Welcome to another section of DocScopy, let us walk through the life and professional journey of Dr. Amol Eknath Mumbaikar. MedBound Times was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to have a candid conversation with one of the most renowned general practitioners in Mumbai.
Dr. Amol Mumbaikar, MBBS, Fellow of The Royal Society of Health [FRSH], is a General Physician in Mumbai. He is the owner of Aditya Clinic and practicing for 23 years. He is also an online consultant for Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai. He serves as an Associate Professor at Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College in Mumbai. He completed his MBBS from Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) Medical College, Mumbai
The conversation between Dr. Amey Patil from MedBound Times and Dr. Amol Mumbaikar gives us an insight into various aspects of Dr. Mumbaikar's life. We dive deep into his professional journey, social work in rural areas, goals, and much more!
Dr. Amey: Sir, Can you please tell me something about your life and professional journey?
Dr. Mumbaikar: I was born in a very small town called Shirur near Pune. My father was a government employee, so we always had to move from one place to another. I did my schooling in another small town in Thane district which is on the outskirts of Mumbai. Eventually, we moved to Mumbai, where I got admission to MBBS at MGM Medical College in 1992. I worked as an observer for a reputed doctor in Mumbai and then set up my clinic
Dr. Amey: That's a rollercoaster of a story. Sir, What are you currently doing?
Dr. Mumbaikar: After observership, I set up my clinic in 1999. I have been practicing ever since for 23 years. Over time, I made many changes to my clinic. My wife is a homeopathic doctor, and after she joined, we started an OPD exclusively about women's health.
I also handle other facilities and ventures of the clinic like x-rays, diagnostic centre, pathology section, medical store, and Aditya Charitable Trust.
Dr. Amey: I've heard a lot about your social initiatives. Can you please tell me about Aditya Charitable Trust?
Dr. Mumbaikar: I established Aditya Charitable Trust as my father was always keen on doing social work. My practice is in this small, almost rural area of Mumbai called Sukapur. The socio-economic status of the people is not that strong and their health needs are generally not met.
It was specifically highlighted during the infamous Mumbai floods of 2005. Water had accumulated in many houses, including my clinic. A lot of diseases had started surfacing as well. That's when my father recommended not charging any money and providing treatment for free. I was a bit skeptical about the idea, but I decided to go ahead with it. I treated more than 2000 people for free during that period. Even the medicines provided were free. The satisfaction I felt after that was unmatched, and it helped my practice in the long run as well.
Gradually I started with many other initiatives like conducting free medical camps. I would conduct free medical camps now and then on various themes like non-communicable diseases, general full body checkups, women's health, etc.
The camps helped me to detect conditions like hypertension, diabetes, breathing disorders, arthritis, etc, among the people. After that, I started reaching out to the rural and tribal areas around Mumbai. I would conduct both camps and other social work activities. I would provide basic amenities like food, clothing, books, pencil boxes, calendars, etc, to people. I then had a tie-up with Shahrukh Khan's organization, the 'SRK Universe,' where we do a lot of social work.
I treated more than 2000 people for free during the Mumbai floods in 2005. Even the medicines provided were free. The satisfaction I felt after that was unmatched.
Dr. Amol Mumbaikar, MBBS, FRSH
Dr. Amey: That's very impressive, Sir. SRK Universe sounds interesting. Can you tell me more about it?
Dr. Mumbaikar: SRK Universe is a small venture of Shahrukh Khan which is managed by his fans all around the country. They made a tie-up with me to provide healthcare to the people living in rural areas of Mumbai.
Dr. Amey: Sir, can you tell me more about the socio-economic conditions and healthcare needs of people in the area where you practice? Also, how did these factors influence or challenge your practice over the years? I've heard that you charge very less fees.
Dr. Mumbaikar: I came to realize the health needs of the people here pretty much on the very first day of my practice. I had a Puja on the opening of my clinic in 1999. It was technically not even the first day of my practice as I only had a table and a couple of chairs with basic medicines. But still, three patients showed up. It made me realize how desperate the people of this area were.
People here just cannot afford to go to big tertiary hospitals or big clinics. Therefore, everything around my practice has always revolved around affordability. The free health check-ups I carry out have helped me to reach and connect with people. They even access the clinic during other times as they've realized that the fees aren't exorbitantly high. I still see people missing follow-ups as they don't have money.
I still charge only ₹50 as basic consultation fees even after 23 years of practice.
Dr. Amol Mumbaikar, MBBS, FRSH
I still charge only ₹50 as basic consultation fees (excluding medicines) even after 23 years of practice. I go to a place in Mumbai where they provide generic medicines. I purchase them in bulk and offer them during my practice so that the patients do not have to bear the extra charges for unnecessary branded medicines. I have my medical store so that the patients get some medicines at a reasonable and affordable rate.
I also have services like x-rays, ECG, and an IPD section with around 8 beds. I provide all these services at a rate that is almost half of what it would cost the patients at another private facility. Even during COVID, I treated patients for free so that there is a less economic burden on them. Earlier, I used to organize home visits as well. However, now due to time constraints, I do not conduct them.
