Those Magical Words Inspired me to Become a Doctor: Dr CS Yadav

What inspired you to choose medicine as your profession?

I belong to a very middle-class family from Agra. I was quite studious during my school days. My mother always believed in me and encouraged me to achieve something big in life. When I was studying in standard V, my mother developed Rheumatoid arthritis. One day she said. 

"son, why don't you become a doctor in the future and treat me" 

These words touched me deeply, and I made up my mind to make a career in the medical field.

What was your medical journey been like?

My parents couldn't afford to send me far away for my medical studies, so I got admitted to the SN Medical College. After finishing my MD Medicine degree, I started working at Safdarjung Hospital; even after serving there for three years, I felt something was missing, so I worked harder and secured my position at Delhi AIIMS. It was one of the biggest days of my life.

What made you choose to become a replacement surgeon?

While pursuing MS in Orthopedics at AIIMS, I decided to specialize in joint replacement as it suits my personality well. When patients enter into OPD for surgery, we can assure them that they can start walking soon after the surgery gets over. And it's been more than twenty years since I have served society as a Knee & Hip replacement surgeon, and I will keep doing it till my last breath. Thus, I often use the phrase as my leitmotif (signature statement).

  "If there is even a single breath left, I will turn the tide" 

You have also been extremely vocal against some medical malpractices; tell us something about that.

By 2006-7, I had started operating on patients independently; before that, I worked with my seniors. Those days there was a bogus claim regarding cervical replacement that it would last 50-60 years. But I found it fishy I started giving lectures against this malpractice. In the initial phase of my career, I would get threats to stop my lectures; otherwise, my career would finish. Another issue against which I raised my voice was the use of Heparin. I discovered it is extremely harmful to patients if used regularly. Other medical practitioners also knew it would damage the body if taken routinely, but many chose to remain silent due to monetary influences. But since I am not a man who runs behind money and power, I kept spreading awareness. Gradually more people came forward, and this issue was highlighted, resulting in proper regulations on Heparin's usage. 

How do you add value to your student's life?

I want my students to learn as much as possible; therefore, I introduced the first Cadaver training program, where students practice replacement surgeries on dead bodies under the supervision of experts. But when Covid broke out, it became impossible for us to continue with the practical classes, so we conducted the world's first Cadaveric webinar in which there was a total of 903 participants from 32 different countries.

You have also performed joint replacement surgeries at some of the highest altitudes; how was your experience?

Since people living at high altitudes keep walking up and down hills, they frequently have orthopedic issues. There aren't many options for medical care at high altitudes. Till date we have performed more than 250 operations at Leh and Kargil together. For which we have Limca Book of Records.

Can you please briefly tell us about your daily routine?

I set out from home at 8 am; on average, I perform 8-10 surgeries daily till 2-3 pm. Thereupon I meet almost 40 patients at OPD. Lastly, I take a ward round to check the well-being of admitted patients and return home. Then I get fresh and go out for the workout; on returning, I watch or read something for entertainment, have my supper and get off to bed. The same routine goes on every day.

Would you like to give any message to the youth (patients and aspiring doctors)?

For patients, I would suggest, after consulting any private practitioner, seeking advice from a government hospital, better AIIMS, Delhi, so they get unbiased opinions and know the best available treatment options for their conditions.

Final Words

Dr CS Yadav is indeed an inspiration to many. He is a living example of how honesty and hard work pay off a person. We hope this story brings positive change to your life. For more such inspiring stories, stay connected with us.