In Focus: Dr Yash Gulati

Syed Zafar Mehdi  

Having super-specialized in Microdisectomy for disc prolapse, correction of spine deformities, and fixation of spine for fractures and spondylolisthesis, this extremely endowed medical practitioner is the last word on orthopaedic conditions.These conditions include joint replacement, shoulder replacement or revision surgery for joint replacement.

Meet Padma Shri Dr Yash Gulati, a resident of Green Park (Extension), currently working as a Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

Despite his path-breaking feats and accomplishments, Dr Gulati remains humble and unpretentious to a fault. He is considered among the top-notch orthopaedic surgeons in country, but for him it only means added responsibility. “It pushes me to put in more effort to serve my patients,” says the doctor. Dr Gulati graduated from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi in 1977.

Then he went on to do his Master of Chirurgical (a Super speciality degree) in Orthopaedics from the University of Liverpool, UK (1988) and Diploma in Sports Medicine from Royal College of Surgeons Dublin Ireland (a994). He also did fellowships from many countries. This exposure helped him a great deal. “Initially I felt out-of-place, but everything fell into place later,” reminisces the doctor.

Dr Gulati has lectured extensively in many foreign countries, besides performing live surgeries at various conferences across the world. “I am just back from Nigeria, and now heading to Nepal and Ethopia,” he says. He played major role in establishment of Spine Surgery at AMU Hospital, Aligarh. Among his patients include former PMs, Presidents, cricketers’ et al. He is currently working on accident prevention methods.

He has been on the forefront of promoting medical tourism in India. Patients come from many countries to get surgery done by Dr Gulati. His surgery has been shown live on CNN and BBC, besides featuring in Sunday Times London. Having participated in Operation Sadhbavna run by Indian army, he was conferred Achievement Award by IMI New Delhi and Chikitsa Ratan Award by Swatantra Lekhak Manch, India.

Before coming to India to head orthopaedic unit in Ram Manohar Lohia Hosipital Delhi, Dr Gulati practiced in UK and Ireland for many years. Recognizing his contribution to medical science in India, Dr Gulati was honoured with prestigious Padma Shri last year. “It was a humbling moment, when I was holding Padma Shri with national anthem buzzing in background,” says doctor. He says, like education, health must also be made a “fundamental right”.

In a freewheeling chat with Syed Zafar Mehdi, he talks about Yoga, health problems and secrets of healthy living.

On Yoga

It’s physiotherapy brought to common man’s doorstep. Controlled yoga helps in attaining perfect physical and mental well being. It’s the panacea for many health related issues, if used in supervised, regimented manner.

On ailments

There are many ailments that can be prevented by regular and disciplined practice of Yoga. Most commonly, back problem, spine problem or joint stiffness. It also helps in keeping blood pressure under check. Diabetes can also be controlled by Yoga. Add to that many other mental and physical issues.

On Yog elements

Yoga is all about stretching and letting your body breathe free. Two chief elements are mobility and activity. One must come out of comfort zone, and say no to lavish lifestyle.

On medicine and Yoga

Not every disease can be cured or prevented by Yoga. It helps in cases of mechanical pain like in ligaments, muscles, and disc. It may not be enough for non-mechanical pain conditions, a serious matter like tumour et al. So, the idea is to merge Yoga with medical practices, and let them work in tandem.

On Smoking

Smoking is a perilous infatuation. It is one of the principal causes for chronic back pain. Even the bone fractures in smokers take more time to heal, as bone density is lost considerably.

On Dhyan Foundation

I have been associated with them for quite some time. I have delivered talks at many of their workshops. It is a great endeavour on their part, to simplify physiotherapy and present it in the garb of Yoga to masses.

 (First published in Hindustan Times)