National Doctor’s Day is celebrated every year on 1st July in the memory of Dr. Bidhan Roy Chandra- who had his birth and death anniversary on the same day. He not only served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal but was also a famous physician, philanthropist, educationist and social worker. The day is dedicated to all the doctors and health workers who have been serving people throughout their career. Here are a few comments by doctors from Goa who explain what it means being a doctor.
Dr Emanuel Gracias, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gracias Maternity Hospital, Margao
I feel being a doctor has always been in my DNA. It’s what I know, what I am and everything I can ever think of being. The struggles and hardships are truly worth it because the joy I get into helping out my patients and also bringing the miracle of life into this world is indescribable. It’s safe to say that practising obstetrics and gynaecology is my happy place.
Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Healthway Hospital, Old Goa
Being a doctor is a privilege and is still the most noble profession which gives you an opportunity to be useful to the society and your country. As a doctor you get the chance to listen and provide solutions to your sick patients .As an orthopaedic surgeon I am able to operate and reconstruct damaged bones and joints and give a new lease of pain free and independent life. Society especially after COVID times has helped restore the faith and respect for treating doctors and people have realised how important a doctor is for their overall well-being.
Dr. Amit Dias, MD, department of preventive medicine at Goa Medical College, Bambolim
The medical profession is a vocation. On one hand it involves unimaginable hard work and sacrifices and on the other hand, the profession gives me the joy that no other profession can give. The cry of the newborn child, the smile on our patients faces, the normal heartbeat, the signs of improvement in our patients, the feeling is ineffable! This is something no other profession can match.
Dr. Sanjeev Juwarkar, consultant anaesthetist at Healthway Hospital, Old Goa
I have aspired to be in this noble profession since the age of 4. I was inspired by our family doctor ,who made a huge difference to the lives of patients when he spoke, counselled and treated them. I strive to extend that kind of selflessness, pure goodness and service to my patients. Till date in my 37 years of service, I feel the emotional connection that is built between me and my patients and I do my best to create positivity around them. I wish to carry this forward as it gives me tremendous satisfaction, happiness and peace in doing what I do.
Dr Aldrin Godinho, MDS, orthodontist at a Private Clinic in Candolim.
Dentistry has been my passion for as long as I can remember. It’s not something I woke up to one day and decided to do but has been a part of myself for ages. If you think about it, being a dentist or a doctor is a never ending voluntary service and in doing so I expect nothing in return. It’s just that treating and helping humanity makes me feel wholesome and gives me immense contentment.