Dr Suman Das

Miles of Healing: Balancing Oncology, Running, and Life

In this article ” Miles of Healing”: Lets dive into the life of a doctor which is a blend of dedication, compassion, and resilience. Every day is a new chapter filled with challenges, learning, and the profound responsibility of caring for others. The day starts with a positive dose of morning exercise, setting the tone for everything that follows.

Gratitude: A Beautiful Start

Each morning begins with gratitude. I thank God for the beautiful day gifted to me and start with the hope of making the best out of it. Exercise in the morning releases good hormones, helping create a fresh and positive start. During my morning run, a simple habit of greeting a stranger with a “Good morning” creates a moment of connection, bringing a smile that might lighten their day. Expressing gratitude to the sanitation workers and security guards I pass by acknowledges their hard work and spreads positivity—small gestures that make a big difference.https://drsumandas.com/self-improvement-goals2025/

Morning Family Time: A Simple Yet Powerful Ritual

We often underestimate the importance of sharing a cup of tea and exchanging morning greetings with our family. This simple act strengthens bonds and reassures our loved ones that we are present for them. A heartfelt “Goodbye” before the children leave for school gives them a sense of security and love—something they always carry with them, even as they grow older.

Morning Rounds: The Stethoscope and Its Stories

In the hospital, the day begins with the stethoscope—a symbol of trust and care. Morning rounds are an essential part of my routine, where I visit patients, review their conditions, and plan the day’s treatment course. The stethoscope is not just a tool; it is a bridge between doctor and patient. Listening to heartbeats, lungs, and other vital sounds helps in assessing health and making crucial decisions. Each patient has a story, symptoms to evaluate, and progress to track. This part of the day is about listening—not just to the body’s sounds but to the words of the patient, offering comfort and reassurance in their journey.

Midday Consultations: Diagnosing and Decision-Making

As morning rounds conclude, the focus shifts to consultations. This time is dedicated to diagnosing new patients, making critical decisions, and sometimes delivering difficult news—especially in oncology. The clinic is a hub of activity, where each decision significantly impacts a patient and their caregiver’s life.

Collaborating with colleagues during Tumor Board discussions ensures that every patient receives the best possible care, backed by evidence-based decisions. This teamwork and critical thinking are crucial in providing the best treatment options.

Afternoon Contouring and Planning: Precision in Cancer Care

Afternoons are often dedicated to treatment planning, especially radiation therapy. Many believe that radiation treatment is purely machine-dependent, but in reality, the team behind the machine is the true pilot. We meticulously plan each treatment to maximize tumor control while minimizing side effects.

Cancer patients often fear radiation side effects, but careful planning ensures a smooth and safe journey. Witnessing a patient transition from despair to hope, from dusk to dawn, is immensely fulfilling. Every successful treatment is a testament to the dedication and effort of the entire team.https://drsumandas.com/choosing-md-radiotherapy-radiation-oncology/

Evening Follow-Ups: Ensuring Continuity of Care

As the day winds down, follow-ups are conducted to monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans. Reviewing cases, checking on patients, and ensuring they are on the right path to recovery is essential.

Evenings also involve administrative tasks—updating medical records, coordinating with different departments, and ensuring seamless patient care. The goal is to provide every patient with the attention and care they need, even as I prepare for the next day’s challenges.

Late-Night Emergencies: The Unpredictable Nature of the Job

In medicine, unpredictability is part of the job. Emergencies can arise at any hour, requiring immediate action. Being accessible to patients often makes the difference between life and loss. The golden hour in emergencies is crucial, and prompt response can save lives.

The Heart of the Profession: Compassion and Dedication

Oncology is not just about treating cancer; it is about dealing with anxious patients and their caregivers. Compassion and dedication drive every interaction, every decision, and every treatment.

