It’s Doctor’s Day again.And while the world claps, I find myself quietly reflecting—what are we really celebrating?
I’ve spent 33 years in medicine and surgery. And five more before that, ever since sixth grade when I decided I wanted to wear this coat—not just as a uniform, but as a purpose.
It’s been a life of discipline, of missing out. I gave birth to my daughter in the middle of all this, and left her when she was barely three months old to begin my post-graduation. I told myself she’d understand one day—that I was doing it for her future.

And now, she’s grown, married, and settled in her own life. And yet, that soft ache of a working mother never leaves me.Did I do enough?Was I there enough?In chasing the dream of becoming a surgeon, did I miss the small, irreplaceable moments that only a mother can give?
This profession demands everything. And still, it’s never enough for the world.

These days, people trust Google more than a trained doctor. Optical shops overrule prescriptions written after a careful refraction. Self-proclaimed healers promise miracle drops for cataracts and retinal disease, and when that fails, we become the villains—for simply quoting our charges for real care.

We spend lakhs on machines that quietly become obsolete. When something goes wrong, we stand alone. If a drug reacts badly, if a lens malfunctions—it’s us who’s blamed, not the companies or the system behind it.
And oddly enough, if we’re ever seen enjoying life—laughing, travelling, dressing up—we’re suddenly “not serious enough.” As if being a surgeon means I must wear my exhaustion like a badge to be believed.

Yes, there are flaws in every profession. But does that mean the entire medical community should be constantly doubted, disrespected, dragged through mud for every single outcome—despite best intentions?

I’m not asking for applause. I never have.But maybe, just for today, a pause.
To see us not just as doctors, but as people.With families, with guilt, with hearts full of effort—and sometimes, ache.
Because behind every healing hand, is a human who still wonders if they gave enough.And who still chooses to keep giving.

…Suvi’s Scribbles