Q & A with Dr. Birdi

Why did you choose to study medicine and what aspects of medicine do you enjoy the most?

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There are several reasons why people chose to study medicine and become doctors, ranging from being able to help those through need, to having an interest in the science of the human body, to having a secure and respectable career. For me, the decision to study medicine stems from my passion for people and the ability to be able to work with and help people from all walks of life. In addition to this I was always very fascinated by the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as processes that lead to development of disease. Medicine is also a field where one is constantly learning and evolving in their knowledge and skills, which is something I love about being a doctor. 

What do you mean by a ‘holistic approach’ to your practice?

I try to look at all aspects of an individuals’ life that may be impacting on their health such as life stressors, physical fitness and lifestyle. I try to work with patients to make shared decisions and formulate management plans which are relevant to their particular needs and circumstances.

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Has your experience in different healthcare systems altered your practice in any way?

The many challenges to providing safe, efficient, cost-effective and easily accessible care are faced by all healthcare systems across the world. The burden of disease is ever increasing and demands are rising exponentially everywhere. This makes disease prevention even more paramount, which I try to focus on throughout my practice.

Do you see any changes in the direction towards which health care is heading in the current era?

The use of Artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is a fascinating area of research at the moment, driven by the need to make healthcare more efficient, precise and cost- effective. Some great advances are being made in the field of AI as well as various other innovative fields  such as robotics, 3-D printing and digital technology. It is possible things may be very different in 20-30 years from now. By no means will these advances replace doctors, but they may enhance our skills and efficiency.