Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
In the fifth episode of Wisdom Meets Legacy, Dr. Apurv Mehra spoke with a name well-known in the pediatric field —the legend Prof. Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, Associate Director of Pediatric Nephrology at Max Hospital. With more than three decades of service to children’s health, his career is a story of dedication, adaptability, and a deep love for teaching.
Where Medicine and Mentorship Cross Paths?
For Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, academics and clinical work happen simultaneously. “If you want to develop as a doctor, you cannot compartmentalise learning and practice,”. He regularly goes to medical conferences, participates in hospital CMEs, and stays current with new studies. This was embedded early in his life by Prof. S.M. Tuli, who would tell his students repeatedly: “The learning never ends.”
Journey of Dr. Vinay Aggarwal: From Delhi Classrooms to UK Hospitals
A Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi graduate, Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, did his pediatric training in India before migrating to the UK in his early twenties. What was a stint of a couple of years abroad morphed into 14 years of development. He worked in general pediatrics and neonatology first before discovering his true calling in pediatric nephrology — a decision prompted by a mentor in his Delhi days.
The UK’s formal system of training and helpful colleagues gave him the confidence to succeed. Nevertheless, in spite of a successful career overseas, he came back to India before his kids were seven years old. “I wanted them to be raised in their own culture,” he says.
Mentors, Family, and the Push to Succeed
He attributes much of his achievement to inspiring schoolmasters, both in India and abroad. But the greatest kick could be said to have come from home — his dad urged him to sit the exams to work in the UK, even when Dr. Vinay Aggarwall himself was reluctant. That step altered everything.
A Day in His Life
His schedule is a testament to discipline and passion:
- Early ward rounds in the ICU, prioritising critically ill children
- Thought-provoking discussions with associates to encourage learning
- OPD consultations through the day – and often into the evening
- Sunday clinics for patients from outside Delhi
Even at 65+, Dr. Aggarwal shows no signs of slowing down. “Helping someone and working hard gives me happiness. God has been kind – I have more than I need.”
His philosophy as a doctor: Every resident should learn from him
Dr. Vinay Aggarwal feels that the order is simple but crucial: be a good human being first, then a good doctor, and only after that a good pediatrician — super-speciality comes last. He derives pleasure in toil and the joy of doing good to others. “I’ve received more than I deserve,” he says, feeling thankful about his career and life.
Quick Facts About Dr. Vinay Aggarwal
- Favourite Academic Book: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics
- Interest Other Than Academic: World Politics and geopolitics
- Favourite Sport: Cricket
- Favourite Place: His clinic, without any doubt
- Family Life: Married to a gynaecologist; proud father of two successful kids
A Life of Gratitude and Purpose
The dialogue uncovered a man who was profoundly happy with what life had to offer him, but was always working to give something more to others. His story teaches that knowledge, empathy, and appreciation are not merely professional qualities — they are values for living that influence both a physician’s work and their legacy.
