Content credits: Aryan Praveen Bhandari, Sameera Mantripagada
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Website credits: Saachi Girish Kurudi
What was the defining moment that made you choose surgery as a speciality?
The defining moment would be during my intership when the OR felt like “home”, the first time when I scrubbed in and witnessed anatomy come alive and assisting my postgraduate or consultant in a procedure.
Can you walk us through your most difficult case and how you handled it?
One of the most difficult cases I’ve been involved in was during my first year of residency when we had a young trauma patient come into the emergency OT with internal bleeding. I was mainly retracting and suctioning, but I remember struggling to anticipate what was needed, and I felt like I was always a step behind. Afterward, I stayed back to review the case and asked my senior for feedback. That case taught me how high the stakes can be, how important it is to stay calm, and how much preparation matter, even as a junior. I still remember the moment when I realized that in surgery, every pair of hands matters, even if you’re the most junior in the room.
What was the most challenging aspect of your surgical residency?
The most common challenge would be the mental and physical exhaustion. Surgical residency is intense, with long hours, emotional tolls from patient outcomes, and the pressure of perfection. Balancing learning, responsibility, and stamina is a something u need to develop
What do you look for in a student who scrubs in with you?
Curiosity, preparedness, and humility. A student who comes in having read about the case, asks thoughtful questions, respects sterile technique, and is eager to help , even if just holding retractor is always appreciated.
What part of your surgical work gives you the most satisfaction?
For me it’s the ability to fix something with my hands . Also, the trust patients place in a surgeon is profound and humbling. Watching someone walk out healthier because of your work is very satisfying.
How should an MBBS student unsure about surgery, decide if it’s the right field for him/her?
Expose yourself deeply to it. Spend time in the OR, assist, observe emergencies, and talk to PGs and attend postings honestly. Ask yourself if you enjoy the work, the responsibility, and the lifestyle. It’s a calling, not just a job, and you’ll know when it feels right or it doesn’t.
How can students best use their time in the OT?
Observe attentively, know the anatomy and procedure beforehand, and ask questions at appropriate times.
Do you think surgery is a field where having a decent work life balance is possible?
Yes, but with some important things to keep in mind. In the early years, especially during residency, work-life balance is incredibly difficult. The hours are long, the learning curve is steep, and the emotional and physical demands are high. As you move forward and gain seniority, especially after training, you have more control over your schedule depending on your subspecialty and the setup you choose (e.g., academic vs. private practice). The key is defining what ‘balance’ means for you. For some, balance means having time for family or hobbies a few nights a week. For others, it might mean deeply loving your work even if it occupies most of your time. Therefore It’s definitely possible.