Leaders
According to recent data, although women cardiologists make up only 12–15 percent of cardiologists worldwide, they have made great progress in the historically male-dominated field. These trailblazing women have been advancing research, patient care, and education in interventional cardiology, and preventive heart care. Leading the way in cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Vanita Arora is well-known for her groundbreaking contributions in this challenging branch of cardiology and her unwavering ‘will’ to push the envelope.
Driven by her mother's support and inspired by a family history of medical excellence, Dr. Vanita chose to follow her path in medicine, defying social expectations. She became the first female cardiac electrophysiologist of India, overcoming stereotypes and succeeding in a male-dominated field and achieved by overcoming challenges of male chauvinism, without the backing of a mentor or Godfather. She works closely with the industry to improve patient care by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and improving medical devices.
Engaging in an interaction with Women Entrepreneur Review magazine, Dr. Vanita shares the details of her journey as one of the leading cardiologists in the country. Let’s read about it.
What are your key areas of expertise as a cardiac electrophysiologist and which ailments and procedures do you specialize in?
I treat heart rhythm disorders and conditions like palpitations, syncope (temporary loss of consciousness), dyspnea, and heart failure as a cardiac electrophysiologist. My specialty is accurately diagnosing these issues and using cutting-edge methods to provide tailored solutions.
I perform radiofrequency ablation on patients who have palpitations brought on by irregular heartbeats from the upper or lower chambers of the heart. This procedure permanently corrects the irregular heartbeats, providing a long-term remedy.
I am an expert at implanting pacemakers for people with slow heart rates using cutting-edge techniques like conduction system pacing. This method avoids problems like heart failure by restoring the heart's natural electrical conduction. Apart from these, I also treat heart failure patients to enhance their quality and quantity of life using device technology.
I find immense satisfaction in taking on challenging cases deemed incurable by others, working tirelessly to achieve positive outcomes, and bringing a smile to my patients' faces
As India’s first female cardiac electrophysiologist, how would you describe the significance of this achievement?
I have been working with complex heart rhythm disorders, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest, for nearly 28 years in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. After completing my fellowship at St. Luke's Aurora Medical Center in Milwaukee, USA, my objective upon returning to India was to introduce 3D Mapping, a cutting-edge technology for challenging arrhythmias.
In 2003, I did the first independent case in India using a 3D mapping system for complex arrhythmias, which was the first time this technique was used in the country. Since then, I have continued to introduce state-of-the-art techniques to India like Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy for heart failure patients.
I did the inception of revolutionizing the pacemaker therapy by doing first live case of leadless pacemaker implantation in the Asia-Pacific region during TCT India in 2016.
As the tradition continues I did the first case of AVEIR Leadless Pacemaker from Abbott in the country on 11th November 2024.
What critical challenges do you face as a healthcare practitioner in India, and how do you address them?
The critical challenges are from two main directions. First, government regulations about healthcare do not keep up with new developments in technology. Despite the emphasis on ‘Make in India’, there is a lack of the required financial resources, infrastructure, and technological assistance especially in our field. For instance, India's ability to manufacture cutting-edge medical equipment, such as life saving devices and pacemakers is limited, and its current technology may be decades behind international standards.
Patients should have access to the newest treatments available, but this objective will not be possible without government funding to encourage investment and innovation. I support strong health policies that support partnerships, funding, and research to introduce innovative technologies to India.
The second major challenge is resistance from colleagues and professional stereotypes. Women physicians are frequently pigeonholed to certain fields, such as gynecology, which compromises our proficiency in other domains. I have put a lot of effort into dispelling this myth as a cardiologist and becoming a respected authority in my field.
Can you share insights into your life beyond work, including hobbies or activities you enjoy?
I place a high value on my life outside of work, and I deliberately try to find time for enjoyable and well-balanced activities. Along with my coworkers, I participate in Zumba, singing, and dancing on a regular basis. Fun activities like Garbha meets during Navratri and ‘Ye Shaam Mastani’ evenings with dancing, music, and even ramp walks have been planned by us.
As a trained classical singer and dancer, I treasure the chance to rekindle these interests, even though work has frequently taken precedence. I have discovered that ‘me time’, whether it be chatting with friends over a cup of chai, coffee or engaging in my hobbies, should be prioritized. These energizing moments genuinely make my life better.
What advice would you give to young girls and women in India aspiring to build successful professional careers?
Simply put, I would advise to have confidence in themselves and never accept ‘no’ as an answer. Allow no one's skepticism to define your skills.
Pick a profession you are genuinely passionate about. Success comes easily when your work is in line with your passion and becomes your happy place. If you put in all of your effort, the results will show. Above all, take a proud stance, welcome challenges, and focus on improving yourself with every passing day.
Dr. Vanita Arora, Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Dayanand Medical College
Dr. Vanita Arora holds an MBBS and MD from Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, and advanced fellowships in the USA and Germany. Currently she is Senior Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist and Interventional Cardiologist; ’Clinical Lead - Cardiac ELectrophysiology’ Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi. Dr. Vanita has held key roles at Max Hospital and Escorts Heart Institute. She is renowned for pioneering cardiac care, including performing Asia Pacific’s first live leadless pacemaker case.
Awards of Recognitions won so far – Have proctored cases to train young EP’s in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Phillipines, Sri Lanka, Publications (>200) in National and International peer reviewed journals and chapters in textbooks, Co-author to HRS/ LAHRS/APHRS 2023 guidelines on Conduction System Pacing, Vice President – Indian Heart Rhythm Society 2022-2024, Lead - Global Relations Committee Heart Rhythm Society, USA 2023-2024, Distinguished Service Award bestowed upon her by His Excellency, Bharat Ratna Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam for outstanding contribution in the field of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology in the World, TED speaker: TEDx Talk Feb’2024 ‘Decoding the Enigma’ of Human Heart, Recognition as a ‘Key Opinion Leader in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Intervention at the 14th MT India Healthcare awards organized by Medgate Today – March’2024, Jagran Achivers Award 2024 ‘Female Future Forward’ in Malaysia awarded as ‘Breaking Barriers: women shaping the future of Healthcare’, First Case of AVEIR Leadless Pacemaker in India on 11th November, 2024.
