Behind every healthy person, there’s often a doctor whose name we may never know. We see them rushing through hospital corridors, holding a newborn in one moment and comforting a grieving family the next. They are there when we are most scared during emergencies, illness, or uncertainty offering not just treatment, but hope.
What we don’t always see is the human behind the white coat. The doctor who skipped lunch to finish a surgery. The one who stayed overnight so a patient wouldn't be alone. The one who quietly cried after losing someone despite doing everything possible.
Doctors often carry a weight most of us can’t imagine. They don’t just heal bodies; they carry emotional burdens, make impossible decisions, and still return to their duties the next day with the same strength.
They are part of our lives in the most personal ways, yet we rarely pause to see their full story. They are the quiet, steady hands that hold up a nation—both seen in action and unseen in sacrifice.
National Doctors' Day is celebrated on 1st July every year in India to honour the contribution of medical professionals.
This National Doctors' Day, I bring out first hand experiences, stories and candid answers to you from a doctor's perspective — a narrative and emotion that often seem missing in our everyday lives.
I got an opportunity to do an interview with three remarkable doctors — Dr. Astha, Dr. Kalpana, and Dr. Diksha — each from a different walk of medical life. Dr. Astha is a psychiatrist and currently on an international fellowship with TEWV NHS TRUST (UK), Dr. Kalpana - an ENT (ears, nose, throat) specialist currently working as Senior Resident in Karnataka and Dr. Diksha - a paediatrician currently working with Bihar government in public health sector; yet united by the same unwavering commitment: to heal, to guide, and to care.
I began the conversation by asking what truly fulfills them in their work. Dr. Astha, a practicing psychiatrist, didn’t hesitate. “For me, the best part is seeing people smile again,” she said warmly. “I meet people when they’re at their most vulnerable. When they start healing and that light returns to their eyes — it’s priceless.”
She then shared a memory that still lingers in her heart — a moment she feels especially proud of. “After I moved to the UK, one of my former patients from India reached out via text message. He had dropped out of engineering due to undiagnosed OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder). We worked together during his toughest phase. After that he was able to get back on his feet, back to work, back to life. He called it a miracle, but I think it’s about bringing someone back to normalcy. That’s the real reward”.
Turning to the broader question of what role doctors play beyond just treatment, both Dr. Astha and Dr. Kalpana had thoughtful reflections. “Doctors are more than just medical professionals,” said Dr. Astha. “We are listeners, guides, and sometimes a steady presence in a storm. But maintaining professional boundaries is essential — especially in mental health. That’s what keeps care safe and effective.”
Dr. Kalpana, speaking with a serious tone, added, “A doctor is more than a prescriber. We’re guardians. Yes, we treat physically, but emotional healing is just as important. A patient must feel understood. Only then the treatment became truly effective. Just giving medicine isn’t enough — you need to listen and need to care.”
On the topic of managing emotional closeness with patients, Dr. Astha emphasized the importance of professional boundaries again. “I connect deeply, but always within professional limits. It’s about trust and respect. You can be compassionate without overstepping.”
Shifting gears, I asked how they take care of themselves amid the chaos of the profession. Dr. Kalpana laughed, “Honestly? Sleep. That’s the truth! After our hectic shifts, we barely get time for ourselves. Weekends? Just as packed. But we don’t complain. If a patient needs us, we go. Anytime. Anywhere.”
Dr. Astha nodded, adding, “I’ve learned to recharge by nurturing my creative side — writing, taking long walks, dancing. These little things help me stay centered. They remind me that I’m not just a doctor — I’m also a person.”
When asked what changes in healthcare have given them hope, Dr. Astha’s response was optimistic. “Mental health awareness is rising, and that’s such a positive change. People are more open to therapy now, more willing to seek help. There’s still a lot of misinformation, but we’re moving in the right direction.” She paused, then added a message for future doctors: “Pick a specialty you truly connect with. This field demands 10 to 11 years of training. If you don’t love it, it’s hard to stay motivated. For me, psychiatry felt right, and I look forward to it every day.”
Dr. Diksha added her perspective. “People need to understand that health isn’t just physical. It’s mental, emotional, and social too. Everyone should know what can harm their body, when to seek help, and why regular check-ups matter. What seems like ‘just life’ might actually be a hidden issue. And yes, vaccinations — they’re not just for children but for adults too. Mental health should never be ignored. Prioritise yourself, visit your doctor regularly, and don’t hesitate to reach out.”
As the conversation moved toward young people and the next generation of doctors, Dr. Diksha had strong words of encouragement. “In medicine, there’s no space for being ordinary. You must push your limits, stay kind, and think outside the box. That’s how you grow — and that’s how you heal others.”
Finally, I asked them to break a myth about being a doctor and share one truth future doctors must know.
Dr. Astha smiled and said, “The myth is that doctors don’t have a life. We do but we work hard to balance it. The truth? Medicine demands a lot. It takes humility, patience, and a deep sense of service. You can’t just think about yourself — you’re here to serve.”
Dr. Diksha offered a more sobering truth. “You can’t control everything. Mistakes will happen. Sometimes, even when you do everything right, a patient may not survive. It’s heartbreaking, but you have to learn from it. You grow stronger. You continue to care. Medicine is not just about treatment — it’s about compassion, trust, and never stopping learning.”
As the conversation drew to a close, it was clear that these doctors are more than professionals in white coats. They are healers, mentors, warriors of empathy and sometimes quiet companions on the road back to normalcy. — and above all, humans who choose, every day, to serve with heart.
As the conversation drew to a close, it was clear that these doctors are more than professionals in white coats. They are healers, mentors, warriors of empathy and sometimes quiet companions on the road back to normalcy. — and above all, humans who choose, every day, to serve with heart.
In a world that often sees doctors through the lens of prescriptions and diagnoses, conversations like these remind us of the deeper truth — that medicine is not just a science, but a human story. Behind every stethoscope is a soul that listens, heals, and silently carries the burdens of many. Dr. Astha, Dr. Kalpana, and Dr. Diksha shows us that being a doctor goes far beyond clinical charts. It's about resilience, empathy, and the courage to stand beside someone in their darkest hour. In their words, we hear a call to future healers: Be extraordinary, be kind, and above all, be human. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about saving lives — it’s about bringing people back to life.
