My Passion: Eyeing For Innovation

Dr Jagannath M BORAMANI responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire:   

Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor? 

I did not quite like biology during my school. I loved physics. That my brother went to IIT-Mumbai may have had something to do with it? Possibly. Well, my parents wanted me to become a doctor. My brother and I were top-quality students; my parents were, therefore, sure that I’d get admission in medical college on merit. This, they may also have felt, would ensure that one of us would live with them, since there was a government medical college in close proximity to our residence. Well, the irony was I detested medicine during my SSC. However, I was drawn into it after matriculation. I quickly decided that medicine would be my first choice as a profession; there was no looking back. I declined admission at IIT. I took to the biology stream and became doctor.

What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice? 

I stood first in general surgery, in MBBS, and I could have opted for any surgical branch. Ophthalmology was not as advanced, at that time, as it is today. But, I opted for it because the curriculum comprised a bit of physics and optics, which I loved during my school days. Secondly, though the speciality was surgery-centric, I thought it was a ‘clean branch’ to go to — with less mess, or perhaps, clutter. Well, as luck would have it, every sub-speciality in ophthalmology started to expand, along with technological advances, following my post-graduation.

What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor? 

It is truly gratifying. I have not only practised my subject of interest, and fascination, but I’m also involved in teaching new methodologies and techniques through conferences. I am a solo private eye specialist, but I have conducted a host of live surgeries, including wet lab surgical teaching programmes in India and abroad. Many of my presentations on my innovations have received global recognition, accolades and awards. That I’m now the Executive Chairman of International Society of Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgeons [ISMSICS], I find it satisfying, also fulfilling, that surgeons from developing, as well as developed, countries are taking a great deal of interest in learning our new, ground-breaking vistas in cataract surgery. What excites and drives me is my passion — my ‘eye’ for innovation.

What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients? 

Yes, I have my own methodology of addressing and reducing the patient’s cylindrical power during cataract surgery. I call this ‘Customised Incision Cataract Surgery.’ This has made a big difference for my patients.

What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?  

Optimal wellness is not merely physical wellness; it encompasses of mental and spiritual wellness too. Most disorders today are psychosomatic in nature, or present with such an underpinning. A sound mind in a sound body reciprocates and works in synchronous harmony with each other.

Your best case? 

The first intra-ocular lens implantation I performed in Navi Mumbai, over 30+ years ago.

Your ‘not-so-good’ case?  

Every cataract surgery is a new challenge. Many a time, a simple, or apparently easy, case turns out to be astoundingly challenging. All surgeons, whatever their speciality, have many ‘very good’ and many ‘not-so-good’ cases during their careers.

What appeals to you the most?

Sincerity and ethics in medical practice.

What annoys you the most? 

Lack of, or disregard for ethics in medical practice.

Your favourite book?

Mrityunjay [Marathi] by Shivaji Sawant

Your favourite joke?  

Nothing specific.

Your favourite song? 

Nee Bandu Ninthaga [Kasturi Nivasa/Kannada/P B Srinivos-P Susheela/R N Jayagopal/G K Venkatesh]

Your favourite movie?

The list is long. It’s difficult to pick just one.

Your other interests, or hobbies?  

Singing, music, painting, and acting.

Your goal in life? 

To develop and use improved, up-to-the-minute, surgical techniques, also skills, for the benefit of my patients and also eye specialists/surgeons in India and abroad.

Dr JAGANNATH BORAMANI, MBBS, MS, a super-specialist eye surgeon in private practice, is a much-respected professional innovator, teacher and editor. A recipient of the Sante Vision Award in All India Ophthalmology Conference for the ‘Best Paper’ in the cataract segment, Dr Boramani has won a plethora of national and international awards and also delivered lectures and conducted several instruction courses/live surgical demonstrations/wet labs of cataract surgeries in the country and across the globe. Besides being a much-sought-after instructor in European/Asia-Pacific and World conferences, Dr Boramani has contributed articles in ophthalmology textbooks and surgical videos for educational purposes, including atlases. He has given talks in various forums as well as TV channels for public information and awareness. Besides being the Chief Editor of Journal of ISMSICS, Dr Boramani has organised three world conferences under the aegis of ISMSICS. He was the key person in organising Maharashra State Ophthalmological Society Conference in Navi Mumbai 2016.  He is also a former Vice-President of IMA, Navi Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai Raigad Ophthalmic Association. He lives in Navi Mumbai.