What inspired you to pursue a career in emergency medicine?

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Growing up in a bustling and often chaotic healthcare system in India, I was drawn to the energy and unpredictability of emergency medicine early on. A big part of that inspiration came from my father, an anesthesiologist and critical care expert. Watching him manage critically ill patients with calm precision and compassion left a lasting impression on me and shaped my understanding of what it means to be truly present in moments of crisis.

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What began as curiosity during medical school evolved into a true calling during my residency. A defining moment came during my internship when I witnessed a patient collapse from anaphylaxis. The emergency physician on duty quickly recognized the situation and acted decisively—ultimately saving the patient’s life. That moment solidified my belief in the impact and immediacy of emergency care.

Emergency medicine offers the perfect blend of critical thinking, procedural skill, and deep human connection. You meet people on their worst days—and you get to make a real difference. That responsibility, that privilege—it never gets old.

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What unique challenges do you face in emergency medicine in your country, and how have you worked to address them?

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In India, the biggest challenges are around standardization of care, public awareness, and emergency system integration. Many patients still arrive late due to lack of prehospital care systems or knowledge about symptoms. Over the years, I’ve worked on community outreach and bystander care training, while also mentoring young doctors through structured programs like MEM and DNB. At Manipal Hospitals, we’re building a system that is community-driven, tech-enabled, and outcomes-focused.

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What advice would you give to young professionals or students in your country who are interested in pursuing emergency medicine?

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Emergency medicine is not just a specialty—it’s a mindset. It demands resilience, teamwork, and a passion for lifelong learning. If you're considering it, dive in. Volunteer, observe, ask questions. Find a mentor. And remember: your calm can save lives. Your voice can lead change.

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What are you most looking forward to at ICEM2025, both in terms of learning and networking opportunities?

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ICEM is always a convergence of ideas and global perspectives. At ICEM2025, I’m looking forward to meaningful exchanges around medical education, global equity in care delivery, and innovations in resuscitation. I’m particularly excited about presenting on how we can localize global strategies in education—something I call “glocalization.” It’s also an opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors from around the world, learn from their experiences, and share a bit of our journey in India.

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How does diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) play a role in shaping the future of emergency medicine in your country and globally?

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DEI isn’t a checkbox—it’s the foundation of ethical and effective care. In India, where social, cultural, and economic diversity is immense, we’re constantly learning how to tailor emergency care in a way that respects and supports our patients' unique backgrounds. Globally, we need to advocate for access to training, equitable representation in leadership, and curricula that reflect the realities of both resource-rich and resource-limited settings. I’m hopeful that ICEM 2025 will amplify these conversations.

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Anything else you'd like to share?

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Outside of work, I’m passionate about sports medicine and have served as the medical director for major sporting events in India, including IPL and ISL teams. I also enjoy mentoring the next generation of emergency physicians—whether through teaching, simulation, or simply honest conversation.

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I’m an avid marathon runner and a fitness enthusiast, and I strongly believe in the power of personal discipline and wellness to fuel professional excellence. I’d love to share a comparison photo showing my journey—from my 2019 self to the 2025 version—as a testament to transformation, consistency, and commitment.

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As a team in the emergency department, we often unwind by playing cricket together during our leisure time. It’s a great way to de-stress and has significantly strengthened our team bonding outside the clinical space.

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On a personal note, my two lifelines—my wife Nimmy and my daughter Kiara—are my greatest source of strength and joy. I’m attaching a photo that reflects the love and laughter we share. My parents are my unwavering support system, and I cherish every outing and moment spent with them; I truly am who I am because of them.

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And just for fun—I’m a bit of a tattoo enthusiast and have been inked a couple of times. Each piece tells a story, just like every chapter of this incredible journey.