile. Well, the one book I love most is The Courage to be Disliked. It’s a tough read; it makes you uncomfortable about the truths of life, but as you go through the pages you’ll find that you’re [re]discovering yourself.
Your favourite joke?
Maybe, just a few.
Your favourite song?
Choo Loo [The Local Train]. It melts my heart and ‘jazzes-up’ my mind. I’m also a big Michael Jackson, Linkin Park and Enrique Iglesias fan.
Your favourite movie?
The Shawshank Redemption, The Pursuit of Happyness, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Lunch Box.
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
I’m not much into TV shows, but I loved Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai. I’m very selective about Netflix. The series I loved most are Money Heist and Narcos.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
I’m into mentoring BHMS students, practitioners, newbies, also wannabes, who have difficulty in setting up practice. I guide them. I’m a mentor, by choice, to more than 50+ students across India. Apart from this, I love driving and reading — not necessarily in that order. I also teach the homeopathic Materia Medica through online lectures.
Your goal in life?
To provide top-quality homeopathic healthcare with affordable, reliable, individualistic, or bespoke, treatment. I’m into self-development and growth too. I also have plans to launching a multispecialty online and offline practice in the future.
Well done, Dr Vansh. All the best for your future endeavours.