Contrary to what many may think, the medical profession is quite thankless and calls for selfless sacrifice on the part of the individual.
The work-life balance takes a huge beating in the case of medical professionals and more so when it comes to women doctors. For them, juggling between their professional and family life is most often an uphill task which they have to smile and take in their stride.
We met a few city doctors and had them share their experiences of the work-life dilemma..
“The success mantra for a balanced career and family life for me is setting up priorities and good planning,” says Dr Dimple C Oswal, MD (Homeo), Consulting homeopath, Sports Nutritionist, Obesity Counsellor.
“Being a highly ambitious person, work would always keep my energy flowing in the right direction. Also, I am equally sensitive and responsibility-conscious and thus would never want my family to suffer. Therefore, I had always set up priorities according to the need of the situation. There was time in initial days of my practice that I would see patients four to five hours at a stretch as my personal responsibilities then were not very demanding.
As my kids grew up, they needed me more and then I had to take call a and reduce my practice to two hours every evening.
“I made sure that I work more when they are busy in school/college. Also, I make it a point to plan the whole week during weekends so as to avoid stress, managing both ends throughout the week. My family understands the fact that I m a doctor and there are certain liabilities related to work hours and calls.
Also, I always keep in mind my patients may get another doctor but for my family especially kids, it’s only me,” she exclaims.
For Dr Ridhima Gupte, Gynaecologist at a city hospital, she has had her share of rough times and happy spaces. Sharing a piece from her life she says, “The profession calls for a lot of commitment and a balanced and composed mind to handle life both personally and professionally. My in-laws were not very happy with the fact that I will have to devote most of the time in the hospital delivering babies, for they wanted me to be available in just a call. However, depending upon the urgency of the patient, I have spared my time and tried to manage it as and when required.
“Over time you realise that you have to give up trying to make both work meet or else have to bear the brunt of the relative’s comments.
I have also gone through that phase, but yes, it was only my husband who always made it a point that our family issues never hamper my career as a doctor,” she gleams.
“Well, people often ask us that being in a profession that is so very demanding, how do you manage your work, family and personal time? I sincerely personally feel that managing all three at a time is easy,” smiles Dr Tejal Chetan Patel, M.D (Hom),F.C.H. Dermatology, C.C.H.P.
“Yes, you heard it right. This is because I love my work as much as I love my family and self. When you deal in a noble profession which involves healing people and touching upon lives, what better can one ask for?
“It’s all about passion, and where there is passion to work, there can’t be stress. It in fact makes you a happy human being. When you are happy, you spread happiness to your family.
“Keep your interests alive and take time for yourself. The mantra of balancing your work, family and personal life is to balance your time well. Keep the harmony going between all three and you will be amazed to see how seamless the flow is,” she adds.
Working women have more responsibilities to handle says Dr Rachana Rawat, MBBS, DOG,practicing obstetrician and gynecologist. “Being an obstetrician and gynaecologist it is a 24×7 job, so every day is a new challenge. I juggle between home, clinics and social life.
“I get up early, ‘me’ time for an hour, then cook for the next and then off to work. Delegation of work helps and I have kept my workplaces close to home so I lose less time travelling. Most importantly, support from my husband and kids keeps me looking ahead.
“Keeping social life for the weekends is an additional stress-buster. Also, planning 2-3 days in advance helps to keep things in order. Working hard has been my motto over the years and I strive to maintain this balance,” she shares.
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Reach her at loveleen@pune365.com or tweet @KaurKaur18
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