As India progresses in Medicine, there are rare women who break the typecast and refuse to be slaves to social norms. Here’s the wisdom of brilliant woman who has extraordinary achievements in the field of epilepsy, Dr. Sita Jayalakshmi, a senior consultant Neurologist at the KIMS Hyderabad.
RD:What motivated you to prefer epilepsy as your major interest?
SJ:When I was a resident doctor, I developed interest in Epilepsy. During my interaction with persons with epilepsy I understood that the stigma of epilepsy discourages and prevents them to be socially active and lead a normal life.. Persons with epilepsy need seizure freedom, confidence and must feel that they are not different. I felt that it is our responsibility as Neurologists to work in this direction.
What can be done to make Indian medical research more credible?
SJ:Indian research is being accepted widely in the recent years. First of all, the research interest should be encouraged from MBBS level. They need to be trained about protocol writing, data collection, statistical analysis and more importantly team work. We need to have methods and support from the organizations for data collection, storage and big data analysis. Due credit should be given for research and publications.
RD:How did your family respond to your career preferences?
SJ:I was blessed to have a very supportive family. My mother was the first person to encourage and support me during my MBBS and MD internal medicine. During my DM, my mother- in-law and my husband- the two wonderful persons in my life always encouraged and supported me throughout my studies, especially coping with my long working hours, night duties and being away from the family for extended time. Later my daughter also supported me and never complained about my heavy schedules. I always made it a point to spend quality time with my family and gave equal importance to profession and family. Family support indeed helped me balance the responsibilities and expectations at both work and family.
RD:Did you face any troubles at work because you are a woman?
SJ:Definitely I faced many challenges at work and struggled to establish the epilepsy surgery program in this part of the country. But if we have passion for something, we automatically get the energy, patience and ability to achieve our objectives. I agree that It was challenging at times, as a woman playing the roles of a mother, daughter, teacher and clinician simultaneously.
RD:Do you feel overwhelmed with work sometimes?
SJ:Definitely, with challenges in patient care, preparing for resident’s teaching, conferences, lectures and deadlines for manuscript and chapter submissions. But as I said, if we have the interest and passion in what we do, we never feel burdened, rather we enjoy what we are doing.
RD:What do you do then?
SJ:I take extra time and work hard to complete the tasks on time. After that I do take a short break from everything and spend quality time with family. I also go for long walks which is very relaxing.
RD:How do you deal with arrogant, insincere students?
SJ:I believe that parents and teachers play an important role in influencing the behaviours of youngsters. I feel fortunate to have wonderful parents and teachers who had tremendous influence on me. I do not get angry with arrogant and insincere students, rather make every effort to influence them positively by spending more time with them, and making them understand that we work as a team for betterment of our patients’ lives, the only profession which has this privilege and it is God’s gift to us. I do talk to them regularly and make sure they become mentally strong to face the present day challenges of medical profession.
RD:What do you think is the peak of career for an Indian Neurologist?
SJ:The peak of a career for any physician is the satisfaction of his patients. Research and publications too are important to make a physician’s profession complete. Every doctor should be trained not only to make the diagnosis and start treatment, but also imbibe the art of communication, day today discussions with patient and his family. Excellent documentation is necessary, and we should be ready to face any challenges without fear as along as we do our job with sincerity, ethics and passion.
RD:Thank You Dr. Sita Jayalakshmi!
It was an honour to speak with you. Your words of wisdom will go a long way to encourage and motivate medical students all over, especially women.