Know Your Doctor – Dr Vidyasagar Chandankere

Please tell us something about yourself – Career path & Family.
I did schooling from Army Public School. My father is an Ex – veteran. I am a proud Kannadiga, settled in Hyderabad. I had a keen interest to join services but destiny took me the other way. I secured a merit seat for my UG & PG degree. I did my under-graduation from prestigious KIMS, Hubli and post-graduation from SSMC, Tumkur. From postgraduation days I had an interest in Paediatric Orthopaedics.

My guide and guru Dr J K Reddy taught me the little things I know today. I worked in Navodaya Medical College, Raichur before joining the Paediatric Orthopaedics department in CMC, Vellore as a Tutor and then Assistant Professor. I had extensive exposure to paediatric hip surgery during my stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for almost 2 years. I also secured fellowship training from Sancheti Institute, Pune and Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong.

I am married to Dr Jahnavi Chejarla who is a Masters in Hospital Administration and currently working. We have a 3 years old daughter. Her name is Rhea.

Describe your typical workday?
My day starts early with surgeries in the morning followed by OPD later. I do manage children with multiple orthopaedic problems so patience is the key. I try to spend more time examining and then talking to parents as kids may not be very expressive and co-operative for examination.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

Lord Basavanna said, “Kayakave Kailasa” which means work is worship. However small or less work one may have, we must do it heartfully. Being in, one of the rare sub-speciality I adjust my hospital timings so that I can take my daughter for daily walks in the park and spend some time jogging. My wife and I make arrangements to see that one is always available to pick my daughter from school and play with her. I keep Saturdays as half-day and don’t work on Sundays unless there is an emergency. I hang out with my schoolmates often.

Tell us something about the culture at Udai Omni Hospital?
We have one of the most amazing teams here. Dr Ved Prakash has set a very high benchmark here, serving the society for the past 50 years. We have a full-fledged orthopaedics team with every sub-speciality, so cases are discussed well and referred appropriately. It’s a very stressfree environment. All consultants including our MD are easily approachable anytime, for matters big and small.

Any 3 words to describe Udai Omni Hospital?
Trusted, Efficient and 3GEN (served 3 generations)

What is on your wishlist for your next 5 years with Udai Omni Hospital?
I want to develop paediatric orthopaedics as a sub-specialty here. This hospital should be among the top referral hospitals for any paediatric musculoskeletal problems in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where we can be able to provide world-class services to all children. I want to start a clubfoot and cerebral palsy clinic soon with help and support from management.

What advice do you have for Udai Omni employees?
Smile always and respect your colleagues. No job is big or small. If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go as a team.

What do you do in your free time?
There is nothing like free time for doctors, even during the corona pandemic we are attending to our patients. It’s only when we are out of the station, that I get to spend some genuine time with my family and hangout with my friends or watch a movie. I like to go on hikes.

What is your motto or personal mantra?
Work hard and be humble, gratitude takes you a long way.

Who is your inspiration?
My professor and mentor Dr Jayakrishna Reddy

Please explain, what are the most common health issues we are facing now and how to overcome them?
Vitamin D deficiency, childhood obesity and personal disconnect are getting very common. Children eat lots of junk and fast food nowadays. Their bags are heavy yet playgrounds are small. They attend school and then tuitions from sunrise to sunset, so never play in sun, out in daylight. Physical exercise is not emphasised in many schools nor do they provide an adequate place for children to play safely.

Sports and physical education must be made compulsory and of equal importance as the academics itself in schools. Healthy eating habits must be inculcated from beginning with a good amount of milk products, fruits and vegetables. Playing outdoors every day, either early morning at sunrise or sunset is good.

Playgrounds must be formed for children in their locality and they must participate actively. Personal interactions will teach them a lot of living in a society and remove anxiety. Mobile or TV must be limited to half an hour maximum in a day.

I recommend taking children for hiking in forest trails or nature walk once in a while.

What advice would you offer for medical students who are considering orthopaedics as a career?
The medical field is for those who are willing to sacrifice more than what they can get back. It’s a noble profession and an evergreen branch. Orthopaedics has a lot of scope and demand everywhere and it can change people’s lives.

How has technology impacted surgical care?
We are in the most advanced era now, where we have all the necessary investigative modalities at affordable prices. PET, MRI, and CT – Scans are available everywhere and help us in decision making during our procedures. Lots of innovations in paediatric orthopaedic implants also like the paediatric trochanteric entry nails for the femur, 8 plates, titanium elastic nails are also available. They have reduced the complications and made rehabilitation faster and easier for children. Biotechnology has helped develop enzyme therapy for children with storage disorders. With the advent of social media now we can easily connect with specialists far away in other countries for opinion and help. Lots of medical literature is available free of cost on the web, which means no need to go to the library or search in other institutes.

What is your advice to remain healthy & balanced?
Exercise daily and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Maintain a good social circle. Take a holiday if things are getting too much stressful and visit places with beautiful nature.