first mini surgical intervention. The next day, the head of the surgery department called him to his cabin to appreciate him. “Your sutures were perfect. I have never seen a young doctor like you do it with so much precision. You must pursue surgery,” he told him.
This appreciation changed the course of his life. Twenty-five years on, he is renowned general and laparoscopic surgeons, known as for his sharp surgical skills and clinical acumen, and his ability to remain calm in the most difficult situations. “In the operation theatre, you cannot afford to lose your wits; you should know when to do what, when to ask for help, and when to say no to surgery. Afterall, at stake is a patient’s life. You just cannot take any chance,” he says.
So how does he keep his cool in difficult situations? “Music has a calming effect on me. I have all my favourite music in my mobile device. She is my constant companion. I believe in spending time with my patients both before and after the surgery, addressing all their queries and fears. It gives them a lot of confidence which, I believe, plays an important role in their recovery.”
When not in OT, you may find Dr Gupta in a gym. “I am a fitness enthusiast and believe in the right mix of exercise and food to stay fit. “Health is most important to me in life —my own and of my patients’,” he says.
