Having served in the army for 14 years, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Sangeeta Tiwari is also a TEDx speaker and researcher with 20+ papers published. She appeared in the acclaimed documentary WOMB and the popular quiz show KBC and was awarded a service medal by a foreign country.

Dr. (Lt. Col.) Sangeeta Tiwari is currently serving as a Professor and Head of the Department of General Surgery at the American International Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Udaipur.

A highly skilled surgeon by profession, she has been associated with the medical field for many years. She dedicated 14 years of her career to serving in the Indian Army, retiring with the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonel. For the past four years, she has been actively contributing to the medical community in Udaipur, continuing her commitment to excellence in surgical care and medical education.

As a Professor and Head of the Department, Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari plays a crucial role in medical education and patient care. She is responsible for teaching both MBBS and Postgraduate students, equipping future surgeons with essential surgical skills. With this, she shoulders the significant responsibility of shaping the next generation of medical professionals. Additionally, she is dedicated to ensuring that every patient who comes for treatment in the hospital receives the best possible medical care.

Dr. Tiwari elaborates that AIIMS Hospital Udaipur offers a comprehensive range of medical facilities, including Laparoscopic Surgery, Emergency Management, Cancer Surgeries, and more. The institute imparts Postgraduate Education across various specialties such as Surgery, Medicine, Psychiatry, Non-Clinical Subjects, Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM), Clinical Subjects, ENT, and others. Students receive high-quality education, guided by experienced and compassionate teachers and doctors who are dedicated not only to patient care but also to the overall growth and learning of their students.

In terms of achievements,  TEDx Speaker Dr. Tiwari has achieved remarkable milestones in her career, both in and beyond the medical field.

Throughout her professional career, Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari has contributed significantly to medical research. She has published numerous research papers based on patient studies, ensuring that future generations of medical professionals can learn and benefit from her findings. Her work has been widely recognized, with more than 20 of her research papers published in prestigious national and international journals.

During her service in the army, she also had the opportunity to work on foreign soil. Her exceptional dedication and contributions were acknowledged when she was honored with a Special Service Medal by the Defense Minister of that country.

After retiring from the army, Medical Doctor & Researcher Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari had the opportunity to work in a documentary film Women of My Billion (WOMB), produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The film highlights the journey of three resilient women who overcome significant challenges, advocating for women's empowerment and taking a stand against violence.

Her thoughts on Leadership extend to public speaking platforms, where she has delivered a Josh Talk and recently a TED Talk on the critical topic of detoxing phone usage among teenagers to protect their cognitive health.

During her tenure in the army, she had the honor of being posted in Tajikistan, near the Afghanistan border, where she had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited the country. His words left a lasting impact on her, as he emphasized the importance of giving back to society when one is in a position of influence and privilege.

In 2010, she participated in Kaun Banega Crorepati, an experience she cherishes, especially the proud moment of hugging Amitabh Bachchan three times.

Most recently, she added another feather to her cap by winning the title of Mrs. VogueStar Rajasthan, which provided her with a fascinating experience of the fashion industry and the opportunity to connect with inspiring people.

Talking about what inspired her to opt for the medical field, Lt. Col. Sangeeta shares that during her time, students had to choose their subjects as early as in the 9th grade. She belongs to a generation when parents were not always inclined towards educating girls or encouraging them to become doctors. However, some teachers played a significant role in her life by sparking her interest in science and nurturing her curiosity.

When she reached college, many of her peers were preparing for the Pre-Medical Test, so she decided to take it as well. With immense dedication and hard work, she cleared the exam and secured admission to RNT Medical College in Udaipur, where she completed her MBBS and Post-Graduation in General Surgery.

Her inclination toward surgery developed during her second year of MBBS when she was deeply influenced by Dr. Vinaya Pendse. Watching her work left a lasting impression on Sangeeta Tiwari, inspiring her to follow the same path and become a surgeon.

Reflecting on her early years, Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari shares that her father was a high-ranking officer in the Rajasthan Police and retired as an Additional SP. Due to his frequent transfers, she completed most of her schooling in Hindi-medium schools, often in rural areas. She later pursued her graduation from Meera Girls College, Udaipur.

