Dr D B NANDINI responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire:
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
It was, to use a metaphor, my childhood dream, to be a doctor. This was also primarily because I always wanted to be that ‘go-to’ person who could provide relief to anyone suffering from pain.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
To be frank, I always had a certain affinity towards modern medicine, in my formative years, and I always knew my inner calling to be a doctor. Picture this: the milieu of a typical South Indian household, and growing up in it, instilled in me the value of natural home remedies. They were given the priority when I, or my sisters, used to fall ill, and this intrigued me. I gradually realised that Ayurveda, an ancient, yet modern, science, was holistic medicine — it taught me the best there is to leading a healthy life and also helping others in the process. It did not take long for me to study Ayurveda first and expand my knowledge base with integrative medicine next — the best of both the worlds, so to speak.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
Not one day is the same, because every new day ushers in its own set of challenges — this propels me to making myself better. While providing relief to someone in pain is extremely gratifying, I’m just as grateful that I have been given the opportunity to taking my healing skills to the next level.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
I’ve been blessed with an ever-smiling face, all right, but I believe that my calm, composed disposition, also patience to hear every patient’s story, at length, and my ability to counselling, have made the big difference.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
I believe in harmony, also natural equilibrium — of right balance of physical, mental and emotional health. This holds the key to optimal wellness, as each of them is interlinked.
Your ‘best’ case?
A mother of two, aged 45 years, suffering from chronic osteoarthritis of knee joints. She could walk, but just a little, and she found it difficult to managing her daily routine, or chores, without painkillers. While climbing the stairs was completely out of the question, what wobbled her was the lurking fear of being confined to bed, sooner than later. I treated her with Ayurvedic medicines and, lo and behold, she was back on track within a span of 45 days. The best part: she could now climb the staircase without any pain. I can vividly remember the day she and her husband gifted me a lovely book to thank me — it’s my prized possession, not just a memento.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
It was my early days of medical practice. I had administered an iron injection, since I’m also an integrated medical practitioner, to a lady, in her 40s, who had to be rushed to the emergency room [ER] later, because she developed severe reactions. I had given her a test dose, all right, prior to administering the full dose; she showed no signs of any reaction for the test dose, but she, unfortunately, reacted badly to the full dose.
What appeals to you the most?
A patient who trusts and follows my instructions sincerely.
What annoys you the most?
When a patient expects to be healed, from the inside out, overnight. Patience and consistency hold the foundational ‘pitch’ for any Ayurvedic treatment to work. It takes time for the mind and body to be restored to their pristine, natural state from illness.
Your favourite book?
Bhagavad Gita
Your favourite joke?
I love good humour; also satire.
Your favourite song?
I enjoy listening to Carnatic classical music.
Your favourite movie?
Queen, Shakuntala Devi, English Vinglish
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
I enjoy watching dance/music/reality shows, once in a while.
Your other interests and hobbies?
Cooking, reading mythological, or spiritual, books.
Your goal in life?
To lead a simple, minimalistic life, where I can, as a physician, make a difference in someone’s life.
