LIVING THE i LIFE: ‘Virus outbreak was a learning curve for me'

As a palliative and geriatric physician, I am dealing with patients in very vulnerable conditions. I have a moral responsibility to take care of them. All of a sudden, things changed. Some patients’ relatives have apprehensions of coming in contact with coronavirus. So we made WhatsApp groups and video calls so that the kith and kin could know what was happening regularly. The outbreak of the virus was a learning curve for me, too. I had to put a brave front because if I crumble, others would also be unable to hold up. We kept the team well-informed and up-to-date. Many people don’t have money at this time. I had to choose between humanity and finance. It has been an eye-opening experience for me. It is very satisfying on a professional front. But it is very painful to see those who are suffering. The lockdown has also given me the opportunity to relax at home with family. It has been difficult to handle work and home at the same time. As a family, we have become closer. Our emotional bond has gotten strengthened.