After completing her medical education and embracing motherhood, she made a significant decision to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army. She went on to serve in the army with dedication for 14 years, contributing her expertise to the medical services in the armed forces.

General surgeon and HoD, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Sangeeta Tiwari credits the Indian Army for transforming her in the most profound way. She recalls that she was once a simple and shy girl, but her career in the army shaped her into a confident, determined, and dedicated individual. She is deeply grateful to the army for instilling in her the courage to navigate society with confidence and overcome life’s challenges. The army not only strengthened her resolve but also gave her the fearless spirit to achieve great milestones in her life.

When asked about her role models, Lt. Col. Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari shares a profound perspective—she believes that role models evolve at different stages of life, just as our definition of success changes.

As a child, parents are our first role models, and even getting a small toy feels like a great achievement. During teenage years, admiration shifts towards movie stars or individuals who treat us kindly, making us feel successful in small ways. By the time we reach our mid-20s and 30s, career success becomes a priority, and the best in our chosen field become our inspiration. As we progress further, social acceptance and recognition feel like the ultimate success. In the final stage of life, true success is having faith in the divine and being surrounded by loved ones.

For Dr. Sangeeta, the greatest success is leaving a legacy—making such an impact that society remembers her even after she is gone. Inspired by this thought, she considers Mother Teresa her role model and aspires to dedicate her life to serving patients with the same compassion and selflessness.

Army Veteran Dr. (Lt. Col.) Sangeeta believes that success in life requires determination, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude.

Reflecting on her journey, she describes joining the army as an incredible experience. The rigorous training in the army not only builds physical and mental strength but also teaches endurance and resilience. As a single parent, balancing the responsibilities of raising a child alongside an intense, demanding schedule from morning to evening was a significant challenge. However, she learned a crucial lesson—work-life balance is not about dividing time equally but about setting the right priorities at the right moment.

For instance, if her child had an exam the next day, it became her priority. On the other hand, if a trauma patient required immediate surgery at 4 AM, the patient took precedence. The key is to be fully present where one is most needed. She credits the army for instilling in her the discipline to always be at the right place at the right time, with zero errors.

Professor and HoD, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Sangeeta Tiwari has valuable advice for aspiring medical professionals. She emphasizes the importance of choosing the science stream early, committing to rigorous studies, and maintaining unwavering dedication. Success in medicine requires not only hard work but also excellent communication skills and a compassionate heart for patients.

Beyond academics, she shares a critical concern about the rising addiction to smartphones, especially among children and young adults. Drawing from her research for her recent TEDx Talk, she highlights a shocking revelation: the overuse of phones leads to the same level of grey matter depletion and memory loss as cocaine addiction. This, she warns, could severely impact the cognitive abilities of future generations.

To counter this, Dr. Tiwari advocates a balanced approach to technology. She stresses the need for conscious time management—allocating time wisely between gadgets, books, and physical and mental well-being. For a brighter future with strong leaders, scientists, and doctors, society must learn to coexist with technology in a mindful and healthy manner.

Former Army Officer Dr. (Lt. Col) Tiwari strongly believes that for a woman to have a voice in society, education and financial independence are crucial. She emphasizes that the ability to make decisions and stand up for oneself comes only when a woman is financially secure, and that security is rooted in education. Reflecting on her own story, she acknowledges that everything she has achieved is because of her education.

She also sheds light on the gap between the talk of gender equality and its reality in society. From childhood, boys are often told that they must study hard to support the family, while girls are conditioned to focus on household responsibilities. She believes that true equality starts at home and must be instilled in children from a young age. Mothers, in particular, play a key role in shaping this mindset, and she suggests that involving men in household chores will help set the right example for the next generation.

Regarding AIIMS Udaipur, she praises its exceptional work culture, dedicated faculty, and rigorous academic structure. Practical training and classes are conducted thoroughly, ensuring high-quality education for medical students.

She also extends a warm invitation to aspiring medical students who wish to join the American International Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bedwas. Additionally, she encourages patients in need of medical treatment to seek care at the institute, which is well-equipped to handle various types of surgeries and healthcare needs.