Let me place things in a perspective perhaps unknown to some, around the world. “Incredible India” is not only a touristic term; it should become part of our surgical vocabulary as well.
Seven days and 4 cities later , we have successfully concluded an amazing conference- and surgery-journey, which once more proved to be an amazing experience:
- Indore: presented at the SMICTSI conference, 8 talks , pannel discussions, intense debates. Great organization by Drs Yugal Mishra and K. Dubey. Forged friendships and collaborations.
- went on to New Delhi, Medanta Hospital, demonstrated minimally invasive bypass surgery. Enjoyed the hospitality by Dr. Trehan and Dr. Halprit.
- From there we proceeded to Bangalore, FORTIS hospital, where Dr. Vivek Jawali and team had set up a great day-workshop on Minimally invasive heart surgery. I had the privilege and joy to operate and live-stream, give lectures and panel discussion later in the evening. We launched new technology (Medtronic Simuform annuloplasty ring), used my Roman Arch mitral valve repair technique, with a strong outcome. I got to autograph my book to surgeons who had bought it. How humbling. Thq Vivek for the hospitality.
- On the last day we visited APOLLO hospital, and Dr. Sathyaki Nambala at work, with his amazing team. What an eye opener. He performed 2 minimally invasive bypass surgeries (full revascularisation) , skin-to-skin in 4 hours!!! Then he threw in a robotic mitral valve for our amusement, and even tried my “Minotaurus” mitral valve repair technique . Surgical prowess, coupled with humility, vision, collegial courtesy, mesmerized us. Thq Sathya!
I’d like to thank Deepa and the Medtronic team India for accompanying us through this frenzy of activities. Thx also to my fellow Dr. Sameer Chauhan, who proved to be a great facilitator.
One more heroic experience: I operated in Delhi and requested a single instrument for my next surgery in Bangalore , 2,000 km away for my next case next day. It was missing there. Without telling me anything, the Fehling representative got on the airplane in Mumbai, on a holiday, left his family behind, flew down to Bangalore, synchronized to meet me in the airport of Bangalore, pass me the instrument, only to turn around and fly back to Mumbai. This is stuff of greatness on his part. I would not allow him to take on such trouble, if I knew: but this is the level of professionalism I met with. This place of earth can only boom!
In conclusion, dear colleagues , the world is moving on in a rapid pace. Often we need to come out of the comfort zone , bury our ego, and open our receptors, whether we teach or be taught , to become the best self we can be.
Incredible India, see you soon again. Respect🫡
