Hard work never goes in vain.
Hard work never goes in vain.
Dr. Akanksha Tripathi is a dedicated gynecologist currently working at Paras Health Hospital in Udaipur. Her primary focus lies in providing comprehensive care to pregnant women while also addressing various women's health issues.
Additionally, she is a skilled laparoscopic surgeon who advocates for minimally invasive surgical procedures, avoiding traditional open surgeries whenever possible. Dr. Akanksha specializes in infertility treatment, assisting couples in their journey towards conception.
Dr. Akanksha’s medical journey began in 2000 with her MBBS degree, followed by a Master's Degree in Gynecology in 2006. After completing her postgraduate studies, she pursued a senior residency in Delhi, honing her skills. Her passion for knowledge and excellence led her to complete a Laparoscopy Fellowship in Mumbai, specializing further in infertility by doing courses in Ahmedabad and Surat. For the past eight to nine years, she has been working in Udaipur.
Akanksha says she got inspired to become a doctor from her early recognition of her academic abilities during school. Growing up in a family environment that fostered a focus on education, with her father being an engineer, mother a teacher, and brother an IITian, she believes that her inclination towards studies stems from her genes. She also felt that a career in medicine resonated with her as it involved a sense of humanity, social work, and the opportunity to contribute to the nation.
She also credits her nanaji (maternal grandfather) for playing a significant role in her journey towards becoming a doctor. He would share stories about the role of doctors during times of war and the impact they had on supporting the nation, which served as a great inspiration for her.
Reminiscing about her childhood, Akanksha shares that although she hails from North India, she spent the majority of her formative years in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to her father's work in the cement industry. She fondly recalls the peaceful and beautiful experience of growing up in Chittorgarh. She also resided in Neemuch and spent some time in Rewa.
She also shares that she lived in a colony and attended colony schools. During her school days, she was an active participant in both academics and sports. She eagerly engaged in various activities and particularly enjoyed being on stage.
One standout memory from her school days was delivering a speech on 15th August ( Independence Day) when she was in 10th grade. Her speech was so impactful that it garnered a standing ovation from everyone present, including her parents, says Dr. Akanksha.
She mentions that she was actively involved in sports and outdoor activities. She participated in treks, marching events, and never missed any sports day. As the head girl of her school, she had the opportunity to represent her school in inter school competitions held in Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. She played handball and volleyball, and even reached the divisional level in badminton.
Throughout her journey, Dr. Akanksha had the unwavering support of her parents, who prioritized her overall development. She urges parents to not burden their children with excessive academic pressure and instead encourage a holistic approach to their growth and well-being.
When asked about her role models, Dr. Akanksha explains that different individuals have inspired her at various stages of her life. During her younger years, her nanaji (maternal grandfather) served as her role model, whom she admired for his discipline and reading habits. In school, she found inspiration in her seniors. During her MBBS studies, her pharma teacher became a role model, and her constant source of inspiration is her mother, who, at the age of 66, remains active and prioritizes her physical health.
Dr. Akanksha admires anyone who exhibits a strong work ethic and believes in the value of hard work.
There are two quotes that particularly resonate with her. The first is "Believe in yourself no matter what," which reminds her that challenges and rewards are inherent in life, urging her never to give up. The second quote she appreciates is "Hard work never goes in vain."
Reflecting on her struggles, Dr. Akanksha acknowledges that although she did not face any major obstacles, her time while doing a crash course in Kota for the AIPMT exam in 1999 presented some challenges. Being away from her parents and feeling the pressure of studies created a difficult period. However, she overcame these circumstances by going back after a few months and continuing her studies from home.
Dr. Akanksha emphasizes the importance of mental health and addressing the increasing number of suicide cases. She believes that taking care of one's mental well-being is crucial and encourages students to communicate with their parents and friends.
While pursuing her MBBS degree in Mumbai, Dr. Akanksha experienced a cultural shift, which presented its own set of challenges. However, by making good friends, she was able to navigate through tough times successfully. Overall, she feels satisfied with her journey despite the various challenges she encountered.
Regarding her achievements, Dr. Akanksha considers clearing the medical exam itself as a significant accomplishment. She excelled in her studies during college and received the Best Outgoing Student award during her undergraduate days. In her postgraduate studies, she served as one of the demonstrators and earned gold medals in several subjects during her MBBS.
Throughout her senior residency, she was recognized as one of the best resident doctors. Additionally, she won a gold medal in the FOGSI Quiz. Currently, she holds the position of Treasurer in the Udaipur Gynec Society and Joint Secretary in the Udaipur Menopause Society. However, she considers her greatest achievement to be the satisfaction of her patients.
Dr. Akanksha’s advice to those entering the medical profession is to embrace patience and perseverance, as it is a long and demanding journey. She emphasizes that the decision to pursue medicine should come from the heart, rather than succumbing to external pressures. She believes aspiring doctors should strive for above-average grades consistently, as MBBS requires more than just cracking entrance exams.
Her message to the youth in India is not to be misled by the superficial aspects of the digital world. Instead, she encourages them to stay grounded in the real world, rooted in their values, traditions, and aspirations. She also feels that taking responsibility for every single action of yours is of utmost importance.