Science always fascinated me and our body’s complex and mysterious architecture was something I really wanted to study deeply. Besides, I wanted to give back to society in the best possible way, and what would be nobler than being a doctor! The complexity of skin and hair attracted me and made me realize that’s what I want to practice for the rest of my life.
1. Tell us about your upbringing, background, and journey?
Born in a family of businessmen, I am the first and only doctor. I was born and brought up in Mumbai and therefore, a true Mumbaikar by heart. It was my father who inculcated this dream in my mind when I was quite young, though he never forced it on me.
Being from a family of non-doctors, my days at medical school were quite confusing; it was a completely different world, tough, competitive, totally unheard of. But my parents supported me throughout, never let me quit. I will never forget the tears of joy in the eyes of my parents on my graduation day; their dream had come true!
2. Why did you choose to be a doctor and decide what you specifically want to do?
Science always fascinated me and our body’s complex and mysterious architecture was something I really wanted to study deeply. Besides, I wanted to give back to society in the best possible way, and what would be nobler than being a doctor! The complexity of skin and hair attracted me and made me realize that’s what I want to practice for the rest of my life.
3. We salute your work during a pandemic, where did you get the inspiration to work so hard?
The pandemic changed our lives completely. It was a major change for us physically as well as mentally which affected the skin and hair of so many in the worst possible ways. Due to the lack of easily available medical facilities and Dr. Google, many people started self-treating themselves which made things worse.
There is just too much misinformation on social media. I wanted to help whoever I could in whichever way I can, hence, I started online video consultations. My husband encouraged me to start a skin and hair page on Instagram which made it easy for me to reach out to a large number of people and guide them towards the right ways of skin and hair care.
4. How do you expect digital health to grow over the next 5 years?
People from across the world will be able to get the best possible consults virtually. Even those from tier one or tier two cities will easily be able to take the opinions of the best doctors anywhere in the world.
5. What are your concerns about digital health?
It is not always possible to make an exact diagnosis just from a picture or over a video consult. Dermatology is all about seeing and touch. Virtually, we lose the “touch” aspect of the field which poses restrictions in diagnoses and treatments. The satisfaction of a physical consultation may be lost.
Dr. Saloni Vora Gala - Consultant and Aesthetic Dermatologist At Dr. Sheth’s Skin and Hair Clinic, Juhu, Mumbai
Interviewed By: Vanshikha Bagga
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