Knowledge is eternal; seek it relentlessly, and success shall follow.
Knowledge is eternal; seek it relentlessly, and success shall follow.
Dr. Abhishek Vyas serves as a consultant specialising in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at Paras Health in Udaipur.
His affiliation with Paras Health dates back to 2015. Initially, he was associated with Paras Hospital in Gurgaon until 2021, when he transitioned to Paras Hospital in Udaipur.
Explaining laparoscopy, he describes it as a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It involves creating a small incision through which a camera is inserted into the body cavity. Dr. Abhishek says that the surgery is performed through small incisions, typically around 5mm in size. He clarifies that "scopy" refers to entering a body cavity, and in the case of laparoscopy, it specifically involves accessing the abdomen. He draws parallels with other procedures like arthroscopy for joints and colonoscopy for the colon.
Dr. Abhishek highlights a common misunderstanding among people between laparoscopy and lasers. He emphasises that laparoscopy primarily utilises cameras and instruments rather than lasers, which involve burning.
Discussing bariatric surgery, Dr. Abhishek Vyas explains that it is a procedure aimed at reducing excess body fat. He clarifies that it is typically recommended for individuals who struggle to lose weight through conventional means. He often advises bariatric surgery to those who continue gaining weight despite previous weight loss attempts, as well as individuals with conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. He notes that following the surgery, many patients experience significant improvements in their health, with some being able to discontinue medications for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Reflecting on his journey into the medical field, Dr. Abhishek shares that his inspiration stemmed from observing a doctor within his cousin's friend circle. This experience fueled his aspiration to pursue a career in medicine. Despite excelling in mathematics, he chose biology as his primary subject in class 11, driven by his long-standing ambition to become a doctor, a goal he had set for himself since the sixth grade.
Dr. Abhishek reflects on his journey towards becoming a doctor, reminiscing that despite lacking knowledge on how to pursue this dream, he held onto the determination to achieve it. Upon choosing biology, he gradually overcame obstacles along the way. When the results of his MBBS exams were announced, he achieved an impressive rank of around AIR 400.
However, due to homesickness, he made the decision to decline offers from prominent colleges in other cities and opted to pursue his MBBS at RNT Medical College in Udaipur. During this time, he discovered his passion for surgery and resolved to become a surgeon. Recognizing the rigorous path ahead, he embarked on the challenging path of preparing for surgical exams, ultimately achieving a rank of around AIR 700.
Learning from his past experience, Dr. Abhishek made a conscious effort to avoid repeating the homesickness dilemma. This time, he selected a college in Chandigarh and completed his degree in surgery in three years.
Reflecting on his childhood, he shares that he was born in Bhilwara, near Udaipur, Rajasthan. He completed his education up to class 6 at the Government College of Bhilwara. From classes 7 to 12, he attended Seva Sadan School, a private institution in Bhilwara. His journey then took him to Kota for preparation for the medical entrance exam, which he successfully cracked. Subsequently, he pursued his MBBS in Udaipur, where he resided for 5–6 years before clearing the PG exam.
Life led him to various places thereafter, including Chandigarh, Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, Paras Hospital in Gurgaon, and eventually back to Udaipur. As he approaches his third year at Paras Hospital, he looks forward to furthering his accomplishments in his field.
Regarding role models, Dr. Abhishek reveals that he does not follow any particular individual as a role model. Instead, he draws inspiration from the different qualities exhibited by various people in his life. He expresses a fondness for reading famous quotes, believing that repeated exposure to them ingrains them into one's subconscious mind.
Dr. Abhishek shares his guiding principle in life, emphasising the value of working with honesty. He believes that by maintaining integrity, life itself opens doors for opportunities. He attributes his success to this principle, affirming that his honest efforts have been rewarded by divine intervention.
Reflecting on his struggles, he acknowledges that challenges are inevitable in everyone's life, and he has encountered his share. He expresses a steadfast faith in God and the correlation between hard work and results. Following his MBBS, he spent three years working at a community health center in Kotri, a village in Bhilwara Tehsil. This period was particularly challenging as he juggled patient care responsibilities with preparation for competitive exams.
Despite seeing a high volume of patients, sometimes up to 100–120 per day, and working late into the night, he remained dedicated to his studies. He recalls waking up at 4 a.m. to study until 8 a.m. before returning to the community health centre. Dr. Abhishek considers this time to be the toughest period of his life, but one that ultimately shaped his resilience and determination.
He says that after completing his surgical training, he faced a new challenge. He emphasises that mastering surgery is a time-consuming process, requiring dedication and perseverance. He devoted seven to eight years to honing his surgical skills, working under esteemed surgeons. This experience instilled confidence in him, enabling him to deliver positive outcomes for his patients.
Sharing about his accomplishments, Dr. Abhishek says that he considers his training to be his greatest achievement. He takes pride in being mentored by some of the finest surgeons in the country and continually updating his skills with advancements in technology. He emphasises his commitment to implementing the best available techniques in practice while remaining open to ongoing learning.
Addressing aspiring medical students, Dr. Abhishek underscores the unique demands of the medical field. He emphasises the importance of pursuing degrees and navigating highly competitive exams, even after entering MBBS. He advises aspiring medical professionals to be prepared to dedicate 12–15 hours a day for up to 10 years to succeed in this field.
He advises students who have completed their MBBS to prioritise honesty in their work, recognizing the significant responsibility they bear for the lives of others. Additionally, he emphasises the importance of continuous skill development and acquiring knowledge to enhance their capabilities as healthcare professionals.
To the youth at large, Dr. Abhishek advocates for becoming proficient in a specific skill and continually expanding their knowledge base. He highlights the growing emphasis placed by multinational companies on skills rather than degrees. Finally, he underscores the timeless value of knowledge, encouraging individuals to consistently pursue it, as it ultimately leads to success.