A dedicated educationist, Dr. Vishal Sharma, as principal of an occupational therapy college, is committed to addressing pediatric developmental disorders through occupational therapy, especially post-COVID challenges like mobile addiction. He established the college to bridge the gap in therapy services in Rajasthan and runs his clinics and an NGO offering affordable care to underprivileged children.
Dr. Vishal Sharma is the Principal of Pacific College of Occupational Therapy, a distinguished institution under the umbrella of Pacific Medical University in Udaipur. In this role, he leads the college's academic and administrative endeavors, striving to build it as a center of excellence in occupational therapy education and training.
Dr. Vishal Sharma explains that Occupational Therapy is a healthcare discipline primarily focused on working on patients who have disabilities or disorders. These patients can be adults or children. His area of interest lies in pediatric cases, and he specializes in addressing pediatric disabilities and disorders.
In recent years, especially post-COVID, pediatric disorders have been on the rise. For instance, after the pandemic, mobile addiction among children has become a significant concern, which Dr. Sharma identifies as a disorder. Excessive phone usage has led to behavioral issues, speech disorders, and reduced cognitive abilities in children. Their capacity to communicate and comprehend has notably declined.
Dr. Sharma highlights that the first two years of a child’s life are considered the "golden period" for development. Unfortunately, children born during the COVID-19 pandemic missed out on this critical phase. To keep their children occupied during the lockdowns, many parents resorted to handing them smartphones. This reliance on phones hindered the natural development that typically occurs through activities like exploring their surroundings or interacting with different people.
When a child is fixated on a phone, its attention is fully absorbed, leaving it less inclined to speak or engage socially. This lack of stimulation has resulted in developmental delays, including issues with speech, eye contact, and social interaction. These are some of the disorders that occupational therapy aims to address, helping children overcome these challenges.
Dr. Vishal Sharma explains that occupational therapy plays a crucial role in addressing a variety of disorders that affect children. Some of the most common disorders treated through occupational therapy include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with autism often exhibit certain behaviors such as a lack of eye contact, failure to respond to their name, unusual vocalizations, fascination with their fingers, or excitement when observing colors. They may also engage in repetitive actions, such as jumping on their toes. These are all common symptoms of autism, and occupational therapy helps in managing and improving such behaviors.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD are often highly active and may have difficulty staying focused or paying attention. They may struggle with eye contact, speech, and writing, making it challenging to interact and communicate with them. Occupational therapy can help these children by providing strategies to improve attention and focus, as well as addressing speech and writing issues.
Down Syndrome: Children with Down Syndrome typically have distinct physical features, including shorter stature, a thick tongue, and a different facial structure. Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping such children improve motor skills and manage any physical challenges they may face.
Cerebral Palsy (CP): Children with CP may have irregular limb movements, often leading to difficulties in coordination and motor function. Occupational therapy is essential in improving the child's ability to move independently and engage in daily activities.
Behavioral Difficulties: Increasingly common in children today, behavioral issues can be addressed through occupational therapy, even when no specific physical symptoms are present. Occupational therapists work with children to help them manage and improve their behavior.
Learning Disabilities: Children with learning disabilities often struggle with learning at the same pace as their peers. They may have difficulty understanding written or spoken instructions and may need extra support in grasping concepts. Occupational therapy helps these children improve their learning abilities by breaking down tasks and teaching strategies to enhance comprehension and retention.
Dr. Sharma emphasizes that occupational therapy is not just for physical challenges but also for addressing cognitive and behavioral difficulties, helping children improve their overall development and integration into society.
When asked about it, Dr. Vishal Sharma proudly shares his achievements, highlighting his extensive clinical experience from 2020 to 2024. Over this period, he has worked with approximately 200 children, out of which 70% have achieved significant independence under his guidance. These children have made remarkable progress in their personal, social, and academic lives. Dr. Sharma feels particularly gratified that many of the children and their parents remain in touch with him, seeking his guidance and support even today.