I also have a tie-up with a pathology lab. The person visits the clinic every time a sample has to be taken. It spares the patients the trouble of actually visiting a lab for investigations.
We provide free medical treatment in more than 15 villages across Mumbai.
We provide free medical treatment in more than 15 villages across Mumbai.
Dr. Amol Mumbaikar, MBBS, FRSH
Dr. Amey: That's amazing, Sir. Why did you choose medicine to be your career path?
Dr. Mumbaikar: To be honest, there isn't a big story behind this. Back in the early 90s, being a doctor was a big thing (it still is). I used to remember the personality some doctors used to carry and how people respected them. That essentially motivated and sparked my interest in becoming a doctor. Also, my two elder sisters are in the engineering and IT fields, so I wanted to become something different.
Dr. Amey: Any incidence(s) related to the patient, family, or society involvement that you distinctly remember?
Dr. Mumbaikar: Many to be honest. I used to remember my early days when I would even do small surgical procedures like pleural tapping in my clinic. I have stopped doing them now. I also remember in my observership days, when the doctor was on a vacation, and I essentially handled the entire clinic. In my earlier days when I used to conduct home visits. I especially cherish when people used to park cars near my house so that I'll be able to check their patients whenever required. People traveling more than 40-50 km to visit my clinic, the satisfaction people get after I treat them, and communicating with children on their health requirements are the things that mean the world to me.
People traveling more than 40-50 km to visit my clinic, the satisfaction people get after I treat them, and communicating with children on their health requirements are the things that mean the world to me.
Dr. Amol Mumbaikar, MBBS, FRSH
Dr. Amey: Any incidents that you feel you could have done in a better way (something that left you disappointed and less satisfied)?
Dr. Mumbaikar: I don't have any regrets. However, I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get a chance to pursue my M.D. I even got admission to M.D. Pathology. However, by that time, other responsibilities had taken over, and my clinic was also doing well.
Dr. Amey: What is your take on the decision of imparting medical education in regional languages?
Dr. Mumbaikar: To be honest, I haven't followed recent news and developments regarding this particular topic. However, I do realize that this has been a hot topic lately. I have personally done my schooling in Marathi medium.
Once I reached my first year of MBBS, things felt foreign to me. As much as I want students from rural areas to do better, I feel English is still the way to go. Language shouldn't be a barrier when we talk about medicine. However, times are changing. Without English, it would be difficult for medical students to deal with newer developments like marketing and research. Most of the research papers are in English, and if they pursue M.D., their thesis or dissertation will have to be in English as well. So I suggest people who struggle with English to put in some extra effort. It will be difficult at first, but soon you will adjust.
I would suggest medical students join a local clinic in their area for observership during the first or second year of their course itself. Getting a practical hand in medical practice is extremely important and one shouldn't necessarily wait till an internship for that.
Dr. Amol Mumbaikar, MBBS, FRSH
Dr. Amey: What is your message/advice for budding doctors?
Dr. Mumbaikar: Get your hands dirty! I would suggest medical students join a local clinic in their area for observership during the first or second year of their course itself. Getting a practical hand in medical practice is extremely important and one shouldn't necessarily wait till an internship for that. I would also suggest budding doctors understand the marketing side of medicine.
Dr. Amey: Your goals for the next 2-3 years?
Dr. Mumbaikar: I recently got accepted as an Associate Professor (visiting faculty) at a new medical college in Mumbai. My goal would be to get better at teaching. It is a bit intimidating as I've never taught before. Another goal of mine would be to renovate my clinic into a bigger one.
Dr. Amey: What do you like to do in your free time?
Dr. Mumbaikar: Watch Shahrukh Khan's movies, watch cricket, and spend time with my daughter.
Dr. Amey: What would be your best/most memorable moment?
Dr. Mumbaikar: One of the most memorable moments was getting felicitated with the Panvel Bhushan Award. It is conferred to citizens of my city (Panvel) who have done good work in their respective fields. I have always strived for the admiration of my local people. Even my father was given the same award, which made my award even more special.
No matter in which field you are, work and contribute towards local people. You can still be successful and earn money while doing so. The local community is your roots, and as they say, one should never forget their roots.
Dr. Amol Mumbaikar, MBBS, FRSH
Dr. Amey: If your life was a movie, what would you name it?
Dr. Mumbaikar: Based on the recent trend, I would say 'PATHAN' (laughs).
Dr. Amey: What do you hate the most, and what triggers you?
Dr. Mumbaikar: People exhibiting a lack of discipline are what triggers me. I also dislike people coming to me for sick/medical leaves (laughs).
Dr. Amey: Finally, a message for society.
Dr. Mumbaikar: No matter in which field you are, work and contribute towards local people. You can still be successful and earn money while doing so. The local community is your roots, and as they say, one should never forget their roots.
