“When people from India found out that I had decided on ophthalmology as my specialty, almost everyone I met said that I should visit Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai. In their opinion, this was one of the premier centers for ophthalmology in India if not the world. After deciding on medicine as a career, I myself had longed to see first hand how medicine was practiced in India.This opportunity arrived during my internship year, as I was fortunate to join an internship program that allowed me to do an international rotation. Naturally, I was very happy to be granted a two week observership at Sankara Nethralaya, and my experience was much more that I had expected.
When I first arrived, I was impressed by the facilities at Nethralaya as the outpatient departments, operating theaters, and laboratories were akin to those I had seen at prestigious ophthalmology centers in the US. However, the feel was uniquely Indian. In the mornings I would often hear the Venkateshwara Suprabhatam being played in the operating rooms and waiting areas. For me, the day would start of with a sumptuous breakfast of dosas or pongal with vada and sambar. Then the daily routine would include a morning and afternoon break for coffee/tea and of course a hearty lunch - after which it was very hard not to feel sleepy.
Don't get me wrong -- it was not all fun and games as there was plenty to see and do. In the clinics, the patient load, often numbering 50 per day, seemed overwhelming, but I was pleased at the dedication of all the staff members in providing every patient with the highest standard of compassionate care. The waiting room chairs resembled a cross section of India herself. The chairs were filled with patients young and old, rich and poor, who were from far off as well as nearby states. Many patients were even referred from other countries. This daily sight spoke of the prominence this institution enjoyed as a tertiary ophthalmologic center with a primary commitment to service. It was reassuring to see that in a country still marked by grave disparities, every patient at Nethralaya had equal access to the most modern technology for diagnosing and treating ophthalmic diseases. In addition, I was truly impressed by the telemedicine program and the diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma screening programs that served to not only expand access to quality ophthalmic care, but also to enhance the understanding of ophthalmic disease in India.
Along with being a center for excellent ophthalmic care, Sankara Nethralaya is an exceptional place to train and learn ophthalmology. The collegiality and genuine happiness to be a part of the Nethralaya family expressed by everyone I met provides the ideal atmosphere for learning. In addition, to their roles as quality care givers, it is wonderful that every attending physician is truly committed to teaching the trainees. During every patient encounter, consultants and trainees alike encouraged me and helped me to improve upon my rudimentary knowledge of ophthalmology and basic exam skills. I was also fortunate to attend the daily lectures for trainees at Nethralaya. It was a delight to see the variety of ways these lectures were conducted, from standard didactic sessions and journal clubs, to interactive jeopardy-style competitions and case presentations.
From my brief two week experience, I feel Sankara Nethralaya is a dynamic place that continues to make great strides in elevating the standard of compassionate ophthalmic care in India. It was heartening to see that not only do the staff give each patient the utmost respect, every patient has equal forebearance for the staff members. Sadly this fact is not always always seen in the US. Nethralaya's commitment to education and research as well as its emphasis on humanistic medicine makes this institution a wonderful place to practice ophthalmology. Moreoever, the exuberant enthusiasm and keen vision of Nethralaya's leadership assures the success of this institute's mission.
I am thankful for the gracious hospitality shown to me by the Drs. Badrinath as well as the rest of the faculty and staff at Nethralaya. My two weeks here have introduced me to many role models and have helped further prepared me to comfortably start my residency in July. In the future, I hope to maintain links with this institution and make every effort to regulary visit Nethralaya as I progress in my career as an ophthalmologist”.
– As narrated by Dr. Rajeev S. Ramachandran. Duke university ophthalmology residency entering class of 2004.