Conclusion: A Life of Purpose

Ending the day with family is the perfect way to conclude a fulfilling journey. Discussing children’s studies, sharing moments with my spouse, and simply being present adds balance to life. Before sleeping, I once again express gratitude—to God for the beautiful day, to my family for their love, and to my colleagues for their support. The privilege of making a positive difference in people’s lives keeps me going, day after day.https://drsumandas.com/running-a-marathon-is-comparable-to-fighting-cancer/

Every new day is another chance to heal, to care, and to bring hope.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3613257-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-doctor

 

Dr Suman Das

Oncologist by profession, Amatuer Photographer, Tennis enthusiast, Vizag Runner, Spartan Cyclist, Blogger Dil se and a Traveller

18 Comments

  • M.Srinivas
    March 3, 2025

    Sir, very inspiring and motivated

    Reply
    • Amol Wadhonkar
      March 4, 2025

      Hats off to you Sir for the dedication towards your profession…no doubt doctors are Gods in disguise…Thanks you for your noble service

      Reply
      • Dr Suman Das
        March 4, 2025

        Thank you Amol for the beautiful words but would differ in the context that doctor is god. Every doctor is just another individual who does his job, fortunately we are given the opportunity to provide relief from ailments.

        Reply
  • Rama Shankar Mantha
    March 3, 2025

    So nice to get a peak into your life Sir. Interesting and inspiring to read. Positivity Everywhere. Thank you for the beautiful well-written post Sir. Its a wonderful read.

    Reply
  • Kusumanchi vaikunta Rao
    March 3, 2025

    Excellent Sir, I salute your passion and dedication & determination. Future role model of younger Athletes. Good luck SIR

    Reply
  • Janardhan Uppada
    March 3, 2025

    As a caregiver have closely seen your empathetic way of dealing with patients, as a fellow runner seen your dedication and commitment. As a camera club member was always in awe of your images always creative and spontaneous. As a follower of your podcasts noticed the depth of subject while dealings with different topics. sir for balancing all of them and excelling in each.

    Reply
  • Vijay Kumar Ganta
    March 3, 2025

    Excellently narrated the routine, A blend of balance and richness in each stride of your day.

    Really motivating doctor

    Reply
  • Randip Sanyal
    March 3, 2025

    Sir, as I know you now more than a decade, I know your dedication, perseverance and the ability to solve difficult situations which gives faith and confidence to the patients and their caregivers.
    Thanks much for your dedicated service for humanity.

    Reply
  • Dr. NIHAR RANJAN DASH
    March 3, 2025

    Rightly said, an ideal should have 4 components, self Care, generosity, creativity n relationship which gives you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction

    Reply
  • Sameer Kumar Dash
    March 3, 2025

    Sir,it’s very inspiring and heart touching line, sir really my role model.

    Reply
  • asit
    March 3, 2025

    you are a true inspiration for doctors for work life balance

    Reply
  • Dr PVN Rao
    March 3, 2025

    Dear Dr Suman ji

    It’s a highly motivated and inspiring routine. Being a Good Doctor, good photographer, Excellent Athlete, good Family man, excellent Blogger and ultimately nice human being. This requires huge discipline, sheer dedication and commitment which we should all respect and learn from you.

    Reply
    • Dr Suman Das
      March 4, 2025

      Inspiration is contagious sir.

      Reply
  • kiriti chandra samantray
    March 4, 2025

    Fabulous ,extraordinary….
    Proud of you..God bless…

    Reply
    • Dr Suman Das
      March 4, 2025

      Thank you mamu

      Reply
  • Sowmya
    March 4, 2025

    Sir, from the moment I met you, you have been inspiring me with everything you do, be it the compassion filled patient care you give or the enlightenment you provide with your videos and blogs. You have beautifully penned your daily routine that show us what kind of person you are at heart.Thanq for this Sir.

    Reply
    • Dr Suman Das
      March 4, 2025

      Thank you Sowmya for the nice words.

      Reply
  • Kalyani Samantray
    March 5, 2025

    You are a rare combination of a good human, and simultaneously a good doctor. Lots of love and good wishes

    Reply

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