Hospitals are essential for providing critical medical care, ensuring patient safety, and improving overall public health outcomes through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Doctors are vital for guiding teams, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. In addition to their medical responsibilities, they play a key role in educating patients and communities about health management and disease prevention. Pallavi Mishra is a compassionate cardiologist and Medical Director at Panacea Hospital & Diabetes Care Organization (A Unit Of Aroha Healthcare), known for her clinical expertise, commitment to patient education, and collaborative approach to enhancing cardiovascular health. Panacea Hospital is a 100-bed facility that focuses on integrated patient care through collaboration among various specialties, prioritizing education and preventive health.

In a candid interview, Pallavi shared insights into her professional and educational journeys, along with her perspectives on the industry.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey that you wish to highlight through the article?

My husband, Dr Ashutosh, a diabetologist and endocrinologist, and I launched the "Madhumeh Avam Hridayaghat Mukt Bharat" (Cardio-Diabetes & Renal disease-free Bharat) campaign in 2011, aimed at educating people on preventing diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and kidney diseases. Through our organization, Panacea Welfare and Education Society, we have conducted over 1,000 educational programs across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, helping spread awareness of critical health issues. This initiative is deeply meaningful to us, and we remain dedicated to continuing this mission. Additionally, we organise medical conferences for doctors, called "Cardiabcon," to advance knowledge on cardiovascular & Renal health, further reflecting our commitment to improving healthcare in our community.

Take us through your educational journey. What motivated you to foray into the field of healthcare and specialize as a cardiologist?

I have always been drawn to the humanity in the medical profession, where we can serve those who truly need proper education and healthcare. It is incredibly fulfilling to help those in need, especially the underprivileged. My husband and I now run a 100-bed hospital, and through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, we have been able to provide medical care to countless poor patients. This ability to serve our countrymen, especially those who cannot afford healthcare, has been a driving motivation for us. The medical profession brings respect, knowledge sharing, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients, who become like friends or even family. This sense of purpose is what continues to inspire me. I completed my MBBS from Allahabad Medical College, followed by an MD in Medicine from KGMC Lucknow. I further specialized by completing a fellowship in echocardiography and earned an MSc in Cardiology from South Wales, UK.

Throw some light on your professional journey as a cardiologist and Diabeto-Cardiologist. What are your key areas of expertise in the said field?

In our country, many cardiologists focus on interventional procedures such as angiography and angioplasty. However, I prefer to specialize in preventive cardiology and diabetic cardiology. Along with my husband, who is a diabetologist, I take a proactive approach when patients visit our hospital. We assess their cardiac risk, particularly focusing on those with diabetes and women, who face increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and heart failure as they age. By conducting thorough examinations and educating patients about the factors that contribute to heart disease, we aim to prevent serious cardiac events before they occur. Our efforts have successfully reduced the incidence of heart attacks and heart failure in these high-risk groups, especially among diabetic patients and women. This preventive approach has been incredibly rewarding in improving patient outcomes.

Introduce us to Panacea Hospital. Tell us about the ailments you treat at the healthcare facility. What are your key focus areas while working with patients, to ensure positive outcomes?

Our hospital, Panacea Hospital, a 100-bed facility and a unit of Aaroha Healthcare, offers comprehensive care across multiple specialties, including diabetology, nephrology, cardiology, ophthalmology, gynecology, and more. We practice an integrated, team-based approach where specialists collaborate closely to provide holistic care for our patients. For example, we discuss cases where patients may have eye complications, renal failure, heart disease, or diabetic foot ulcers, ensuring a coordinated treatment plan to manage complex conditions like metabolic syndrome. Much like a well-coordinated sports team, we work together to minimize complications and prevent future health issues, allowing patients to lead a better quality of life. We also provide a message away support from our Diabetic educators’ team to all diabetic patients through WhatsApp messaging. Additionally, we conduct daily educational sessions for our patients in the evenings, offering valuable information to those from nearby areas on how to manage their health effectively. Our primary goal is not only to treat diseases but also to prevent complications, empowering our patients to live healthier lives.

How do you foresee the cardiovascular and renal health landscape evolving in India going forward? What steps must individuals take to ensure good heart health?

As part of our mission to promote cardiovascular & renal health, we regularly educate the community on essential lifestyle practices. We advise limiting oil consumption to no more than 500 ml per person per month and emphasize the importance of regular physical activity, including daily aerobic exercises, resistance training at least three times a week, and stretching. A balanced diet rich in fiber and nuts, with minimal oily foods, is also key. Additionally, we stress the importance of adequate sleep, taking prescribed medications, and quitting smoking. We emphasize spirituality and forgiveness for mental well-being, which supports heart health. Our approach integrates diet, exercise, rest, medication, and mindfulness to promote optimal cardiovascular health.

Pallavi Mishra, Diabetocardiologist, Women Cardiologist, Preventive Cardiologist, Panacea Hospital

Dr Pallavi Mishra is a dedicated cardiologist with a passion for preventive care, specializing in diabetic cardiology. She leads with compassion, focusing on holistic patient well-being through education and integrated healthcare. Her commitment to serving underprivileged communities and improving heart health reflects her deep sense of purpose and expertise.