ST Bureau
Mumbai
This
interview is a part of Startup Terminal interview series to mark the occasion
of ‘International Women’s Day’
interview is a part of Startup Terminal interview series to mark the occasion
of ‘International Women’s Day’
Dr. Kamini Rao, is a legendary name in Indian fertility sector. The pioneer of Assisted Reproduction
Treatments (ART) in India, with more than four decades of dedicated experience
in the sector she was awarded with Padma Shree and as always’ been, her name is
synonymous with hope to quite a number of aspiring parents.
Treatments (ART) in India, with more than four decades of dedicated experience
in the sector she was awarded with Padma Shree and as always’ been, her name is
synonymous with hope to quite a number of aspiring parents.
ST: Please tell us more about yourself.
Dr. Kamini Rao: For
over three decades, I have been fortunate to play an integral role in shaping
the fertility landscape of the country. Being one of the pioneers in Assisted
Reproduction Treatments in India, I have been instrumental in setting up South India‘s
first Semen Bank as well as engineered South India’s First Babies born through
ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and Laser Assisted Hatching.
over three decades, I have been fortunate to play an integral role in shaping
the fertility landscape of the country. Being one of the pioneers in Assisted
Reproduction Treatments in India, I have been instrumental in setting up South India‘s
first Semen Bank as well as engineered South India’s First Babies born through
ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and Laser Assisted Hatching.
 |
| Dr. Kamini Rao |
It was a great moment to receive Padma
Shri from honourable President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee for my contributions to the
world of reproductive medicine. Another hearty achievement which has recently
come to me is, to be appointed by Merck as the Brand Ambassador for fertility
treatments in Africa and Asia, the first Indian to win the honour. I have also
been recognized as the Global Asian of the year in January.
Shri from honourable President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee for my contributions to the
world of reproductive medicine. Another hearty achievement which has recently
come to me is, to be appointed by Merck as the Brand Ambassador for fertility
treatments in Africa and Asia, the first Indian to win the honour. I have also
been recognized as the Global Asian of the year in January.
Even as I rejoice in all these honours,
I still believe I have lots to do in the world of medicine and society at
large. I believe in empowering women through health, enabling them to make
informed decisions about their lives and fostering in them a new lease of life
to face all challenges in life, gracefully.
I still believe I have lots to do in the world of medicine and society at
large. I believe in empowering women through health, enabling them to make
informed decisions about their lives and fostering in them a new lease of life
to face all challenges in life, gracefully.
ST: Who is your biggest influence
in life?
in life?
Dr. Kamini Rao: My key influence in life has been the pioneers of IVF.
I have drawn so much inspiration from them that I would like to leave behind
similar outstanding contributions to the world of reproductive medicine for the
future generations to follow.
I have drawn so much inspiration from them that I would like to leave behind
similar outstanding contributions to the world of reproductive medicine for the
future generations to follow.
ST: What challenges do you face
in your day to day professional life, if any?
in your day to day professional life, if any?
Dr.
Kamini Rao: Today, medical profession is becoming a
business rather than a noble profession. The relationship between patients is
unfortunately condescending to a money-minded business relationship. In the
past, no patients sued the doctor as we see in the present scenario. Physicians
were highly respected in the society in those times. Corporatization of
healthcare has made it like any other business that doctors are no more
regarded as infallible. Even medical profession is increasingly being influenced
by profit motives. The doctor-patient relationship has turned into a virtual
‘consumer provider’ service and this is the major challenge faced by most of
the medical professionals of the day.
Kamini Rao: Today, medical profession is becoming a
business rather than a noble profession. The relationship between patients is
unfortunately condescending to a money-minded business relationship. In the
past, no patients sued the doctor as we see in the present scenario. Physicians
were highly respected in the society in those times. Corporatization of
healthcare has made it like any other business that doctors are no more
regarded as infallible. Even medical profession is increasingly being influenced
by profit motives. The doctor-patient relationship has turned into a virtual
‘consumer provider’ service and this is the major challenge faced by most of
the medical professionals of the day.
ST: Where do you want to see
yourself in next 5 years down the line?
yourself in next 5 years down the line?
Dr. Kamini Rao: I
believe that there is more to any profession that you practice, than what meets
the eye. I want to initiate a change that does more than talking. There is a
certain kind of stereotyping that is associated with women and it isn’t any
different in case of women and their relations with motherhood. I want to push
the society to allow women to dream, to work towards their dreams and not let
phases like motherhood become a hindrance to that. Women need to understand
that their life is not meant to be a competition to earn certificates and
compliments from the world around. She
needs to initiate a reversal in her roles, where she is considered not just a
‘taken for granted’ personality but someone who completely values her time. She
needs to become a priority for her family as well. I see myself as someone who will relentlessly
work towards a better society in not just the next 5 years, but further than
that!
believe that there is more to any profession that you practice, than what meets
the eye. I want to initiate a change that does more than talking. There is a
certain kind of stereotyping that is associated with women and it isn’t any
different in case of women and their relations with motherhood. I want to push
the society to allow women to dream, to work towards their dreams and not let
phases like motherhood become a hindrance to that. Women need to understand
that their life is not meant to be a competition to earn certificates and
compliments from the world around. She
needs to initiate a reversal in her roles, where she is considered not just a
‘taken for granted’ personality but someone who completely values her time. She
needs to become a priority for her family as well. I see myself as someone who will relentlessly
work towards a better society in not just the next 5 years, but further than
that!
ST: What
is your message to the readers on ‘International Women’s Day’?
is your message to the readers on ‘International Women’s Day’?
Dr. Kamini Rao: To
all women out there who are sacrificing some parts of themselves for their near
and dear ones, know that you are not insignificant. Your dreams are not jokes,
your desires are not to be laughed at and your choices about your career are
definitely things which shape your identity and hence should take pride in each
of these elements. Before you place importance to your family and other facets
of life, remember to take care of yourself, from inside and out. Believe that
no one but you decide your dreams.
all women out there who are sacrificing some parts of themselves for their near
and dear ones, know that you are not insignificant. Your dreams are not jokes,
your desires are not to be laughed at and your choices about your career are
definitely things which shape your identity and hence should take pride in each
of these elements. Before you place importance to your family and other facets
of life, remember to take care of yourself, from inside and out. Believe that
no one but you decide your dreams.
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startupterminal@gmail.com
