When people ask me what I do, the simplest answer is that I am a surgeon. But that answer has never felt complete.
Surgery has been the central thread of my life for over two decades. As a bariatric, metabolic and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, I have had the privilege of caring for thousands of patients and teaching surgeons across India and around the world. My work has taken me from operating rooms to lecture halls, from writing international consensus guidelines to conducting research, publishing books and mentoring young surgeons. Every one of these roles has enriched my understanding of medicine. Yet, none of them alone defines who I am.
What has fascinated me most throughout my career is not simply the science of surgery, but the people behind every diagnosis. Every patient carries a story that extends far beyond laboratory reports and scans—a story of hope, fear, resilience, relationships and quiet struggles that often remain unseen. It is these stories that have shaped me as much as any textbook or operation. Perhaps that is why I have always been drawn to writing.
Writing allows me to explore the questions that medicine alone cannot answer. Through my articles, blogs and books, I try to bridge the space between science and humanity—to explain complex medical concepts in language that patients can understand, while also reflecting on the emotional and ethical dimensions of healthcare. Some pieces are educational; others are deeply personal reflections on the privilege and responsibility of being a doctor. Each begins with the same intention: to communicate with honesty, empathy and curiosity.
Painting has become another way of expressing what words sometimes cannot. Standing before a blank canvas reminds me of standing before a patient—both require careful observation, patience and humility. Every painting teaches me to slow down, to notice details, and to embrace imperfection as part of growth. Art has made me a calmer surgeon, and surgery has given my art a deeper appreciation of life, vulnerability and healing.
Teaching has been another enduring passion. Whether mentoring residents, speaking at conferences or designing educational programmes, I find immense satisfaction in sharing knowledge. I believe that education is one of the most meaningful ways to multiply our impact. Every surgeon we teach, every healthcare professional we inspire, ultimately touches countless more lives than we ever could individually.
My work has also increasingly focused on changing the way society understands obesity. Obesity is not a failure of willpower; it is a complex chronic disease that deserves evidence-based treatment delivered with dignity and compassion. Through research, guideline development, public education and patient advocacy, I hope to contribute to a future where people living with obesity are treated with respect rather than judgement.
Outside the hospital, I continue to read, write, paint and volunteer in community healthcare initiatives. These pursuits are not separate from my profession—they are what keep me connected to it. They remind me that medicine is ultimately about understanding people, not just diseases.
If there is one belief that has guided my journey, it is this: technical excellence is essential, but compassion gives it meaning. Whether I am performing surgery, writing a book, teaching a young surgeon or painting late into the evening, I hope to leave people a little more informed, a little more hopeful and a little less alone.