Learning from Setbacks: A Journey of Perseverance and Passion

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life. Overcoming them requires resilience, focus, and a long-term vision. The journey to success is never smooth, but with determination, one can achieve their aspirations.

Last year, we performed over 5,000 robotic surgeries, mentored numerous surgeons at premier institutions such as AIIMS, SGPGI, Adyar, Apollo, Yashoda, and Fortis, and conducted more than 200 academic programs for students. I worked in Hyderabad’s top three corporate hospitals, became part of three prestigious surgical associations, and garnered the support of surgeons from the Telugu states in various academic activities. However, this journey was far from easy. It involved isolation, failures, the loss of loved ones, and moments of deep despair. Yet, clear goals, an unwavering passion for robotic surgery, and strong mental resilience helped me overcome these challenges.

Lessons from My Journey

As a Student: Focus on Studies for a Better Future

I was an average student at Wesley but gained momentum under the guidance of my guru, Shri Krishna Anna. I initially resorted to taking tablets to stay awake but soon realized it was the wrong approach. Instead, I completed my syllabus in advance—so much so that I watched a movie before the EAMCET exam and still secured an MBBS seat at Osmania in the open category.

However, my academic journey was not without challenges—balancing studies, navigating student politics, winning some battles, and losing others. The key lessons? Let go when necessary, never underestimate anyone, and never stop learning.

Struggles After Housemanship: Stay Focused, Work Hard

I secured the first rank in the NIMS MD (Physician) entrance and later in the five-year M.Ch. Neurosurgery entrance but left it to pursue my passion for surgery. Eventually, I secured an MS in General Surgery at Osmania, a golden period where I performed over ten surgeries per duty, managed complex cases, and refined my surgical skills alongside the best colleagues.

Post-Graduation: A Lone Battle

After completing my PG, the challenges intensified—securing a super-specialty seat, managing financial constraints, competing for opportunities, and facing detractors. It was a tough phase, but perseverance was the key to moving forward.

Surgical Oncology: The Next Target

With only five M.Ch. seats in India (three at Adyar, two at Kidwai), I traveled to Kidwai without recommendations, personally requested the director for admission, and was supported by Dr. Kannan. I joined with a stipend of ?800.

Hyderabadis love food, but with no canteen on campus, I starved for two days until I learned to cook. Dr. Mishra later helped arrange meals. The competition was intense—no one offered help, and the struggle was real. I initially failed to secure a seat, plunging into depression. However, my passion for cancer surgery, the support of friends and family, and divine grace helped me persevere, secure admission, and receive excellent training.

Starting Practice: Money Is Secondary

I joined MNJ Cancer Centre with a salary of ?14,000, performing six surgeries daily and training postgraduates. However, the lack of minimally invasive surgery facilities led me to Yashoda, Secunderabad, where I worked for five years.

To serve the underprivileged, I began traveling to rural districts in Telangana and Gulbarga, operating on the poor and training rural surgeons. In the early days, I traveled by RTC bus, carrying a black suitcase filled with instruments, operating on 8-10 patients a day, and returning exhausted, sometimes with OT fluids on my feet.

Passion for Robotic Surgery: A Leap of Faith

I developed the first robotic cancer surgery team in the Telugu states. Initially, critics mocked my obsession with robotic surgery. Ironically, many of them have now purchased their own robots. Though robotic surgery offers lower financial returns for surgeons, its benefits for patients are unparalleled.

At the time, India lacked robotic surgery training centers, so I traveled to Roswell Park Cancer Center, USA, for training. It was my first time applying for a passport and traveling abroad. Later, I trained at Yonsei University, Severance Robotic Institute, Korea, where I faced a language barrier. With no direct contacts, I waited in the parking lot to tag along with professors and request access to their OT. Dr. Kim became a great mentor, and I returned yearly until COVID-19 disrupted travel.

Koreans taught me humility, hard work, and superior surgical techniques. Over time, I switched hospitals every five years to work with the latest robotic technology, gaining experience with all generations of Da Vinci robots.

Mentorship: Teach 10 and they will teach another 10 and My Greatest Learning too

My goal has always been to teach others, ensuring knowledge spreads exponentially—mentoring ten surgeons who, in turn, train another ten. Initially, mentoring experts from AIIMS, SGPGI, and Adyar was daunting, but mutual discussions helped refine my surgical techniques, including improved robotic port placements.

Personal Loss and Realizations

I lost both my parents during this journey. Despite diagnosing my father’s peripheral vascular disease, I could not find a cure, a heartbreaking realization that deepened my understanding of life’s unpredictability.

This journey has taught me invaluable lessons:

• Live simply and contribute to society.
• Teach students and train the next generation.
• Allocate at least 20% of your practice to serving the underprivileged.
• Stay updated, maintain fitness, and remain humble.
• Listen to patients, colleagues, and your team to continuously improve.
• Overcome depression—it is part of life.

There is only one life—live it well and live for others too.