Dr Madhavi ALAMURU responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
It’s sheer destiny that I swapped my path and enrolled for BHMS — after ‘signing up’ for a seat in biotechnology. Well, the fact is: I’d always dreamt of becoming a doctor. I was, during my formative years, in awe of my aunts, also cousin, who were doctors of repute. I loved their passion and the respect they were bestowed with by their patients and sundry. I was, thus, I believe, inescapably drawn, like a magnet, to the effusive idea of being a doctor.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
When I was in Class 12, I suffered from severe tonsillitis. I was recommended surgery. My parents wanted a holistic opinion — so, we visited a homeopath in our locality. We were hugely surprised with the results and also the gentle manner in which my rebellious tonsils were treated. This had a huge impact on me — this may, perforce, have jazzed-up my enthusiasm, not just motivation, to taking up homeopathy.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
I am a strong believer in the age-old ‘dictum’ — whatever happens, happens for the good. Agreed that being a doctor is sheer bliss, which I will always cherish. It is a lifelong responsibility too. It is also just as challenging, in my profession, what with new patients and new cases challenging us practically every day. I always picture this — the joy on the patient’s face, when their illness is treated successfully. This is worth everything that one could think, or dream, of — no more, no less.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
I reckon that it’s got a lot to do with my cultivated patience — listening attentively to my patient’s complaints. I make sure to communicate every facet of the illness, the line of treatment, its duration, and what to expect in a detailed manner to them. This is a simple, yet profound skill — but, we should hone it, as a useful ‘tool,’ at every step. This creates that much-needed good doctor-patient connect.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Optimal wellness is a complete state of mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being. It is based on the good, old holistic approach, where the mind, body and spirit are in harmonious balance. All of us know that the mind is the centre for all our bodily functions — when our mind gets disturbed, or goes out of sync, so does our health.
Your ‘best’ case?
A 26-year-old woman with infertility. She looked all ‘washed up’ — she’d obviously tried every mode of treatment. She reached out to me with palpable hope, not just expectation. I analysed her case in the best manner possible. I also solicited appropriate guidance from my seniors — so, I had a good handhold of it, from the word go. I started her treatment and she was able to conceive within a few months. This gave me the big boost — because, it was one of the first cases that I happened to treat, early on, in my clinical practice.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
A middle-aged male patient consulted me for psoriatic arthritis. I tried my best, but I failed to ease his discomfort and pain. One should always remember that not every case would be a success and that one must always learn from one’s failures — to be a good, also better, doctor.
What appeals to you the most?
Simplicity; hard work; sincerity.
What annoys you the most?
People who ‘fib’ — for everything.
Your favourite book?
Any book that is inspirational.
Your favourite joke?
Nothing in particular.
Your favourite song?
Tum se hi [Jab We Met/Mohit Chauhan/Irshad Kamil/Pritam].
Your favourite movie?
3 Idiots [2009], featuring Aamir Khan/Kareena Kapoor/R Madhavan/Boman Irani/Sharman Joshi/Omi Vaidya et al].
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
Nothing specific.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Playing shuttle badminton, listening to music, and being a doting homemaker.
Your goal in life?
To ‘up’ my patients’ awareness vis-à-vis natural healing — including its safety and dependability. To do my best, as a homeopath, for the community — in every way possible and with all humility.
