Life places you at a crossroads time and again, testing your choices, resilience, and commitment. The real question is—are you merely trying, or are you truly preparing? In medicine, as in life, trying is never enough. Success comes from preparation, persistence, and the ability to uplift others along the way.
A Journey of Sacrifices and Determination
Back in 1979-80, my father worked at a bank in Gwalior. That year, he made a bold decision—he would move to Delhi, leaving behind our home, to provide a better future for me. We lived in a rented place where the landlady, a kind woman with four children, treated me like one of her own. I fondly remember sitting on her lap, eating eggs, despite their being a vegetarian family. The love and care she showed me were extraordinary.
Years later, my father had to return to Gwalior to reclaim the property he had left behind. He eventually got it back but, as stubborn as he was, sent me back to Delhi to continue my education. It was a full-circle moment—returning to the same neighborhood, but with a new perspective.
Hard Work Overcomes Limitations
In 1998, while preparing for my medical entrance exams, I developed a peculiar study habit. Our house had a broken refrigerator, but my father refused to replace it, saying it wasn’t a priority at the time. The truth was, we didn’t have enough money for a new one. I used that refrigerator as my study desk, standing and reading to avoid falling asleep. That simple act, born out of necessity, symbolized perseverance and creative adaptation.
That year, I cleared multiple entrance exams—AFMC, BHU, and others—except for AIIMS, where I was waitlisted. I became the only student in my school, Balbharti Public School, to achieve this. My father’s silent sacrifices and unwavering belief in me had paid off.
Success is More Than an Exam
Fast forward to 2007, my childhood landlady, now aged and ailing, reached out to me. She needed knee replacements and asked if I would perform the surgery. At the time, I was still learning orthopedics, so I referred her to someone more experienced. In 2025, after 18 years, those same knees needed revision surgery. This time, I was ready. On Tuesday morning, I operated on her and today, I sent her home. Watching her walk again felt like destiny completing its cycle.
My mother, her lifelong friend, is overjoyed. This is the beauty of our profession—it allows us to give back in the most meaningful ways.
True Success is in Lifting Others
People often believe success is about proving oneself, but that perspective is flawed. A story comes to mind: Numbers 9 to 1 line up, each hitting the one before it. But when 1 reaches 0, something unexpected happens. Instead of hitting back, 0 stands beside 1, turning it into 10. The moral? Greatness doesn’t come from pulling others down but from lifting them up.
The world is full of pain, and as doctors, our role extends beyond curing illness—we must uplift those around us. Our value isn’t measured by the degrees we hold, the institutions we attend, or our English proficiency. It’s about how much we care, how much time we give, and how deeply we connect with our patients.
Medicine is About Care, Not Degrees
No degree, no prestigious institution, and no fluency in English define a great doctor. Patients don’t care about the name of your college. They care about the time you give them, the compassion you show, and the knowledge you apply. True medicine is not just science, it is humanity.
Discipline is the Greatest Talent
Discipline stands out among all the qualities. Talent may open doors, but discipline keeps you in the game. This is what differentiates those who succeed from those who merely try. Be consistent, be disciplined, and never let setbacks define you.
Talent is overrated. What truly matters is discipline. I see it in people like Dr. Ravi Sharma, who dedicates himself to others’ success. Discipline shapes destiny more than talent ever will. If you have discipline, you will never lose.
Conclusion
So, as you move forward, remember: Trying isn’t enough. You need to prepare, persevere, and above all, uplift those around you. Because true success isn’t measured by personal achievements but by how much you elevate others.
