Dr Geeta DESHMUKH responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I thought it was the best way that I’d serve society and the community — as a whole.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
My parents and grandparents used to take homeopathic treatment for general complaints. I used to visit our homeopathic doctor since my childhood with them. I felt there was a connect. More than anything else, I was impressed, also fascinated, with the archetypal, formative idea of a child ‘playing’ with the stethoscope — and, also dispensing sweet, little pills — of being a doctor. You’d call it my eureka moment, no less, to fulfilling my own dream.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
It’s been satisfying; but, more than anything else, fulfilling. A triumphant smile on a patient’s face after getting over an illness is something that delights every doctor. I’m no exception.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
Listening to them with extended patience. Allowing them to speak in their own language without interrupting them is, I think, my forte.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
When a person has a sense of well-being mentally, they are at ease physically too — more so, with their surrounding environment, or milieu, as also at home and the workplace.
Your ‘best’ case?
I’ve had a host of them on a regular basis. “I have not had that symptom since you treated me,” is the best expression I’d always love to hear from them.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
There you are — as it happens with all of us in the profession. Put simply, no one is free from the ‘law of averages.’
What appeals to you the most?
When I see, hear and read about people doing selfless service to society.
What annoys you the most?
When I read about wrong doings and cold-hearted conduct of people.
Your favourite book?
School memoirs. War stories. All novels of Alistair MacLean.
Your favourite joke?
Nothing specific. They are actually too many of them. It’s, therefore, difficult to pick just one.
Your favourite song?
Old Hindi film songs of the legendary singer Mukesh.
Your favourite movie?
Gol Maal [1979/Hrishikesh Mukherjee/Amol Palekar/Utpal Dutt/Dina Pathak/Deven Verma/David Abraham/Bindiya Goswami et al].
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
Ashoka; Chanakya
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Tennikoit was my favourite sport. I also represented my school and college in inter-district and state level tournaments in the sport. Reading books; travelling.
Your goal in life?
Keep learning, keep serving, keep working, and helping others, as much as I can.
Dr GEETA DESHMUKH, BHMS, is a senior homeopathic physician with over 30+ years’ experience in private practice. She lives in Hyderabad, India.
