Dr. Rahul Sinha, MD, MPH, FAAP, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Assistant Professor of Neurology at University of Illinois College of Medicine, Illinois, USA. He is also the lead Pediatric Neurologist in charge of gene therapy for the Spinal Muscular atrophy program at OSF-Children Hospital of Illinois.
Welcome to this DocScopy article on Dr. Rahul Sinha, MD, MPH, FAAP, USA. Let us get some insights about his vision through the candid conversation between Dr. Rahul Sinha and MedBoundTimes [Tanya Singh and Lalitha lavanya Shree]
Tanya: Tell us something about your life and professional journey
Dr. Sinha: Currently, I am working as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois. Being born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, my childhood was spent there and I attended Vikas Vidyalaya in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Subsequently, went to Kuwait where I completed 10th grade at Carmel School of Kuwait, after which, I returned to India and completed my 12th grade at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi.
I pursued my Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania on a scholarship of merit and later completed my Internship at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital, Bihar, India. I moved to New York for three years to complete my Postgraduate training- Pediatric residency training at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, New York while concurrently earning a master's degree in public health (MPH) at Hofstra University, New York. I also completed Child Neurology residency training for 3 years at Duke University, USA and also gained valuable clinical experience as a clinical neurophysiology fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA.
I have also spent some time in Dubai working as Pediatric Neurologist at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai, UAE. My personal observations led me to believe that every country has extremely distinct healthcare systems with their own advantages and disadvantage. Currently, I am also the lead Pediatric Neurologist in charge of gene therapy for the Spinal Muscular atrophy program at OSF-Children Hospital of Illinois.
(Tanya- You have so many golden feathers in your hat)
Lalitha: Sir, Why did you choose this career path?
Dr. Sinha: Typically, specialties are chosen during the medical school years. I've always been interested in the heart and brain, so I've always wanted to be either a cardiologist or a neurologist. My early exposure to neuroscience lab in medical school helped me to choose the Pediatric neurology career pathway. My area of expertise keeps me motivated, especially since the functioning of the brain has always fascinated me. Helping children reach their maximum potential is a very satisfying process.
Tanya added - also maybe because you like children as well
I put in a lot of effort, trust in fate, and seize opportunities. Every day is challenging, and every situation is fascinating. You must always stay informed about new information.
Tanya- It makes you happy if something unknown comes up. It’s a trait of very high IQ people.
Dr. Sinha: Our brain is beautiful, once you add excitement to it, it functions better. The more you do, the better it gets.
Tanya- So you are humble and modest as well...
Tanya: How were you as a child academically? I’m already able to guess, but I want to hear it from you.
Dr. Sinha: I was a decent kid, not like top-notch. I frequently accomplished a lot of things together. I led my school's hockey team as a captain. Life was not all about education. All was in the balance for me. After completing my 12th grade, I was more attentive. I don't feel I missed anything when I look back. I lived out my entire youth.
Tanya: I believe that very few individuals can make that claim because, after a certain age, they admit that their 20s were essentially spent studying and that they didn't enjoy them. They regret it now and then.
Dr. Sinha: In life, there are so many things to complain about but it’s important you pick up things that you can cherish and focus on them. You are your biggest strength, you should find out what keeps you strong, going, and motivated. This is how I see myself. I read every day which makes me better.
Tanya: Please tell us about your family.
Dr. Sinha: I have two children, one is 5, while the other is 9 years old, and my wife is completing her residency in the USA. She completed her M.B.B.S. and M.D. in gynecology from Rajendra Institute of Medical Science in Ranchi, India. She then spent some time working for the government hospital and completed research at Duke University, USA. This year, she enrolled in a family medicine residency training program in Texas, USA.
Tanya: Please tell us about your experience in the Middle East- Kuwait/UAE.
Dr. Sinha: I did my 9th and 10th grades at Carmel School, Kuwait. Later I worked as Pediatric Neurologist at Al Jalia Children's Hospital, Dubai, UAE between 2018 and 2020. I loved Dubai due to its proximity to home, as almost every month I used to visit my parents.
Tanya: Tell us some interesting clinical or career-related cases/situations/events that have left an impression on you. Or, some unforgettable cases/events/incidences.
