Dr Reshma R PAI responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I attribute it to my nascent passion and vision to serving the community since my childhood. When I completed my pre-university studies, it was, I believe, my own tryst with destiny — seeking and getting admission into a reputed Ayurveda medical college. This was, to use a platitude, a dream-come-true for me too — to becoming a doctor.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
My focus was always keyed to helping people in the community and educating them. I was looking for a decent job, after I completed my grad studies in Ayurveda. As luck would have it, I was appointed Medical Officer in Taluk Health Office, Udupi, Karnataka. It did not take long for me to realising that this was my inner call — one that I was longing for a career and practice. The next logical step: I specialised in Public Health with a Master’s degree in the subject.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
As a doctor, who primarily deals with the public health aspects of the community, my experience has been great. I get to meet a lot of people from different walks of life. I get to listen to various incidents, health issues, how families tackle emergencies, as also new innovations in medical science. New programme implementation in the government sector has been my favourite topic of interest. Besides, I am always keen to learning a great deal through my interactions with patients.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
The ability to convince my patients to accepting and implementing tiny changes in their daily lifestyle to improving their health and wellness. I think this quality has made the big difference to my patients in taking their wellness quotient to the next level.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Waking up before sunrise, personal hygiene, eating healthy, regular exercise, thinking positive, having healthy personal and professional relationships, along with sound sleep. I think all of this defines optimal wellness — because, if you take good care of your body, your will also be in the best of health.
Your ‘best’ case?
My best case: it’s my own health issue. When I treated myself for herpes zoster ophthalmicus [HZO] — also known as ophthalmic zoster, or shingles, involving the eye, or the surrounding area — during my formative years successfully. I was now a confident doctor, right from the word go.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
There may be just a few — of ‘not-so-good’ cases from which no doctor is exempt.
What appeals to you the most?
Good presentation, or etiquette.
What annoys you the most?
Work not done on time.
Your favourite book?
All my Ayurveda medical text books.
Your favourite joke?
Everything on the Kapil Sharma Show.
Your favourite song?
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
Your favourite movie?
Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein/2001/R Madhavan/Diya Mirza/Anupam Kher/Saif Ali Khan/Smita Jaykar/Maya Alagh/Navin Nischol/G V Menon/Harris Jayaraj
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
I’m not a TV, or Netflix fan.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Learning new tasks, art and craft.
Your goal in life?
To help as many people as possible — even in smallest ways I can, or is possible. This is my everyday goal too.
