An associate professor and HoD of the Physiology Department in a homoeopathy college, Dr. Gargi Pandey emphasises the importance of understanding normal human physiology before diagnosing diseases. Her passion for homoeopathy was sparked by a childhood experience, leading her to pursue both teaching and research in the field. She encourages her students to thoroughly study foundational subjects like physiology and anatomy for future success in medicine.

Dr. Gargi Pandey is an Associate Professor and the HoD of the Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry at Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Homoeopathic Medical College (RVHMC) and Hospital, Dabok Unit, in Udaipur, which is affiliated to Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Deemed University. In her role, Dr. Pandey is dedicated to providing both theoretical and practical knowledge to her students, emphasising the benefits of learning the essential foundations of Physiology and Biochemistry.

In terms of professional accomplishments, Dr. Gargi Pandey has made significant strides. She has already published her MD paper and plans to contribute more to academic literature as she works on her PhD. Recently promoted to the position of Associate Professor, she considers this a major milestone in her career, especially at such a young age.

Dr. Pandey explains that the Department of Human Physiology is designed to give students comprehensive exposure to these subjects. Physiology, as she points out, is rooted in understanding the normal functioning of the human body. According to her, it is vital for medical students to first grasp the body's normal processes before they can effectively diagnose and treat abnormalities. "In the medical field, it is fundamental for students to understand how the body normally functions," she says. The department is equipped with various instruments, such as microscopes and alcohol dispensers, to facilitate hands-on learning. Practical lessons are divided into three key areas: Haematology, Biochemistry, and Clinical Skills.

In Haematology, students learn everything related to blood, including how to draw blood samples, perform various tests, determine haemoglobin levels in a healthy individual, and calculate BTCT counts. The clinical aspect focuses on teaching students how to examine different bodily systems, such as the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. In biochemistry, students are trained to perform a variety of tests, including those for glucose, lipids, and carbohydrates in urine samples. These practical lessons equip students with the skills necessary for clinical examinations and lab work.

Reflecting on her journey into this field, Dr. Pandey shares a personal story about how her passion for homoeopathy developed. As a child, she suffered from tonsil problems and was advised by allopathic doctors to have her tonsils removed. However, a chance meeting with a homoeopathic doctor changed her life. The homoeopath assured her that her condition could be treated without surgery, explaining to her that tonsils are very important for our body as they protect us from infections, and so they should not be removed. And when her tonsillitis was successfully cured, her interest in homoeopathy blossomed. This experience deeply influenced her decision to pursue a career in the field. Furthermore, her mother's role as a teacher inspired her to combine her love for homoeopathy with teaching, guiding her into academia.

Born and raised in Udaipur, Dr. Gargi Pandey completed her schooling from nursery to 12th at St. Teresa School and pursued her undergraduate degree at Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Homoeopathic Medical College. She went on to complete her MD at Homoeopathy University in Jaipur. Today, she not only teaches at RVHMC but is also pursuing a PhD under the guidance of Dr. Nivedita Pattanaik. Her dedication to both teaching and research highlights her commitment to the field of homoeopathy.

Dr. Gargi Pandey credits her father as her role model, admiring his resilience, struggles and sacrifices. She recalls how he left a prestigious job to dedicate more time to their family, teaching her invaluable life lessons about how to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life. His personality continues to inspire her, both personally and professionally.

One of Dr. Pandey's favourite source of motivation comes from the song "Kal Ho Na Ho." The message of living in the present and fulfilling one's desires today resonates with her deeply. She believes that life is unpredictable, and as such, it is essential to focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: live life happily in the present, seizing every opportunity as it comes.

As an educator, Dr. Pandey is passionate about imparting wisdom to her students. She urges them to take Physiology and Anatomy seriously, describing them as the backbone of all medical subjects. “These subjects form the foundation,” she explains. “Unless you understand the normal functioning of the body, you won’t be able to recognize abnormalities.” She uses examples to illustrate her points, such as explaining that knowing the standard blood pressure value of 120/80 mmHg is essential to diagnosing hypertension when a patient’s reading is 140/90 mmHg. She emphasises that students must familiarise themselves with normal values and physiological ranges in order to excel in their future medical careers.

In her advice to students, Dr. Pandey highlights the importance of thorough understanding and diligence, particularly in foundational subjects like physiology. "This knowledge will not only be useful during your studies but will also play a crucial role throughout your life as a medical professional".

She concludes, urging her students to approach the subject with dedication and curiosity.

Dr. Gargi Pandey's journey from a young girl treated by homoeopathy to a respected academic is a testament to her passion for the field, and her philosophy of living fully in the present continues to inspire those around her.