Dr. Sharma informs us that the first college for Occupational Therapy in Rajasthan was established in Jaipur, and Udaipur now boasts the third college in the state offering this discipline.
Dr. Vishal also operates two occupational therapy clinics in Jaipur, managed by his younger brother. Additionally, he runs an NGO named Late Shree Panchu Ram Geel Medical & Health Education Trust, dedicated to supporting children with developmental challenges, such as difficulties in sitting, walking, speaking, or understanding. The trust's primary mission is to provide therapy, consultations, and free treatment to children in rural and underprivileged areas.
For families who are financially stable, the trust offers Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Behavioral Therapy at minimal costs. Furthermore, Dr. Vishal conducts Parent Training Workshops to educate and empower parents. Those unable to afford these workshops are provided with free training, ensuring that support reaches every family in need. Through this comprehensive approach, Dr. Vishal aims to bridge the gap in access to therapy and resources for children with special needs.
Dr. Sharma shares that his primary goal in establishing an occupational therapy college in Udaipur was to make occupational therapy services accessible to the people of the region and to prepare skilled professionals in this field, which currently has a shortage of such therapists in Rajasthan.
Dr. Sharma reveals that when he conducted a survey, he found that Udaipur lacked even a single college offering a department for occupational therapy, despite the high prevalence of disorders in the region. This gap inspired him to take action. After completing his survey, he put forward a proposal to various institutions in Udaipur for establishing an occupational therapy college.
His proposal was eventually accepted by Pacific Medical University. When his proposal was approved, he was interviewed by Rahul Agrawal and Sharad Kothari from the highest management of the university. He presented to them the pressing need for occupational therapy professionals and services in Udaipur, highlighting the high level of untreated disorders in the area. They trusted his vision and gave him this opportunity. In September 2023, Dr. Sharma joined Pacific Medical University and took the initiative to establish the Pacific College of Occupational Therapy.
The college now offers three qualifications in the field: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), and PhD in Occupational Therapy. Dr. Sharma is particularly proud that out of 30 available seats in the inaugural 2024 BOT batch, 25 seats have already been filled. He sees this as a significant achievement for himself and his team, as it reflects growing awareness and interest in the field of occupational therapy in Udaipur.
Talking about his early days, Dr. Vishal Sharma recalls he completed his schooling at Maheshwari Higher Secondary School in Jaipur. He pursued his higher education, including both graduation and post-graduation, at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Jaipur. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD at Pacific Medical University, Udaipur.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Vishal says that after completing his schooling, his father had a dream for him to become a doctor. His father wanted him to pursue MBBS, but Dr. Vishal wasn’t inclined toward it. During his admission process at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, he met Dr. S.K. Meena, the Principal of the Occupational Therapy Department. He guided Dr. Vishal Sharma towards occupational therapy, explaining that this field would see significant demand in future. Inspired by his advice, he opted for this course and completed it in 2018.
Post his graduation, Dr. Vishal Sharma gained substantial experience working at various specialized clinics in Jaipur and other cities, particularly focusing on children with cognitive disabilities. By 2021, he decided to establish his own clinic in Jaipur. After successfully setting up the first clinic, he went on to establish a second one. His growing passion for the field led him to recognize the challenges faced by families with limited financial means or lack of awareness about therapy. This realization inspired him to start his NGO with the aim to help those families.
The primary objective of his NGO is to provide top-quality facilities and services in the areas of disability, disorders, and pediatrics, especially for underprivileged children. Over time, the NGO has expanded its scope to include education, disability management, awareness programs, and parent training initiatives. Dr. Sharma emphasizes that the NGO also works to raise awareness about occupational therapy and ensure that every child in need has access to appropriate care and support.
