Time is invaluable; once lost, it never returns.
Time is invaluable; once lost, it never returns.
Dr. Madhubala Chauhan serves as the Head of Department of Gynecology and the Superintendent of the Pannadhay Rajkiya Mahila Chikitsalaya in Udaipur, Rajasthan. As a highly experienced medical professional, she leads the Gynecology Department, overseeing its operations while ensuring the highest standards of patient care and medical excellence.
HoD Dr. Chauhan firmly believes that there are three essential qualities every medical professional must uphold. First is being available during emergencies, as timely intervention can be life saving. Second is compassionate and respectful behavior toward patients, ensuring they feel heard and cared for. Third is compatibility with the medical field, as genuine dedication and passion are crucial for long-term success in this demanding profession.
Dr. Madhubala Chauhan was born in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, but spent her formative years in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, where her father worked as a Lecturer in a Government College. She completed her schooling in Bhilwara and, after finishing her higher secondary education, was encouraged by a friend to appear for the Pre-Medical Test (PMT).
With dedication and hard work, she successfully cleared the exam on her first attempt. She then pursued her MBBS and later specialized with an MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology from RNT Medical College in Udaipur, Rajasthan, laying the foundation for her distinguished medical career.
Following her medical education, Dr. Madhubala dedicated nine years to serving in Bhilwara and several smaller towns, including Devgarh and Jhadol, gaining invaluable experience in diverse healthcare settings. With a strong commitment to professional growth, she appeared for a competitive examination once again and successfully secured a position in 1996. She then joined RNT Medical College as an Assistant Professor, marking the beginning of her academic and teaching career in medical education.
Reflecting on her early years, Dr. Chauhan recalls how, during her time, it was almost an unspoken rule that any student who secured a First Division in the eighth standard would naturally choose Biology as a subject. This precedent was followed by many, including herself. Without much deliberation, she too opted for Biology, setting the course for her academic journey and, ultimately, her career in medicine.
Gynecologist Madhubala Chauhan, now the Head of Department, faced significant societal challenges in her pursuit of higher education. She recalls that some distant family members discouraged her parents from allowing her to study further, believing that higher education was unnecessary for a girl. Her father, known for his progressive mindset, often faced criticism for his liberal approach, with many suggesting that an overly educated daughter would have difficulty finding a suitable groom.
During that time, opportunities for girls to pursue higher studies were limited, yet Dr. Madhubala remained steadfast in her commitment to education. She firmly believed that a strong educational foundation was essential for personal and professional growth.
Her father had a simple yet powerful philosophy—he would continue to support her education as long as she remained dedicated to learning. Encouraged by his unwavering belief in her potential, she pursued her MBBS and later completed her postgraduate studies, a journey that spanned a decade, ultimately shaping her into the accomplished medical professional she is today.
Dr. Madhubala Chauhan considers her father and paternal uncle as her greatest role models. Her father played a pivotal role in shaping her journey, promising to support her education for as long as she wished to pursue it. He stood by her through every challenge, offering unwavering encouragement and motivating her to achieve her dreams.
As she advanced in her career, she received immense support from her seniors, who guided her along the way. In her present day, she acknowledges the strong support system provided by her husband and children, who continue to stand by her in both her personal and professional life.
Sharing her Covid experience, Dr. Chauhan reflects on the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated significant changes in medical practices. Extra precautions had to be taken, especially for pregnant women, and stricter biomedical waste management protocols were implemented.
As a senior medical professional, she took it upon herself to ensure the well-being of her staff by arranging essential protective equipment, including PPE kits, masks, gloves, and sanitizers. Procuring these supplies was not without difficulties, and there were additional challenges in arranging blood for pregnant women. However, through strategic planning, regular meetings, careful consideration of various factors, and proper documentation, her team successfully managed the situation.
She takes pride in the fact that, despite the challenges, all her patients had positive outcomes during the pandemic—an achievement she attributes to the dedicated efforts of her team and divine blessings.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Chauhan shares that if given the opportunity to travel back in time, she would choose to have her education in the present era. During her student years, resources and facilities were limited, making the learning process more challenging. She acknowledges, however, that despite those constraints, she was fortunate to receive unwavering support from her parents, which played a crucial role in shaping her career.
A devoted doctor, Madhubala Chauhan shares that she rarely finds free time to indulge in hobbies due to her demanding professional responsibilities. However, she has always enjoyed watching classic films and reading books. However, with her busy schedule, she has had to set aside these interests.
She firmly believes that life is never simple, and achieving success requires dedication and hard work. Emphasizing the value of time, she says, "If you waste precious moments, they will never return. It is essential to recognize the worth of time and keep moving forward."