Giving a personal touch to her days

Though she handles three hospitals, this doctor believes in the power of the human touch for treating each patient

Dr Kamini Rao is a fertility specialist who maintains discipline in her personal and professional life. Drawing on her past experiences as a medical professional in the UK, she has carved a niche for herself in the Indian medical fraternity as a kind but strict doctor. Here's a snapshot of a dav in her 1 i f e.

AM: My day begins at 5:30 am. My husband, also a doctor, and I discuss the previous day and the day ahead. Sometimes, he plays Devil's advocate to get honest answers from me. At 6:30 am, I walk ten rounds at a park while listening to bhajans or old Hindi songs, which relax me. I get home in time for breakfastwith my husband. By 9 am, I get to work and from then on, it is chaotic. I meet my outpatients. I enjoy interacting with patients when they're awake post surgery. I spend about 15-20 minutes per patient and the day goes on.

PM: On days I have surgery, I make sure I meet the patient before. It is imperative they see my face and feel assured. I have seen a remarkable improvement in their BP levels when they are under anaesthesia, after I have spent time with them and their family. The day ends by 9 pm. Some days I get lucky and I'm out of the hospital by 7. Dinner is phulkas, dal and rice. I spend time with my son, daughter, daughter-in-law and six-month old grandson. We are early sleepers so it's lights out by 10 pm.