Never forget we are different

 Never forget we are different

Dr KK Aggarwal
National President

We are doctors, we are demi Gods, we are next to God, and so we cannot be inhuman. We not only need to be scientifically and legally correct but also morally and ethically correct. As doctors, we are supposed to follow two bioethics principles: non-maleficence (first do no harm) and beneficence (welfare of all).

Compassion is inherent to our profession as are compassionate doctors. Compassion should be demonstrated in practice as much as felt. A compassionate attitude in practice is more important than the science. Poor, inconsiderate and uncompassionate communication is the reason why most patients sue.

The etymology of "compassion" is Latin, meaning "co-suffering." Compassion involves "feeling for another" and is a precursor to empathy, the "feeling as another".

Compassion is considered in almost all the major religious traditions as among the greatest of virtues.
But, it is not the same as empathy or altruism. While empathy refers more generally to our ability to appreciate the perspective of and feel the emotions of another person, compassion is when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help.

Altruism is the kind, selfless behavior often prompted by feelings of compassion, though one can feel compassion without acting on it, and altruism isn’t always motivated by compassion.

Today, everybody wants to regulate us. If we are demi Gods we do not need a regulator. God regulates others. We the medical professionals need to wake up and adopt and abide by the IMA self-regulation policies and also regulate policies for the corporate.

Difference between Wrong and Different: It’s not ‘wrong’ to be ‘different’

Difference between Wrong and Different: It’s not ‘wrong’ to be ‘different’ Dr KK Aggarwal We are all different as individuals given our diverse backgrounds, skills, thoughts, etc. Yet our actions or thoughts are often influenced by what the majority does or thinks... doing what the others are doing. This is the “herd mentality” that many of us are often guilty of. Herd mentality is a barrier to originality as it does not encourage independent thinking. It is easy to fade into the background or get lost in the crowd. ‘Fitting in’ may seem more safe and comfortable, yet it may not give you a sense of satisfaction, which you might be subconsciously seeking. Only when you think differently, can you be creative. But, creativity is not just about getting great and original ideas. Implementing these ideas is innovation. If you get an idea and you believe in it strongly, trust yourself and work to make it a reality, even if it does not conform to “accepted norms”. Children have vivid imaginations, free of set patterns. Their imaginations and creativity should be nurtured. Don’t be afraid of not doing “what is expected of you”. Successful people have challenged assumptions and popular practices on their journey to success. Being different is how innovations happen. It requires courage to be creative. Instead of trying to fit in, dare to be different from others. Keep an open mind and don’t be too ready to judge. This may be why very few original researches in medicine are being done in the country. We look to western data and accept them unquestioned. It’s not ‘wrong’ to be ‘different’… This is how you can make a difference. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are entirely my own.

Negative stress may lead to heart disease

Negative stress may lead to heart disease New Delhi, July 07, 2016: Marital disharmony and job dissatisfaction are the two main psychological risk factors for a heart attack. Many studies in the past have inferred that there is a strong correlation between a nagging wife and early heart attacks in men. "Similarly, literature has shown that work-related stress is related to early onset of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks," said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. A study from University College, London has shown that chronically stressed workers have a 68% higher risk of developing heart disease especially those under the age of 50. Whether it is stress-related chemical changes or stress-related behavior linked to heart disease, is yet to be answered. Stress-related lifestyle involves eating unhealthy food, smoking, drinking, and skipping exercises. Chemical changes related to chronic stress are increased levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Negative stress is more dangerous than positive stress and amongst the different kinds of negative stress; jealousy, anger, and cynicism are associated with heart attack. The answer lies in managing stress by acting on a personal situation and not reacting to it. In children the same type of stress, especially during exam days, can result in anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal attempts. To manage stress one should think positive, think opposite or think differently.