With 20 years of experience in reproductive medicine, Dr. Shweta emphasizes the importance of empathy, patient care, and communication in her practice.She believes success for medical practitioners involves better patient care and academic contributions, and also mentions importance of internal happiness and family time for the medical practitioners. Dr. Shweta addresses the myths and social stigma surrounding IVF, advocating for adoption as a viable option.

Dr. Shweta Mittal Gupta is a Senior Consultant at the Center of IVF and Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. With 20 years of experience in reproductive medicine, she has made significant contributions to this field.

Only about 10–15% of couples genuinely require IVF procedures, says Dr. Shweta while talking about the difficulties couples encounter with infertility. She addresses common myths about IVF, such as it being entirely artificial, conflicting with religious beliefs, social issues, stigma, or the difficulty in disclosing it to family and friends. Dr. Shweta explains that IVF is simply a mode of fertilization that is the natural process occurring in the fallopian tubes over five days. It is used when this process cannot happen naturally due to factors like blocked tubes or unexplained infertility. Declaring the need for IVF can be daunting for couples, but only about 1% of couples actually need surrogacy.

She notes that in India, a joint effort is needed to overcome the social stigma associated with IVF. IVF is not recommended unless other treatments are not working, such as medication to produce more eggs, intrauterine insemination, or laparoscopic surgery. She advises couples not to hesitate when a doctor recommends IVF, as it is usually suggested as a final option, particularly for women over 35 or those with low pregnancy rates. Although IVF is an expensive treatment, it might be the only option after years of trying to conceive.

Dr. Shweta also believes that adoption is a great option for couples who have exhausted all other means to have a baby. As a doctor, it is her responsibility to guide couples on when to pursue IVF, explain the rounds of treatment, and advise when to stop. She shares that every couple who has opted for adoption is now happy, highlighting that there are many options beyond IVF. In the event of IVF failure, traditional treatments can still be considered.

Dr. Gupta hails from a military background, as her father was a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force. She was born at the Hasimara Air Force Station in West Bengal. Growing up, she experienced the diversity and versatility of Indian culture, moving every three years to new places and meeting people from various states and cultures. This upbringing developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and a strong sense of independence in her.

From a young age, Dr. Gupta was academically inclined with a natural inclination toward medicine. Influenced by her father's relatives in the medical field and encouraged by her mother, she pursued a career in medicine. Her passion for academics and medicine led her to excel in her MBBS studies. She shares that her first experience with anatomy was initially shocking, as their eyes were burning due to chemicals that were used to preserve bodies. After one month, and after attending classes a few times, she realized her true potential, graduating as one of the top rankers in her university.

During her gynecology internship, Dr. Gupta was profoundly inspired by Dr. Shashikant Kulkarni. His communication skills and knowledge motivated her to pursue a super-specialization in Gynecological Surgery. She later competed and secured a fellowship in Reproductive Medicine.

She highlights the value of post-graduation experience based on her expertise. She learned numerous lessons during this time, which is why she encourages her students to stay focused. Over time, they will see how much they have progressed. Wherever they have the opportunity to learn—whether in emergencies, wards, ICUs, or operating rooms—they should take full advantage of it. In the medical field, choosing a specialty and gaining experience shapes you professionally. She advises the younger generation coming into the medical field to be more vigilant, show attentiveness and persistence, and be a keen worker.

Seventeen years ago, Dr. Gupta joined Sir Ganga Ram Hospital as a consultant and has since risen to the position of Senior Consultant. She takes pride in the tremendous support and opportunities the institute provides, both in clinical practice and academics.

In her private practice, Dr. Gupta emphasizes the importance of patient care and communication. She finds fulfillment in addressing patients' concerns and providing them with a sense of relief and assurance. Over time, she has developed a high level of empathy, understanding the stigma and challenges associated with reproductive health. Breaking bad news to patients is a skill she continues to refine, learning to handle their emotions.

Due to long procedures, Dr. Gupta finds it difficult  to maintain a positive and understanding attitude towards her colleagues and assistants. She acknowledges the importance of empathy and self-awareness, recognizing that everyone has their limits and needs support. They as a doctor also learn from mistakes although the mistakes are smaller. She is always ready for hard work and has a desire to give something to society.

Dr. Shweta recalls a memorable night after her MD exam when her teachers called to congratulate her on achieving the first rank in the university. This accomplishment brought an unmatched smile to her parents' faces. Additionally, she received a fellowship from the former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. On a professional level, Dr. Shweta takes immense pride in helping couples conceive after struggling with infertility for many years. Dr. Shweta believes that the greatest achievement one can possess is the constant endeavor to become better humans and be more useful to society.

Talking about her role models, Dr. Shweta names several individuals she admires like her MBBS gynecologist Professor Dr. Shashikant Kulkarni and her MD mentor Dr. Suman Desai, who has been a guiding force in her career. Her fellowship mentor, Dr. BN Chakraborty, taught her the importance of humility. She also looks up to her parents and thanks her father for instilling confidence in her that has shaped her bold personality. Dr. Shweta learned patience from her mother who is now a grandmother.

Dr. Shweta’s support system includes her sisters and her husband, who help her stay positive. Her husband constantly encourages her to reach new heights, and she cherishes the unconditional love she gets from her son.

According to Dr. Shweta, success can be judged from different angles. For a successful medical practitioner, it means providing better services, delivering excellent patient care, and gaining recognition in the IVF world. In the academic perspective, success involves teaching, helping students become better versions of themselves, guiding them to become better doctors in society, and contributing to academics through good research work.

Parenting is another significant measure of success, particularly challenging for working parents, thinks Shweta. Success also encompasses internal happiness, finding peace, and spending quality time with family. Dr. Shweta believes that loving your workplace, no matter how many extra hours you work, focusing on quality work, and maintaining harmony at home contribute greatly to a successful life.

She often advises patients coming for fertility treatment that success is like climbing a staircase—you can't just jump to the top.

Her success mantra is to stay positive in every situation. Dr. Shweta has realized that the world is full of good people, so it's important not to judge based on one bad experience or to restrict oneself from meeting new people. She is grateful for her supportive family and colleagues. In difficult situations, especially in the operating theater, she remembers the saying, Tough times don't last, but tough people will.

Dr. Shweta loves spending time with her friends and family, reading books, watching shows together, and listening to music. Watching her son cycle and going for walks also bring her joy.

Dr. Shweta has a message for the younger generation. She notices that many interns today are in a hurry to achieve something quickly. She observes that interns are often eager to learn and move on to post-graduation, but in their haste, they miss out on gaining crucial clinical experience. This experience is invaluable and remains with you throughout your life.