A Patient’s Journey in Search of Compassionate Care
Medicine is not just about treating diseases; it is about healing people—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Col. Zahir Al-sultanj, a senior officer in the Iraqi Army, who flew all the way from Iraq to Bangalore, placing his faith in my hands.
A Journey of Trust and Healing
Despite having access to medical care in several Middle Eastern countries, Col. Zahir chose to travel thousands of kilometers for one reason—trust. When he sat across from me in my office, I could sense the weight of his journey. As we spoke, his emotions welled up.
A Voice Lost, A Mission at Stake
Col. Zahir was facing a papillomatous lesion in his voice box that had robbed him of his ability to speak. For a man in his position—losing his voice meant losing a part of his identity. By the time he was diagnosed, the lesion had already involved both vocal cords, making the treatment highly complex.
Understanding the importance of his voice and the trust he had placed in me, I knew I had to go beyond just removing the lesion—I had to protect his voice at all costs. After a thorough assessment, I chose Coblation removal, a technique that allows for precise and complete removal without damaging the vocal cords and ensuring that:
- Only the lesion was removed from its origin.
- No unnecessary damage was caused to the cords, which could lead to permanent voice changes.
- The lesion did not fall into the airway, preventing future complications.
Given the complexity, the surgery required patience and meticulous precision. One wrong step could have changed his voice forever.
The Emotional Aftermath: Tears of Relief
The moment of truth came when he spoke for the first time few days after surgery—and his voice was back. The overwhelming joy of regaining something he thought was lost forever was too much to contain. He broke down, crying like a child, overwhelmed with gratitude and relief. Seeing a man of his stature and strength become so emotional was a powerful reminder of what it truly means to be a doctor.
Why Patients Travel Across Borders for Care
Col. Zahir’s journey made me reflect on why patients are willing to travel great distances for medical care. It is not just about credentials or hospital infrastructure—it is about trust and the belief that they are in safe hands.
His experience highlighted three key aspects of healthcare:
Trust is the foundation of healing. Patients don’t just look for a good doctor; they look for someone who listens, understands, and genuinely cares.
Medicine is more than science—it’s human connection. A warm conversation, an empathetic ear, and the assurance that their concerns are heard can have a profound impact on recovery.
A doctor’s role extends beyond treatment. The best medical care is a blend of expertise, experience, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the patient’s well-being.
A Doctor’s Reflection: The True Gift of Skill
This was not the first time I had treated an officer from the Iraqi Army. Years ago, I had helped an Iraqi General, saving him from a severe cosmetic deformity. That case had already established a deep sense of trust in my work, and Col. Zahir’s journey reaffirmed it.
I feel blessed to have acquired the skills necessary to help patients in such life-changing ways. This moment reinforced why I chose this path and why putting patients first will always be my guiding principle. Because when you do what is truly right for the patient, and when you give your best with complete sincerity, people will travel across continents to seek your care. And there is no greater privilege than that.
Recent Comments