He requests the citizens of Udaipur to reach out to Pacific Medical College, Bhilo ka Bedla, Udaipur, if they come across anyone facing developmental or functional challenges. He emphasizes that free advice and consultations are available at the college, where skilled occupational therapists and professionals are eager to provide the best possible guidance and support. Dr. Sharma and his team are committed to serving the community and ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care and assistance.
Additionally, Dr. Vishal Sharma also shares that for those seeking occupational therapy services in Jaipur, two clinics are available: Pehchaan Child Development Center and Percept Child Development Center. He further invites individuals to connect with the Late Shree Panchu Ram Geel Medical & Health Education Trust, where they can access a range of services aimed at supporting children with developmental challenges. Through these centers and the trust, Dr. Sharma and his team strive to provide comprehensive care and support to children and their families.
Talking about his struggles, Dr. Vishal Sharma reflects on the challenging journey of transitioning from the clinical field to education and training. He acknowledges that, despite his extensive experience in clinical practice, he initially lacked experience in the education field. However, his determination to contribute to the academic field and broaden the scope and availability of occupational therapy motivated him to persist.
In the clinical domain, Dr. Sharma was able to raise awareness among parents and help children achieve independence. However, his vision extended beyond individual cases—he aspired to create societal awareness and train a new generation of professionals in occupational therapy. To realize this vision, he faced numerous hurdles. Over the course of a year, he submitted proposals to various medical colleges, but they were frequently rejected, as many failed to grasp the importance and potential of occupational therapy.
Finally, it was Pacific Medical University that recognized his capability and gave him the platform to bring his vision to life. Dr. Vishal credits his success to the unwavering support of his colleagues, including Dr. Deepak Joshi, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, and Ram Sahay Meena, who worked alongside him to make this endeavor possible.
One of the most significant challenges they faced was securing admissions for the inaugural batch of the occupational therapy program. However, through the collective efforts of his team, the college successfully enrolled 25 students for their first batch, a milestone that fills Dr. Sharma with pride.
He expresses confidence that, upon graduating after four years, these students will emerge as skilled professionals and expert occupational therapists. Dr. Sharma believes that they will make meaningful contributions wherever they go, raising awareness, creating positive changes in the lives of special children, and advancing the field of occupational therapy.
Driven by this vision, Dr. Sharma is committed to running the college with the mission of building a better society. He remains steadfast in his goal to educate and empower future professionals who will carry forward the values and impact of occupational therapy.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sharma envisions expanding the reach of occupational therapy across Rajasthan. His goal is to collaborate with his team to ensure that every district with a medical college has a qualified occupational therapist. He is committed to promoting the profession and clinical practice of occupational therapy, raising awareness about its importance, and ensuring timely intervention for children in rural and urban areas alike. Dr. Sharma firmly believes that by increasing awareness and access to occupational therapy, countless children can receive proper treatment from skilled professionals, leading to a better quality of life.
Dr. Vishal Sharma advises students to consider occupational therapy as a promising career option, emphasizing its growing demand and significant scope in both government and private sectors. He points out that while the number of professionals and colleges offering this subject is currently limited, the demand for occupational therapists is steadily increasing due to the rising prevalence of disabilities and disorders. This trend, he explains, is linked to changes in lifestyle, which are likely to impact future generations.
Dr. Sharma highlights that the scope for occupational therapy is vast as explained below:
Government Sector: Occupational therapists are required in government-run District Hospitals (DH), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs). Additionally, having an occupational therapist is now compulsory in many medical colleges.
Private Sector: The private healthcare system also offers ample opportunities for occupational therapists, given the increasing number of clinics and specialized centers catering to children and individuals with disabilities.
He encourages students to research and explore the field of occupational therapy and consider it as one of their career options. He describes it as a unique profession that not only offers financial rewards but also provides an opportunity to serve society by improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and disorders.
Dr. Vishal Sharma emphasizes that occupational therapy combines the satisfaction of helping others with professional growth, making it an exceptional choice for students who aspire to work in the medical field.
