Dr Mohit SANDHU responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I’m the first in my family to qualify as a doctor, albeit my parents have been paramedics for several years now. I literally lived my childhood in the hospital in which they are working. I reckon that my parents have played a major role in my being a doctor… Well, it was COVID-19 that transformed me. I was called for COVID-19 duties during the second wave — as an intern. I led 3-4 teams that used Ayurveda. This was the catalyst I was looking for. It gave me the confidence to practice Ayurveda, the moment I completed my BAMS internship programme.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
Well, I started my real journey in Ayurveda during my internship, although the system per se has always given me the essence of holistic medicine, from the ground up. I believe that learning and practicing Ayurveda are akin to what poet Alexander Pope said, “… Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.” Ayurveda is, indeed, a never-ending process; savouring its myriad nectar, or flavour, is just as perpetual.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
My personal experience has been fabulous. My favourite ‘specialities’ are cardiology, dermatology and pain management in Ayurveda. I pursued them after my BAMS. I’ve gotten into online and offline consultations and also associated with the Ayurvedic Association in Brazil — Fontana Veda. I’m now into higher programmes of learning that help me expand my knowledge base in other Ayurveda specialities too.
What unique and special skills do you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
I’m indebted to my grounding, a special attribute, in medical practice, ‘Heal with Touch.’ I learnt this domain from my ‘idol,’ my dad, who uses the power of touch with prodigious effect — on his patients.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness?
I’d prefer to go by the Ayurveda definition — a person is healthy when their health is balanced at the physical and mental levels. Wellness is, in more ways than one, the extension of that balance — to leading a healthy, active and vibrant life.
Your ‘best’ case?
A child with special powers, given by god, or so as everyone thought. She was just 11 months old and was diagnosed with congenital cerebral atrophy, which affected her brain and spinal cord. When I saw her, there was a strange connection with her that I can’t explain with words. I felt that her eyes were calling me to help her. She couldn’t move her neck; her sensory loss was distinctly pronounced. I agree that such disorders are difficult to treat, much less cure. I recommended that her parents give her swaranprashan drops. When I reviewed her case, a few months down the line, her senses had improved by 60-65 per cent. I was astounded too when I saw her move her neck, much more than I’d envisaged she would. Her eyes seemed to speak a beautiful language: ‘Thank you, Doc.’ This, I reckon, is my best case, so far.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
Well, ‘good’ and ‘not-so-good’ cases are the two sides of the same coin. I’ve had my ‘not-so-good’ cases — just like every doctor has to go through in their practice. I think of them as a learning curve, or experience — to taking my skills to the next level and with much better treatment outcomes.
What appeals to you the most?
Innovative research.
What annoys you the most?
Egocentric attitude, anger and selfishness.
Your favourite book?
Bhagavad Gita, Suśruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Consultations in Ayurvedic Dermatology by Dr P M Madhu, MD [Ayurveda].
Your favourite joke?
Nothing in particular
Your favourite song?
Sanskrit slokas
Your favourite movie?
Interstellar [2014], starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, among others.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Ayurveda research, writing, new ingenious ideas, and singing.
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
Nothing specific.
Your goal in life?
To promote Ayurveda, the science of life, and its quintessential healing expanse to the world.
