Today, only a handful of women surgeons in India lead an entire department, especially in the private sector. Dr. Pinky Thapar is one such inspiring surgeon who had to overcome several adversities in her early career to pursue her dream of becoming one of the leading women surgeons of our nation. At present, Pinky Thapar spearheads a team of senior Gastroenterologists, bariatric surgeons, hepatobiliary and Transplant and Onco-surgeons under one roof for comprehensive health care at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, Department of Minimal invasive surgery (MIS), Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Surgery. Established in 2008, her Department believes in a holistic approach to assist patients in overcoming their sufferings through minimal intervention or invasion (Key hole surgery) but achieve maximum benefits. It caters to basic as well as complex abdominal problems and has state of the art facilities to diagnose and treat complex Gastrointestinal and Endocrine issues.

In a recently held interaction with the WE Magazine's Editorial Team, Pinky Thapar, Chief Consultant Surgeon, Jupiter Hospital, Department of MIS, shared her miraculous journey from living in the Chawls of Mumbai in her early life to one of the most skilled women Surgeons of India.

Narrate us about your early educational journey. What were some of the obstacles that you had to overcome, and what motivated you to venture into the field of healthcare and eventually become a surgeon?

I received my primary and high school education from A.M.Kewalramani Premier High school at Sion, Mumbai. As a child, I was playful yet a hard-working student. I was motivated by excellent teachers to dream big and achieve a niche for myself in the future. I was raised in an economically weak and conservative socio-economic background as my grandparents landed in Mumbai as part of the allotments for refugees during partition. Though I was the third girl child among four siblings, both parents had a strong desire to educate all four children to the best of their ability.

As a kid, I always dreamt of becoming a doctor. I am told by my family members that I loved enacting as a doctor while playing with other kids and had a keen desire to help others. We couldn't afford famous coaching classes however some teachers readily waived 50% of their fees and helped me get guidance under them. This was a major support towards entry into medical school. I had an emotional setback due to father's sudden heart-attack and brother's emergency surgery just prior to the final board examinations. Yet, divine blessings and the support of near and dear ones helped me remain calm and focused. I scored well and entered medical school at LTMMC (Sion Hospital). It was a dream come true. My family was on top of the world. My decision to take up the surgical branch as a specialization was due to love at first sight with the Operation Theatre environment during our clinical ward postings in the second MBBS. I was always keen to be in the operation theatre and watch seniors operate, so much so that I would spend most of my night duties in the OT. I was fascinated by the surgical work. In my initial years, I was inspired by senior female surgeons Dr Madhuri Gore and Dr Laxmi. Though I didn't get through post- graduation in General Surgery easily, I didn't give up. I did house-posts in peripheral hospitals to get trained in surgical work and as destiny plays a role, I eventually got entry into General Surgery at B.Y. L Nair hospital under the guidance of Dr R.R.Satoskar and Late Dr P.Shillotri.  In 1998, I became MS and DNB General Surgeon.

Tell us about your prior work experience before coming to jupiter hospital as the chief consultant surgeon. How does your previous experience aid you in your current role today?

After Post-graduation, to enhance my skills and learn Gastrointestinal surgery (GI), I worked under senior HPB surgeon Dr S.K.Mathur at Bombay Hospital. Under his guidance, I improved my decision-making skills and learned the intricacies involved in advanced & complex GI problems. Later, I served for eight years at Seth G.S. Medical college and KEM hospital as Assistant Professor and learned the art and craft of Laparoscopy Surgery (Minimal Invasive Surgery) under Dr Abhay Dalvi. The experience gained there helped me immensely to improve my surgical skills. Being in a teaching institute which had a voluminous patient load and less workforce, I got to learn a lot.

During this period, I published scientific articles, presented videos and papers in various State & National conferences, and won many awards for the same. I was fortunate to visit Mount Sinai Hospital New York in 2004 through a corporation and trust scholarships.  International exposure further aided in my overall laparoscopic skills. Throughout the KEM Hospital experience, I literally slogged, missed out on annual breaks and ultimately stepped out as a confident and independent surgeon.

Tell us about your expertise as a minimal invasive, gastro-intestinal & endocrine surgeon. What are some of the major work areas in the said field?

I was appointed as Chief Laparoscopic surgeon at Jupiter hospital in 2008. Dr Ajay Thakkar, the Managing Director, presented me with this opportunity to develop the department, which is now a renowned center catering to complex surgical issues.

“I was fascinated by the surgical work. In my initial years, I was inspired by senior female surgeons Dr Madhuri Gore and Dr Laxmi”

Our expertise is in Minimal Invasive or keyhole surgeries for gall bladder, appendix, severe acute pancreatitis, reflux disease, Morbid Obesity, Adrenal disorders, Spleen removal, complex Intestinal issues, colonic issues, liver ailments, all types of Hernia, parathyroid and thyroid disorders. Over the years, we have dealt with many complex surgeries laparoscopically, wherein the patient's hospital stay is shortened, and recovery is faster. We compiled a ten-year study on complex gall bladder surgeries, and our study was accepted for publication in "Surgical Endoscopy," the most reputed journal of USA for Minimal Invasive surgeries, in the year 2020.

Our department also runs a One-year government-recognized fellowship/training program in Minimal Access Surgery, wherein young or practicing surgeons join for hands-on experience and enhance their skills.

What are some facets of your personality that have helped you in becoming a healthcare leader of repute? In your opinion, what are some critical characteristics one requires to become a competent surgeon?

I never give up. Even if there is little scope for success, I give it a try. I have built up a habit of planning the surgical cases, which reduces on-table surprises. There is openness to accept challenges based on past experiences and we maintain transparency in decision-making with colleagues and patient's family members to ensure a safe outcome. Ethical values and "Do No Harm" are the core values.

To be a competent surgeon, I believe one needs to work hard all through life, be humble, have a learning streak, introspect and sharpen your skills through observation and regular up-gradation. Nevertheless, surgical outcome is also dependent on pre-operative assessment and accurate diagnosis. The key is to have a passion for performing well, aiming for perfection at every step and staying focused. This brings out the best in any surgeon.

Can you recount an anecdote from your years as a leading doctor where you were faced with a challenging situation and how did you deal with the said challenge successfully?

Surgery is a male-dominated field. One faces challenging situations on a regular basis. In the initial years, people would come in the OPD and ask who will operate? They would be more satisfied if it was a male surgeon. And now they say we want only you to operate. This transition took some time but I am glad that society is changing its outlook. I overcame this challenge merely by focusing on self- improvement, perseverance and patience. We become leaders in our own little way and learn the knack for solving issues.

What would your words of advice be to the young women out there aspiring to foray into the field of healthcare?

I'd say give your 100% and leave the rest to the Almighty. Be responsible for your actions, and don't blame others for any situation. Do not underestimate yourself, be bold, and nothing can hold you back if you work with integrity, sincerity and passion. Love yourself and respect your profession. Surgery is not just a profession, the art and craft of surgery also.