Dr. Anoop Agarwal - I Expect a Significant Portion of Our Daily Work Can Potentially Be Replaced by Digital Technology in the Coming Years (International Cardiologist, Hyderabad, India)

Dr. Anoop Agrawal, DM, FACC, FASE

Interventional Cardiologist

CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

1.Tell us about your upbringing, background and journey?

Humble beginnings, as I would like to phrase it, my academic journey traversed through the small towns of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh before moving on to New Delhi and then to the United States. I spent a significant part of my early education in the cities of Muzaffarpur, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow. Undergraduate years of medical school at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (New Delhi) were truly transformative.

Soon after, I headed to Chicago for further training in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases. An additional year was spent in Indianapolis where I learned the quirks of catheter-based cardiac interventions (Interventional Cardiology). I relocated back to India in 2017 and joined CARE hospitals in Hyderabad. I have expertise in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and lead the TAVR program across all CARE branches.

2.Why did you choose to be a doctor and decide what you specifically want to do?

Just like many village kids, my career was chosen mostly by my family members as in 'Mera beta doctor banega' (my son will become a doctor). I was an analytical kid who liked mathematics and physics more but then early on I recalibrated my thoughts to human biology. Getting into AIIMS for graduation was a dream come true.

The prospects of learning cutting-edge medicine, developing a broader viewpoint, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures were key determinants for me choosing the United States for post-graduation studies. And definitely, the US didn't disappoint. The treasured experience I gained during my years at New York, Chicago, and Indianapolis will be with me forever. My interest in cardiology was too obvious to both me as well as my mentors. 

Learning specialized cardiac interventions was a natural progression after completing my general cardiology training. By coming back to India after training, I fulfilled the promise I made to myself when I embarked on this journey.

3.We salute your work during the pandemic, where did you get the inspiration to work so hard?

Working in healthcare we encounter human suffering very closely, and how our actions make a transformative impact in people's lives. It's an extremely gratifying experience. Clinical medicine is highly addictive: once hooked, one can't step out of it. COVID pandemic tested this passion of ours and I don't know a single doctor who backed off from his/her responsibilities. Truly speaking, I don't think we needed any additional inspiration to work with the virus. It was a job that needed to be done, and a job that we all love to do.

4.How do you expect digital health to grow over the next 5 years?

Digital health is in its infancy in India. COVID pandemic, to a certain degree, forced people around the globe including India to adopt digital technologies in ways we never imagined. I expect a significant portion of our daily work can potentially be replaced by digital technology in the coming years. 

Teleconsultation and tele-prescription are almost mainstream now. Personal health monitoring devices are increasingly being incorporated in routine patient care. Telehealth monitoring in the management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, etc. will become standard in the coming years. These modalities empower patients to take charge of their health and seek timely care. 

Remote assessment of radiological services, ECG, tele-ICU, and others have huge potential to grow. The panacea of online digital technology is where robotic interventions like angioplasty and surgeries can be performed remotely, as well as online proctoring is provided from a far-away expert. Electronic medical records and health information systems are increasingly being incorporated in hospital systems and will likely be the standard of care after 5-10 years.

5.What are your concerns about Digital Health? 

There are many. First, digital literacy at the end-user level is very limited in India. This will be a major hurdle in expanding the reach. Second, data security and patient confidentiality need to be the focus of technological advancements. Third, even today universal broadband internet access is mostly restricted to urban areas. Fourth, digital personal health monitoring devices should be made more reliable and cost-effective. Fifth, medical laws and regulations need to be re-done to accommodate the limitations of digital platforms.

6.Can you let us know anyone application of Digital Health in your country which has impressed you?

During the COVID pandemic, one clear winner was 'teleconsultation'. Technological advancements enabled patients to connect to their doctors without stepping out of their homes. Though the COVID pandemic forced this upon us, teleconsultation was welcomed both by healthcare professionals as well as the patients. The initial hesitancy soon converted into widespread acceptance. The pace at which it was scaled up across multiple platforms was certainly impressive.  

7.What is your message for aspiring doctors and the young generation? Which is the best medical college according to you?

The best part of clinical medicine is human interaction. You meet people during their good and bad times and understand their state of mind. Interacting with people during their most vulnerable period helps us evolve our own perspective towards health and life. Having said that, doctors have recently been at the receiving end of aggrieved family members. Let such events not decrease your morale to seek medicine as a career option. Clinical medicine is one of the most gratifying jobs out there.

I studied at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and can vouch for its academic excellence. In my professional life though, I have met excellent doctors who have done their medical education from various institutes across India. I personally don't think it would matter much if you get a medical degree from one college or the other. Smart work and passion for patient care will remain the key determinants to be a successful doctor.

8.What does your typical day look like and what do you like to do besides work?

I love to read outside of medical literature. My topics of interest are behavioral economics, world events, leadership, professionalism, health policy, etc. I love photography and digital image processing. A portion of my time outside work is spent in teaching as well as attending medical seminars. 

- Dr.Anoop Agarwal

Interviewed by Ronak

This interview is sponsored by Plus91 Technologies, a leading Digital Health firm.