Dr Tehemton Udwadia’s book More Than Just Surgery is certainly worth a read. As the name implies it goes beyond the clinical aspects and portrays true love for his profession. Being in the same field, for me it reflects the true essence of the love of his subject and the bond that is formed between doctor and patient.
It tells of a time when the doctor listened carefully to the patient, was in no hurry and usually arrived at a tentative diagnosis from that and the examination alone. It was confirmed thereafter by ancillary tests.
The book also makes one realize that for a true doctor it is a vocation and following of the tenets of the Hippocratic oath. The immense satisfaction one gets is reward enough.
Udwadia constantly refers to his teachers under whom he trained and gives full credit for their role in his training. That is indeed true for us all. We imbibe what good teachers advise and they mold our character and mindset as we grow older.
Though Udwadia has achieved a lot in his career, he dwells more on what it has made of him and the deep inner happiness which one can achieve through true service to mankind.
Dr PILLOO HAKIM
Dr Hakim is professor emeritus, Grant Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Oncology, and honorary consulting ENT surgeon at Saifee and The B. D. Petit Parsee General hospitals.