On a visit to Hyderabad , I met my aunt-in-law, Dr.Sridevi C, a reputed cardiologist at her work in Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad. It was late evening and an exhausting day as it happens most of the times for her. It was a different experience to meet her and go around the institute.
I felt like a young girl exploring something wonderful as she led us to visit the huge institute with dedicated spaces for OPD, specialised departments for various areas of medical treatments, research labs in varied fields equipped with latest technology, instruments and research teams, auditoriums for seminars, workshops, trainings and consultation areas. I tried best to absorb, note down and assimilate such a vast area of work in the medical stream. My aunt remained cheerful and glad to show us around and led us to her work space, the consultation room. The décor of this space included some of the recognition and awards for my aunt. Did I feel proud, that would be an understatement as I was thrilled. The one that caught attention immediately from the many was the acknowledgement that my aunt contributed towards making patients in many countries live better through her work in a collaboration with Medtronic Healthcare Technology.
The research laboratories of the institute in diverse fields captivated my attention to a great deal. The Genome Sequencing and allied work in the field of Genetics elicited joy and curiosity. I went back to my research work for PhD which is so much about discovering the unknown. Each small step carefully adds to the actual finding and most of the times, no result is quite the norm. My mind recollected those days and it felt rejuvenating indeed. There were several copies of the prestigious research findings of the doctors and medical professionals of the institute being published in the most coveted journals of the world. This made it absolutely delightful to go through. I felt proud again to note the articles from my aunt adorning the list. AIG has a huge list of tie-ups and partnerships with the most elite institutions in India and abroad. Several sustainable development initiatives, benefits for the needy and thousands of patients and their families being dependent, the institution has a lot to learn from.
Above all these, I noticed something magical, and learnt lifetime lesson when I met her in AIG. All of us in the family know her as someone who has dedicated life, time and service to the cause of medical profession. It is 24×7 in a true sense. She retains calm and attends to patients at any time of the day and night. Meals, sleep and other necessities take a backseat. I had known all these always and understood that probably her profession brings the same. What I didn’t realise was the way she worked and what her typical day would look like as I never went to her workplace before. When I did visit, I saw how she goes through the tasks with expected and unexpected schedules. Mealtime never on time, demanding and exhausting days and still maintain cheer. Always responding to the people who come to consult, call over phone and more. Conversing with assistant staff with so much love, understanding, waiting patiently for the elevator in spite of having the privilege of dedicated ones for doctors of the institute, she made me feel more prouder of her.
My mind stayed back at AIG even as my aunt drove us home and sat together to spend time with family bonding. I wondered how can she be so lively and energetic after such a long day at work. I reasoned the service to people, joy of working and constantly progressing, inventing and implementing new technology for helping people, supporting the needy and seeing the patients cured all make her stronger and more resolved.
Dear Aunty, thanks a lot for making my visit to Hyderabad so special this time. This will stay so always.
Affectionately,
Dr.G.Nagashree
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