Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it serves several important functions including protecting the body from external factors, regulating body temperature, and facilitating the sense of touch. However, the skin is also susceptible to various diseases and conditions that can cause discomfort or serious health problems. Dr. Richa Chaudhary is a consultant dermatologist, Head of the Department of Dermatology, and Medical Superintendent of Dharamveer Solanki Hospital which is a 50 bedded multi-specialty hospital in Rohini, New Delhi. She also works at a specialized derma clinic, Skin & Hair By Dr. Gangwani, which specializes in Dermoscopy and Tricoscopy and offers counseling and psychotherapy to patients suffering from chronic skin diseases. In an exclusive conversation with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Dr. Richa shares with us her expertise, milestones, and much more. Let’s hear it from her.

Tell us about Dharamveer Solanki Hospital and the idea behind the venture.

Skin being the largest organ in the body has its own complexities and challenges and is a reflection of internal health. This inspired me to take up dermatology as a specialization but during my time as an Assistant Professor I realized that I wasn’t able to offer new services and counseling to the patients and that made my foray into the field of entrepreneurship. Our focus primarily is on accurate diagnosis, providing advanced techniques for treatment, and patient and family counseling for chronic skin diseases.

What are your areas of specialization as a dermatologist and aesthetic consultant? What is your primary focus area while working with your patients?

As a specialist in chronic skin disease and hair disorders, my primary objective is to diagnose a condition accurately. To attain this, I pursued further training in Dermoscopy and Trichoscopy which act as an additional diagnostic tools. These are advanced techniques that facilitate me to examine skin and hair in detail and identify signs and symptoms that may be suggestive of a specific condition.

I also prioritize patient and family counseling as an essential component of my practice since chronic skin diseases and disorders can have adverse effects on the mental and emotional health of the patients. The counseling includes providing knowledge about their condition, underlying cause, treatment options, and management so that they can make an informed decision about their concerns.

As an aesthetic consultant, my approach is to understand my patient's desires and goals, and then work with them to enhance and improve the areas they want to focus on. Rather than dwelling on perceived flaws or imperfections, I encourage my patients to focus on the positive aspects of their appearance that they want to enhance. I believe that this positive, goal-focused approach is key to helping my patients feel empowered and confident in their appearance. By emphasizing the areas that they want to enhance, rather than the areas they want to change, we can work together to create a treatment plan that meets their unique needs and helps them feel their best.

What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as a dermatologist and how do you overcome these roadblocks?

Since most skin diseases are chronic conditions, the most challenging aspect is guiding the patients to understand and accept that chronic skin conditions require long-term management and treatments. Managing their expectations wherein they want a quick fix for their problems and modifying their mindset with realistic treatment options requires counseling.

"I empower patients with knowledge, provide them with emotional support & counseling & refer them to support groups & mental health professionals if needed"

The challenge of providing support to a patient who is suffering from chronic diseases and addressing their concerns, I leverage knowledge, concern, empathy, and strategies to explain the nature of the condition, treatment options and emphasize the importance of ongoing care and encourage patients to take an active role in managing their own conditions.

What are some of the significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What is your success mantra as a business leader?

The first biggest milestone was MD in Dermatology since it gave a direction in my career. Second is the fact that Dharamveer Solanki Hospital was a fully equipped Covid 19 hospital with 80 percent of beds dedicated to Covid 19, during which we treated around 400 patients. The third milestone was the diagnosis of the first local transmission case of Monkeypox in India which I consider my contribution towards public health and infectious disease management.

My success mantra is to prioritize patient care and focus on providing assured quality medical treatment. I strongly believe in developing a relationship with my patients, their families, and the community. Another success mantra is to be able to maintain a work-life balance.

Drawing from your experience, what advice would you give to other aspiring women leaders & entrepreneurs?

First is to Believe in yourself. When I decided to quit my job as an Assistant Professor, I was asked to reconsider it since it was a stable job but the faith I had in myself helped me venture into private practice. The second is to be ready to embrace failures as an entrepreneur. There will be circumstances and situations that will test you but giving up is not an option. Women should focus on their strengths and build a strong support system, mentorship, and guidance to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

DR. Richa Chaudhary, Dermatologist, Dharamveer Solanki Hospital

Dr. Richa Chaudhary completed her MBBS from Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, and her MD in Dermatology from Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College Jodhpur. She worked as a Senior resident at UCMS >B Hospital, New Delhi, and as an Assistant professor at NDMC Medical College & Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi. Apart from offering her services in clinical Dermatology and aesthetic medicine, and chronic skin diseases, she is passionate about counseling and psychotherapy of chronic skin disease patients and their family members.

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A business leader you admire- Dr. O. P. Gangwani

Awards of Recognitions won so far- DMA presidential award 2022, DMA Distinguished Service Award 2023, Corona Warrior IMA Delhi