Dr Visalatchi Anjan GURUSAMY responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I remember, quite well, that when I was around ten-years-old, or so, I loved carrying a doctor’s coat on my shoulder. I also had great interest reading books on the sciences, especially human biology, in my formative years. This may have cumulatively triggered the idea in my perimeter — nay, skin of — my thought of becoming a doctor.
What made you think of, study, and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
I always believed there ought to be a certain health, or medical, system that would not cause side-effects, or even it did, the spin-off would be minuscule, or negligible. I, therefore, opted for, studied and specialised in naturopathy and yoga sciences.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
I really enjoy my medical work, the fascinating experience of being a doctor, and working closely with my patients. This has also motivated me to work as a doctor-volunteer in an elderly care home, alongside my clinic practice. I visit the home once a week and this allows me to build close relationships with the elderly and understand their kaleidoscopic perspective on life, health, and illness — thanks to their vast experience from the ground up.
What unique and special skills do you think you have that have made a big difference for your patients?
Being a patient listener and ‘pinning my ears’ to my patients’ problems, while understanding their mind, body, heart and soul — not just their illnesses in isolation. I also make sure that they visit the clinic for regular follow-ups, so that I am able to instil in them the value of a good dietary programme, appropriate exercise plan, and other lifestyle practices.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Wellness is not just physical, but also emotional, mental, and spiritual balance, or harmony of the spheres, from the inside out.
Your ‘best’ case?
I reckon that I’m at my best when I treat musculoskeletal disorders, viz., arthritis, aside from migraine, diabetes and hypertension, among others. I’ve had a good success rate in treating such disorders. You’d call them my ‘best’ cases too.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
A case of Parkinson’s disease.
What appeals to you the most?
Mind satisfaction, or fulfilment; meeting new people, every day.
What annoys you the most?
Fake health tips and their viral ‘blitz’ on social media.
Your favourite book?
Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy.
Your favourite joke?
It’s not that diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, run in your family; it’s that no one ‘runs’ in your family. Well, I just love situational jokes.
Your favourite song?
Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu [Bharathi/Bhavatharani/Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar/Ilayaraja].
Your favourite movie?
The Shawshank Redemption
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
Money Heist
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Documentaries, books, history of the world, research writing, learning a new language, and running for health and fitness.
Your goal in life?
Medicine, for me, is not healing alone, but also making life a blessing for my patients and others. This is my motto, also goal. This translates to having one ‘prized’ prize-winning moment, practically every day, too.
