Doctors routinely advise their patients to slow down, reduce stress, get enough sleep and strike a work-life balance. But in reality, those very principles are often hard to practise in a profession that runs on unpredictability, intensity and human suffering. From life-saving interventions to critical surgeries and around-the-clock emergencies, doctors are expected to stay calm under pressure while the demands never let up.
On National Doctors’ Day, five senior specialists spoke about how they cope with the stress that inevitably comes with the responsibility of saving lives—and what it takes to protect their own mental, physical and emotional health.
In surgical oncology, the emotional weight can be overwhelming
For Dr Sanjay Shah, Trauma Surgeon and Head of the Emergency Department, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad the stress comes not just from patient volume but the nature of the emergencies themselves. He’s served through earthquakes, riots, and terror attacks — situations that test human limits. “It’s a 24x7 environment,” he says. “Every moment is about decisions that can’t go wrong.” What shields him from burnout is spiritual strength. Prayer, yoga, and meditation are part of his daily routine, as are short, meaningful breaks with friends and family. “You need emotional anchors when the job never slows down,” he says.
In surgical oncology, the emotional weight can be overwhelming. “The word cancer still carries fear. Not every patient survives, and that reality is heavy,” says Dr M Laxmidhar, Senior Consultant and Director of Surgical Oncology. Despite that, he finds strength in those who do recover. “Knowing we’re saving good number of patients with advance cancer keeps me grounded.” His coping routine includes early morning workouts and dedicated time with family. “Even if I can’t always eat on time, I start my day with exercise and end it by talking to my children and parents. It’s my daily therapy.”
Duty is non-negotiable
For Dr Jayesh Prajapati, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, the key lies in structure and selective responsibility. “Stress and overload are inevitable, but how you plan your day makes a big difference,” he says. Over time, he has narrowed his focus to only the most critical cardiac surgeries, while trusting his trained team to handle routine procedures. “Delegating is not stepping back; it’s knowing where your presence matters most.” He ensures time for morning walks with his wife, speaks with his children daily, and reserves Sundays for meeting friends. “These are non-negotiable parts of my week. They keep me sane.”
Key lies in setting realistic expectations
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Daria Singh, Clinical Director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Joint Replacement Programme, takes a dual approach to managing stress — avoid what’s preventable and cope with what’s not. He structures his day in advance, allocating time for surgeries, consultations, and team rounds. “When the day starts with clarity, the pressure doesn’t spiral,” he says. For him, spending time with family, cycling regularly, and eating well are critical. He also believes clear communication with patients helps reduce unnecessary tension. “Setting realistic expectations goes a long way in avoiding stress later — for both doctor and patient.”
The mind needs a break
Dr Pathik Parikh, Liver Transplant Physician, knows that monotony is as exhausting as emergencies. “We often work all seven days. The mind needs a break,” he says. He finds balance through travel, family time, and learning new things. Recently, he completed an MBA and is developing a mobile app to digitise healthcare records. “Doing something outside of clinical medicine refreshes you. It gives perspective and keeps burnout at bay.”
Despite their different specialities, the underlying message is the same — that resilience doesn’t come from being immune to stress, but from building routines and support systems that help navigate it. Whether through structured planning, spiritual practice, meaningful connections or personal passions, each doctor has found their own way to maintain balance in an otherwise chaotic profession.
Their reflections serve as a timely reminder that even those entrusted with healing others need space to heal themselves. On this Doctors’ Day, their stories are a window into the rarely seen emotional world behind the white coat — where care and vulnerability coexist, and where wellbeing is not just a prescription for patients, but a practice for doctors too.
Follow Us On Social Media