Medicosnext
Life and Inspiration
You have lived a truly multifaceted life. What do you think are your greatest key accomplishments?
I may not consider my achievements extraordinary, but I have always given my best to whatever I pursued, and I have accomplished quite a lot. Even at 88, I remain active, seeing patients at Blue Cross Hospital. While I no longer attend in-patients, I continue to care for those who visit the OPD specifically to consult with me. Remaining active and contributing to the healthcare system at this age is something that can be seen as accomplishments. I retired as Brigadier General, served as the Royal Physician for the King, played football in New Road Team, completed 105 parachute jumps. Beyond medicine, I pursued my passion for photography, often carrying a stethoscope on one side and a camera on the other. I even hosted an art exhibition of my photo collection titled “King Birendra …in my pictures”, which turned out to be a huge success and a highlight of my creative journey.
What do you believe is the single most important quality that has helped you overcome obstacles in life?
One of the single most important qualities that has helped me overcome obstacles in life is my friendly and sociable nature. I find it easy to connect with others, build relationships, and create a supportive network of people who are willing to collaborate.
Additionally, as a sportsman, I possess a strong sense of sportsmanship. This quality instils in me the values of perseverance, fair play, and resilience. Sportsmanship has taught me to handle wins with humility and setbacks with grace, viewing them as opportunities to grow.
Childhood and Early Influences:
You lost your father at an early age. How did that loss shape who you are today?
I lost my father to Tuberculosis when I was just eight years old. He was the youngest of five brothers, and after his passing, my uncles showered me with love and support. My third and fourth uncles, in particular, took on the responsibility of guiding me through my studies and upbringing. Their encouragement inspired me to work hard and follow in my father’s footsteps to become a doctor. My other brothers did not take academics seriously, I on the other hand gave my best to studies and became a doctor myself. I was determined to excel, motivated by the desire to make my family proud. This determination was bolstered by the close-knit family environment in my maternal uncles’ home in Jhochhen, which became a second haven for me. My father’s early loss instilled in me a sense of responsibility and resilience that has guided me throughout my life.
Your family had strong ties with Kathmandu’s early healthcare and trade systems. How did these influences shape your ambitions?
My father was a doctor and from my early life I was good at school so I chose to study medicine. My maternal uncles ran Kathmandu Medical Hall. It was one of the few medical shops in Kathmandu at the time and was initially located in Pyafal before moving to New Road in front of Jana Sewa. I also thought of working in my mama’s pharmacy once I completed my education in medicine. My family inspired me to become a doctor quite like my father.
Medicine and Career:
What were the biggest challenges you faced while pursuing a career in medicine?
During my Intermediate in Science (ISc), my passion for football took precedence over academics, and I ended up passing my ISc in a compartment examination. As a result, I first pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) before moving on to medicine. I graduated with a second division in BSc. I was lucky in that I was able to join BSc itself in that early on it was decided that no one who passed ISc that time would be allowed to join the BSc program. However, a candidate who was scheduled to enrol in the program got rejected from Lucknow for lack of certain qualifications. My maternal uncle was an active member of Praja Parishad and he helped me secure a seat for the BSc program. Although I started the course one month late, my academic journey progressed smoothly from there. Reflecting on this phase of my life, I recognize the interplay of luck, persistence, and familial support.
How do you think the healthcare landscape in Nepal has evolved since the time you started your journey?
I have noted that the number of medical equipment and consequently investigations have increased a lot these days. We the old generation doctors see the patient as a person and not as a case per se. We check the patient in totality, we take time to take in-depth patient history and call for a set of investigations only as and when required. The new generation doctors seem to have over reliance on investigations and there is less focus on getting proper patient history or the clinical correlation for the given condition.
If you had to offer one piece of advice to young doctors or students today, what would it be?
First and foremost get your education as required, once you get into practice make sure you give adequate time to patients and take proper patient history. Treat your patient as a human rather than as a case. Don’t treat your patient symptoms only, rather aim to treat the root cause of the disease while treating your patient.
Leadership and Achievements:
What are some of the proudest moments of your professional journey?
I am not one to boast about my achievements, as I believe in giving my best to every task without expecting accolades. However, I have had the privilege of contributing meaningfully in various roles. I served in the army, cared for the general public, became the Royal Physician, and went on to study aviation medicine. These diverse experiences allowed me to apply my skills and commitment in unique ways, and I take satisfaction in knowing that I have consistently strived for excellence in all that I do.
Philosophy and Reflection:
You’ve witnessed Nepal’s political, social, and medical transformations. What is your vision for the future of healthcare in Nepal?
Nepal is still a developing nation and since our nation has terai, hilly and himalayan region, there are topographical challenges. With topographical challenges come other sets of challenges in healthcare too. The facilities in healthcare certainly varies in different regions, however, we notice that the standard good practice is increasing these days. Kathmandu valley being the capital has good facilities for healthcare with the best physicians in the region. Yeah far flung regions still lag behind even at this age. I do not think people will need to go to a foreign nation for healthcare, and those who go to foreign lands today may be doing it in that they are able to make that kind of expense and it has become a kind of societal norm for upper class people. Additionally, I believe Nepal’s healthcare system must pivot toward a patient-centered approach that embraces both technological advancements and the values of traditional care.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in your life or career?
I am not someone who dwells on regrets or entertains negative thoughts. I have always been a naturally positive person, and this mindset has shaped how I view my life and career. Throughout my journey, I have taken on many challenges and pursued various opportunities. In everything I did, I gave my absolute best, pouring my effort, energy, and dedication into achieving the goals I set for myself. This commitment to excellence has left me with a sense of fulfilment and pride in my accomplishments, big or small. Because of this approach, I do not carry any lingering thoughts about what I should have done differently. I truly believe I have lived my life to the fullest, embracing each moment and making the most of every opportunity that came my way.
