Lucknow: Dr. Priyanka Jaiswal has been appointed as the head of the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology at BMC Hospital. Her journey into the medical profession was fueled by a deep-rooted passion for serving people, a dream she nurtured since childhood. Even as a young girl, she was drawn to the idea of donning a doctor’s coat, caring for children, and making a difference in their lives.
For Dr. Priyanka, interacting with mothers and children has always been more than a profession; it is a calling that adds profound meaning to her life. She firmly believes that the well-being of a child is intrinsically linked to the health of the mother. “If a mother is healthy, she can take better care of her child. When both are in good health, the entire family thrives,” she asserts.
A Passion for Maternal and Child Health
Dr. Priyanka keeps a close watch on motherhood-related concerns, including breastfeeding, postpartum stress, and other maternal and child health issues. She credits her father for instilling in her the strength and independence that helped her pursue a medical career. “It is because of my father that I became a strong, independent woman and entered the medical profession,” she acknowledges.
However, being a doctor is not without its challenges. Dealing with emotional parents and building their trust requires immense patience, time, and experience. “Breaking tragic news to a family is one of the most difficult aspects of my job. It takes resilience and empathy to navigate such moments,” she reflects.
Addressing Modern-Day Challenges for Mothers
Dr. Priyanka recognizes the struggles mothers face in balancing careers, household responsibilities, and newborn care. “It is a delicate act—managing a child, running a home, and maintaining a professional career,” she explains. She also notes that modern sedentary lifestyles contribute to an increase in anxiety, depression, and lifestyle-related diseases among women. “We live in the mobile era, it leads to sedentary lifestyle, poor nutritional intake, poor bone health and muscular issues. Anemia and vitamin D deficiencies are major issues rampant in women.”
To counter women related health concerns, she recommends a diet rich in iron and vitamin C, including gooseberries, home-cooked meals, and fiber-rich foods. She emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, yoga, and aerobics to boost energy and inspire the next generation to lead healthier lives.
A Supportive Family and a Strong Career Ethic
Dr. Priyanka attributes much of her success to her supportive family, parents, in-laws, and husband, who stand by her in her professional endeavors. In her limited free time, she enjoys honing her skills and indulging in hobbies like sketching, which she finds therapeutic.
Her father, a simple yet determined man, always encouraged her to be independent. She recalls how he ensured she met all the necessary academic and professional milestones to enter the medical field. Cracking the All India PMT exam on her first attempt was a proud moment for her family and a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Vision for BMC Hospital
As she embarks on her journey at BMC Hospital, Dr. Priyanka aims to expand access to neonatal intensive care (NICU) and pediatric services. Her goal is to establish the best neonatal setup, ensuring high-quality care for newborns and young patients.
Having built her career through perseverance, she advises aspiring doctors to stay focused and committed. “Medicine is not a career of days or nights—it is a decades-long journey. Establishing oneself takes time and dedication,” she says. Despite the sleepless nights and the demanding nature of the job, Dr. Priyanka believes that the satisfaction of serving people far outweighs financial rewards. “There is minimal time for oneself, limited family life, and countless sacrifices, but the respect and fulfillment that come with this profession are unparalleled.”
With unwavering dedication and a vision for the future, Dr. Priyanka Jaiswal is set to bring transformative changes to pediatric and neonatal care at BMC Hospital. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring medical professionals, proving that with hard work, resilience, and the right intent, one can truly make a lasting impact on people’s lives.
