Last month my father underwent a coronary angiography (at Smt. S R Mehta and Sir K P Cardiac Institute near Shanmukhananda Hall), and was diagnosed with CVD. He was advised to go for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft.
Our cardiologist, the dear Dr. Dinyar F. Daruwala, gave a strong recommendation of Dr. Sandeep Honnekeri for the CABG. Dr. Daruwala emphasized that he had referred his own cousins to Dr. Honnekeri for their surgeries, and recommendations from a cardiologist do not come stronger than this.
Dr. Sandeep Honnekeri visited my father before discharge from his angiography and explained to us that he would be doing the bypass procedure and to not worry and he would explain what he would be doing in the coming week. He gave his personal number and advised to call at any time if required in the interim.
In the following week, we were to meet him at his clinic at Breach Candy at noon on a Monday, but he himself called that morning and told not to travel. Better to avoid coming to clinic due to Covid situation and to meet at the hospital itself. So, he traveled down from Breach Candy to meet us at Sion at the hospital. These small gestures show nothing but immense consideration for the patient’s well-being way before the surgery date.
Dr. Honnekeri asked precise questions to understand prior medical history, lifestyle and fitness habits. He took copious notes and understood the medications being taken.
He told us that he would be doing a LIMA-RIMA-Y graft type of surgery. He would be taking about 8 hours for the surgery.
On the day before the surgery, he came down from Breach Candy, just to meet and wish my father who was admitted for pre-operative procedures. He also met me and my brother and told to not worry next day while we would be outside the OT. The surgery would take time, but he would come out and meet us and not to worry. HE TRAVELED FOR 50 MINUTES JUST TO MEET US AND REDUCE OUR ANXIETY!
The surgery was successful and he gave a drawing of the LIMA-RIMA-Y grafts done and then subsequently sent me a write-up of the complex procedure. He used to visit my father in the ICCU everyday and had all information regarding his recovery and medications and post-surgical care up-to-date from the ICCU doctors before coming.
My father has been discharged from the hospital and is now recuperating well at home. Through all of this, here are my observations.
- The primary ingredients that any good doctor provides in a patient’s life are hope, compassion and peace of mind.
- I will put on record four names who had a most positive impact due to their compassionate, but also intelligent and timely actions and processes.
- Dr. Dinyar Daruwala, (Cardiologist) for his keen observation, recommendation, personal intervention and absolutely jovial attitude
- Dr. Sandeep Honnekeri, (Cardiac Surgeon) for his dedication to his surgical craft, his pre-operative compassion and post-operative hawk-eyed attitude towards recovery
- Dr. Ashish Gosar, (Neurologist) who came twice in the ICCU at 11 pm to check for neuro issues and gave positive assurance to my father that all is well
- The absolutely fantastic ICCU team at Kikabhai hospital. They are a well-gelled team of doctors, residents, nurses and attendants who I felt to be among the best in the city. Everyone not only knows and does their jobs well, but everyone builds a rapport with the patient and are their efforts go a lot towards the patient’s recovery, both physical as well as mental/ emotional.
- Doctors who know and love their craft attract a great team around them.
- Doctors who know and love their craft more often than not bring positive outcomes in their patients not only clinically, but also holistically.