Welcome to the third part of our interview with Dr. Priya Bansal, let's see the challenges faced by her and how she tackled them. To stay updated with recent advancements in the field of medicine.
Priya Bairagi: Ma'am, my next question is, have you ever faced a challenging case, or perhaps made a mistake during a procedure?
Dr. Priya Bansal: When it comes to challenging cases, I believe each case presents its unique difficulties.
However, one particular instance comes to mind. It involved a woman in her early thirties. She had previously undergone liposuction, but the results were less than satisfactory. Her abdomen had become uneven, with noticeable irregularities, and she had also undergone liposuction on her back, arms, and thighs, along with a breast reduction. What concerned me most was the fact that she had undergone multiple surgeries at a relatively young age, and none of them had been executed properly. She approached me for a buttock lift, which posed several challenges. The question was where to harvest fat for the procedure since her previous surgeries had already affected various areas. Her arms, in particular, had been unevenly suctioned, resulting in one arm appearing thinner than the other. The previous liposuction had created adhesions between layers of tissue, making it challenging to break these adhesions and normalize the contours. Selective suction and fat grafting were required to achieve the desired results. Harvesting fat for the buttock lift presented yet another hurdle. Processing the fat and reapplying it to the buttocks was an intricate process.
The entire surgery was demanding, as it involved correcting the errors from previous procedures and delivering the results the patient desired. If all the initial surgeries had been executed properly, this patient, at such a young age, would not have had to undergo a second surgery, and as a surgeon, I would not have encountered as many challenges during the procedure. This case vividly demonstrates the importance of executing each surgery with precision and care.
Priya Bairagi: Plastic surgery techniques are continually advancing, and it's essential to stay updated with new technologies and methodologies in your practice. How do you manage to stay updated?
Dr. Priya Bansal: For this reason, I always make it a priority to attend conferences. As you might have observed on my Instagram, I attend conferences every other month. These conferences provide a valuable platform for us to learn and share knowledge. For example, I recently attended a conference in Berlin, where plastic surgeons from across the globe gathered. It was an opportunity to exchange insights, discover the latest technologies, and collaborate as a team. We strive to acquire and implement cutting-edge technologies that we learn about during these conferences. This is how we continually advance and adapt in the field of plastic surgery. The same principle holds for the entire medical profession; it's an ongoing process of research, learning, and application.
Priya Bairagi: The bond system is indeed prevalent in both MBBS and PGs, often requiring service in a government setup. While there might be fewer opportunities in government setups for plastic surgery. How do you manage them and how do you get knowledge from the government setup?
Dr. Priya Bansal: Fortunately, I didn't have to undergo any bonding experiences. During my MBBS, the requirement was an internship lasting a year, and my MS at SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha also didn't entail any bonds.
However, the medical system is becoming progressively more demanding due to the increasing prevalence of these bonds, which can significantly extend the duration of your training. While it's true that some individuals can potentially pay their way out of these commitments, not everyone has that option. In such cases, you're left with no choice but to fulfil your bond obligations. Therefore, as you embark on your journey in this field, it's crucial to be mentally prepared and aware that you might have to navigate through these challenges.
Priya Bairagi: I would be interested to know your perspective on the NEXT exam if you're aware of it.
Dr. Priya Bansal: I believe that what we have now, with the common entrance exams for all colleges, is a significant change compared to our time. Back then, we had to prepare for individual college entrance exams. We had to take separate tests for colleges in Orissa, Delhi, AIMS, and PGI. This led to a constant process of preparing for and taking multiple exams. While this had its disadvantages, such as always having to keep track of exam dates and dealing with potential schedule conflicts between two institutions, it also had some advantages.
NEET, the common entrance exam, has simplified the process for everyone. You only need to take one exam, and it provides you with rankings and a seat. This is undoubtedly advantageous. However, the downside is that you only have one shot at it. In our time, we had the opportunity to take multiple exams, increasing our chances of success. So, in that sense, having just one exam, like NEET, may be a disadvantage. Regarding exam preparation, the variety of exams and centers we used to go through might have made us more well-rounded in our preparations, or so it seems to me. But times have changed, and I can't fully compare them. One aspect of the current system that I don't agree with is the concept of a "zero percentile." Medicine is a field where people's lives are at stake, and having a zero percentile means you haven't even qualified for the exam. If a student cannot dedicate enough time to study and pass the exam, it raises questions about the commitment and dedication they'll have for their future patients. I'm not in favor of this zero percentile approach.
Priya Bairagi: Ma'am, as a certified doctor with extensive experience, you've been able to produce high-quality content on social media. In today's landscape, there is an abundance of influencers offering suggestions like 'Do this, and you'll get these benefits.' What message would you like to convey to these influencers, and how would you explain it?
Dr. Priya Bansal: That's precisely why, in all my videos and content, I consistently emphasize the importance of consulting a certified plastic surgeon. Indeed, we can't prevent people from pursuing their own choices, and we can't stop influencers from promoting their messages. What we can do, however, is create awareness. Our goal, as doctors, is to provide as much accurate and reliable information as we can within our capacity. We share this information on social media to ensure that our audience can distinguish between what's right and what's not, what's a myth and what's a fact. While our followers might be fewer in number, influencers often have much larger followings. Despite this, we must keep spreading the truth and educating our audience so that they are not swayed by influencers or individuals offering questionable advice. We may not be able to halt these influencers, but we can certainly do our part by providing trustworthy guidance.
Priya Bairagi: Do you have any message for the society?
Dr. Priya Bansal: I'd like to reiterate the importance of being well-informed. In today's digital age, obtaining information has never been easier. Unlike in the past when newspapers or television were the primary sources of information, now, with a simple click on your phone, you can access a wealth of knowledge via Google. You can learn about individuals, places, things, and medical procedures.
My advice to society as a whole is to conduct thorough research. When considering a surgical procedure, take the time to scrutinize the profiles of the surgeons you're considering. I would recommend looking at three to four different profiles and consulting with multiple professionals. Choose the surgeon you feel most comfortable with after doing your comprehensive research.
Furthermore, I would strongly advise against prioritizing costs when it comes to medical procedures. Cheaper options may not always be the best. It's essential to focus on qualifications and reputation when making a decision. In matters involving your health and well-being, it's crucial not to rush into decisions blindly. Remember, you're entrusting your body to someone, so it's essential to make an informed and careful choice.
Priya Bairagi: In your capacity as a plastic surgeon, what do you find to be the most fulfilling aspect of your profession? I've covered most of my inquiries, but is there any message you'd like to convey to our readers?
Dr. Priya Bansal: The most rewarding aspect is the gratitude I receive from my patients. I understand that I may be reiterating some points, but it's vital to address the prevalent myths, taboos, and misconceptions surrounding plastic surgery, along with the presence of unqualified practitioners. I urge individuals to be well-informed and conduct thorough research. Seek certified, qualified, and experienced professionals before making any decisions. Plastic surgery often carries a stigma and is erroneously associated with vanity or exclusive to the elite class. I want to emphasize that plastic surgery encompasses procedures that can significantly improve one's quality of life. It goes beyond vanity and is sometimes necessary for boosting confidence and self-esteem. Society needs to recognize and accept plastic surgery as a valuable and sometimes life-changing medical field, rather than dismissing it as mere vanity.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Priya Bansal for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
