Women cardiologists in India are incredibly important, playing a key role in addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country. As healthcare providers, they contribute significantly to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart conditions, both in urban and rural areas. Dr Saurabhi Das, Director & Senior Consultant Interventional Pediatric Cardiologist at Health City Hospital, Guwahati, Assam is one such cardiologist who has been an industry veteran advancing medical research, treatment techniques, and improving overall cardiovascular health outcomes. Health City Hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and the latest diagnostic tools from leading global manufacturers, supported by a team of dedicated specialists with both national and international expertise in medical science.

In a personal interview with us, Dr Saurabhi shared her inspiration to become a cardiologist, the challenges she faced and the milestones she achieved.

What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career and specialize as a Fetal and Pediatric Cardiologist?

Born to an academic family, I was inspired by my parents, my mother, an educator, and my father, a sociologist, to pursue a career in medicine. After completing my MBBS and post-graduation in Assam, I discovered my passion for pediatric cardiology during my senior residency in New Delhi. I furthered my expertise with an FNB in Pediatric Cardiology in Kolkata. My career evolved through roles at Narayana Health, AMRI Kolkata (Manipal Hospitals) and The Mission Hospital, Durgapur, specializing in interventional procedures. Returning to Assam to address the need for pediatric interventional cardiologists, I joined Health City Hospital and became the Director of the department, aiming to serve my community.

Please highlight the key areas of expertise you have cultivated over the years.

I have been practising pediatric cardiology since 2015, with expertise spanning both non-invasive and inter­ventional cardiology. I specialize in echocardiography across all age groups, including fetal, neonatal, pedi­atric, and adult cases involving congenital or valvular heart diseases, utilizing both transthoracic and transe­sophageal techniques. In interventional cardiology, I am skilled in closing heart defects using advanced devices, having performed over 1,500 procedures till date, includ­ing approximately 475 in Assam over the past 18 months. Additionally, I am trained in fetal interventions, such as managing rhythm abnormalities and conducting pro­cedures like amniocentesis when needed. My expertise encompasses a wide range of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, ensuring comprehensive care for my patients.

Tell us about Health City Hospital and the key roles and responsibilities you undertake as a Director and Senior Consultant at the facility.

Health City Hospital, Guwahati was founded by Dr Bhabananda Das, a renowned and leading cardiothoracic surgeon of the country. It was his vision to provide quality and affordable cardiac as well as multi-specialty healthcare to the people of this part of the country. As Director and Senior Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist, I lead the pediatric cardiology department, working with a team of specialists to manage congenital heart diseases across all age groups. We offer treatments ranging from minimally invasive procedures to open-heart surgeries. In partnership with the Assam State Government through the RBSK scheme, we've treated over 1,000 children for free in the past 18 months. Additionally, we provide free care under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and welcome private patients for quality treatment.

What are your key focus areas for ensuring positive outcomes for your patients?

At our hospital, we build trust through honest communication with patients of all socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring transparency about their loved ones' conditions. We emphasize realistic success expectations by discussing global outcomes and our hospital’s success rates while motivating patients with success stories displayed on a dedicated wall. Follow-up care is a priority, offering continuous support even for patients who travel from distant areas in the Northeast India, ensuring they receive ongoing care. I also stress that congenital heart disease is a lifelong condition, requiring regular contact with healthcare providers to manage both congenital and potential adult heart issues. We are transparent about possible complications, fostering informed decisions and promoting positive patient outcomes.

What do you consider to be some of the most significant challenges you face as a healthcare provider, and what measures do you take to address these obstacles?

One of the biggest challenges I face as a healthcare provider is the lack of awareness among patients, parents, and society at large. Many people don’t know when, whom, or how to approach for treatment. There are prevalent misconceptions that delay appropriate treatment, causing further harm to their children. Another significant challenge is financial constraints, since a large portion of the population belong to low-income groups. While government programs and schemes are available to provide free care, the lack of information about how to access these services is a barrier. Additionally, being based in the Northeast, there are logistical challenges in obtaining the right medical products due to transportation issues. Lastly, as a female in a patriarchal society, there are occasional challenges in convincing some individuals, although this is a rare occurrence in Assam, where people tend to be more progressive.

Highlight the key professional milestones in your career and share the success mantra that has guided you throughout.

Throughout my career, I have achieved several milestones, including consistently topping my school, MBBS, and MD exams and being recognized as the best candidate in my FNB exams. This year, I also won the Best Poster Award at an International cardiac and structural interventions (CSI) conference in Germany. I am a regular faculty in several National as well as International conferences. Additionally, I have received local societal awards for my contributions to my community. My success mantra, instilled by my parents, has always been to do something for every patient.

Dr Saurabhi Das, Director & Senior Consultant Interventional Pediatric Cardiologist, Health City Hospital

Dr Saurabhi Das is a skilled pediatric cardiologist specializing in diagnosing and treating congenital heart conditions in children. With extensive training and a compassionate approach, she is recognized for her expertise in both non-invasive and interventional cardiology.