Renowned Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Dr. Neha (Tarna) Khadpe speaks of her experiences over the years and women’s health issues
Early life and education
I hail from a small village named Siolim in Bardez Taluka in Goa. However, I’ve spent most of my early years in Mapusa where my mother practiced as a gynecologist. She was attached to Asilo Hospital, Mapusa and had her own private practice there as well as in Panaji. This was back in the year 1972, when doctors were allowed to have a private practice, while in Government service. With several doctors in the family, I was inclined towards the medical profession from as early as the age of ten.
After finishing my early education in Mapusa, I completed my MBBS degree from Goa Medical College in 1992. Thereafter, I joined the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Goa Medical College and completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1996.
Later, I spent six months working at the Wadia Maternity Hospital in Mumbai, during which time I also undertook training in Obstetrical Ultrasound and Laparoscopy. Working at Wadia helped me to develop confidence as it provided me with exposure to a variety of patients. The professors and senior doctors there were extremely helpful, and my interest in the subject grew further.
What made you specialize in Gynecology & Obstetrics over other fields?
My mother Dr. Ratan Naik (Khaunte) is the first Lady FRCS (Edinburgh) from Goa. It was her passion and dedication towards her profession that fascinated and inspired me to follow in her footsteps and become a gynecologist. She was, is, and will always be my role model.
My sincere advice to all women would be to make their health a priority. Considering the chaos a woman undergoes in her daily life, healthy living may take a backseat to household chores, work, family, busy schedules and so on
Professional experience as a Gynecologist & Obstetrician
In December 1996, I got married and permanently moved to Mumbai where my husband was working. This was when I started working at Singhania’s Hospital in Thane as a resident gynecologist. My elder son was born in October in 1997 and I took a break from the profession for a while. As they say, life is full of surprises! My husband took up a new job in Goa at TCS in 2000 and we moved back to Goa. I was happy to be back in Goa and I had made up my mind to start my clinic and get back to work, following which I started ‘Devki Clinic’ in 2000 which will be turning 20 on the 29th of October, this year.
My initial years of private practice were a struggle as I had to juggle between my profession, managing things at home, and looking after my children. Sometimes, it would be really difficult to multi-task but I had lot of support from my husband, my in-laws, my mother, and, most importantly, both my sons.
Since I did not have my own hospital, I admitted patients at Dr. Kedar’s Hospital to start with and for the last five years, at Trinity Hospital. I would like to express my gratitude to both Dr. Kedar Padte and Dr. Eugene D’Silva who have always been very encouraging and supportive.
What are some of the health issues women face nowadays? How should they keep them under check?
Women these days are quite high on awareness, being health and fitness conscious. This might have more to do with Google equipping them with more information than with their interactions with doctors. They Google their symptoms, diagnose it themselves, and come to us just for a prescription. Some of them already know the treatment coming in.
A few days ago, a fourteen-year-old girl visited me, accompanied by her mother. She had a treatable congenital condition. As soon as she entered, she proceeded to present the self-diagnosis of her condition and suggested the procedure she felt she needed to undergo. Shockingly, she was absolutely right on both counts. On asking her how she had managed to figure it out, she mentioned that she had ‘googled’ everything.
In this era of abundance of information, whenever I prescribe any medicine, I also have to prepare myself to deal with follow up questions about the rarest of side effects that the patient might read about somewhere on the internet. The upside to this new era of heightened awareness is that women reach out to doctors at the smallest signs of trouble and this helps in early diagnosis and ultimately, prevention of complications.
The next generation needs to understand that there is a lot of responsibility entrusted in doctors. Passion, perseverance, and determination are the key virtues towards becoming a successful doctor. We have to be humble and compassionate
Your advice to women to stay healthy
My sincere advice to all women would be to make their health a priority. Considering the chaos a woman undergoes in her daily life, healthy living may take a backseat to household chores, work, family, busy schedules and so on.
At least 30 minutes of daily exercise in any form such as walking, jogging, Zumba, swimming or yoga can go a long way to keep women healthy. Alongside, I would also recommend they maintain a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables while trying to cut down on carbohydrates and fats. It is also good to avoid packed and processed food and to go for annual health check-ups. We all know that prevention is better than cure. As your body journeys through years, life will leave its marks on us. From your birthmarks to your wrinkles, don’t regret aging which I believe, is a privilege denied to many. The idea is to age gracefully!
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected medical practice?
We’ve had the pandemic since February 2020 and life has been pretty difficult for doctors. Some professions have been able to make the switch to work from home, many people have lost jobs, but doctors have been on their toes throughout this pandemic.
Those on the frontline are forced to stay away from their families. All of us have been rapidly adapting to new working conditions such as wearing a face shield, wearing the PPE suits, and using all sorts of protective equipment. Nonetheless, we are happy to do so! Our Hippocratic Oath does not let us turn patients away. Our Zoom webinars during this pandemic have kept us constantly in touch with each other and also helped stay abreast of the latest developments in our field.
As an accomplished Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, what would be your advice for youngsters out there who want to pursue the same career?
The next generation needs to understand that there is a lot of responsibility entrusted in doctors. Passion, perseverance, and determination are the key virtues towards becoming a successful doctor. We have to be humble and compassionate.
One has to constantly keep learning because the knowledge in the field is vast and one has to always remain updated with the latest advancements in the field. Reading, attending conferences, attending CMEs, interactions and discussion with one’s colleagues in the same profession can be very helpful.
Your success mantra and plans for the future?
My success mantra has always been remaining humble and grounded. Learning to accept ones mistakes and trying not to repeat the same is important.
My profession is my passion and my patient is my God. My future plans are primarily just to continue on the trajectory I am to continue to be compassionate and dedicated to my patients. I still continue to believe that “The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray.” I thank Business Goa for giving me this opportunity to express myself