Dr. Sinha: I always like to give recent examples. A family recently wrote me a thank-you note for our team for the care we delivered to her son. Our patient has refractory epilepsy and we tried multiple medications to control seizures but he continues to have a breakthrough seizure and we referred our patient to a higher center for epilepsy surgery/neuromodulation evaluation. The family was happy with the care we delivered closer to home and this was very rewarding to me.
Tanya: Any incidents that you feel could have been done in a better way (something that left you disappointed or less than satisfied)?
Dr. Sinha: Recently, a foster mother arrived at my clinic and requested a prescription refill, she refused to provide the medical history. I told her that for patient safety and quality care, we would need to know the medical history before authorizing prescription refills. Mother was not happy with my request and refused to provide any information and demanded a refill.
I backed up to ask for assistance as the mother began shouting loudly. Unfortunately, I could not help the patient on that day because of patient safety concerns.
As doctors, we must always act professionally and have patience.
Tanya: What you said just struck me spontaneously!! What are your views on American medical shows? Is it real?
Dr. Sinha: Recently, I have not watched a TV show. I remember watching one season of Gray’s during medical school and enjoyed it. I stopped watching television series after that. Since It was more than eight/nine years ago, I am unsure of how they are portraying the healthcare system now. But I can say that you have to maintain a high level of professionalism with patient care and interactions with your colleagues.
Tanya: Are you politically inclined?
Dr. Sinha: I think I am.
Tanya: So, what is your take on the decision of imparting medical education in regional languages?
Dr. Sinha: This is what I think personally. English is a more widely used language. There is great medical science information available in English. Indians have an advantage here because they studied medicine in English. It would be better because communicating with international peers and cross-border collaboration would be easier.
Building literature in regional languages will need more time. Since I received my education in English, there is the potential for bias. It would be best to take the opinion of someone who has studied medicine in a different language and then had to learn it in English may be able to give better insight.
Tanya: Do you wish to get into politics?
Dr. Sinha: I believe in destiny. My to-do list includes it. It will happen someday but when, is unclear. I am inclined because it’s a platform to contribute to the development of people and your country. I continue to follow Indian politics.
Tanya: Do doctors participate in politics in the US?
Dr. Sinha: They do. Many doctors participate directly in fundraising efforts or run for office. I believe that for improving policy about healthcare, one needs to be involved with policymakers/politicians.
Tanya: What is the demand/need and scope of Pediatric neurologists in India and the US?
Dr. Sinha: Enormous in both locations. In India, it is a lot harder. When Indian patients want my advice, there are instances when I find it difficult to know where to direct them for further care. We need more and more training positions to provide advanced training in Pediatric Neurology to fill up the gaps.
Tanya: Do you want to come back to India as a practitioner? Why?
Dr. Sinha: My family is in India, so I have deep roots there, currently working very closely with an under served population in the USA. With my current life circumstance, plan to continue to practice in the USA. I believe plans should be modified based on life circumstances. Since life is fluid and changes happen all the time, I am prepared for them. Also, feel that the world has become a smaller place with advancing technology
Tanya: Why did you choose this career path/how come you are here?
Dr. Sinha: Just after my 12th grade, a decision was made. It came about naturally. I feel quite content and successful, and I eagerly anticipate moving on to the next stage of my life.
Tanya: I got a question from what you said -- if your life was a movie what would you name it? I have a word in my mind but I want to hear from you first.
Dr. Sinha:I don't know if there is a word for it, but I think my life feels like a roller coaster because it has had many ups and downs, yet I have succeeded. This, I believe, will go on happening in my life. It is more of an attitude, I just can’t settle in where I am in my life.
Tanya: Should I suggest one?
“Unfinished” is the perfect word
Dr. Sinha: Oh yeah, you are right. This is the perfect match.
Tanya: Any 3 qualities that you dislike in others?
Dr. Sinha: I start by trusting people around me. I never begin to look for negative traits in people. People really have to show me how “bad” they are in front of me.
Tanya: If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Dr. Sinha: Well personality-wise, I am a passionate person, driven, inquisitive, and enthusiastic. Without a doubt, I will pursue my goal.
Tanya: What would you be doing if you were not a Doctor?
Dr. Sinha: I believe I would have chosen a career in administration or politics.
Tanya: If you had to eat one food consecutively for 360 days a year…, what would it be?
Dr. Sinha: I'm from Bihar, and I adore “aloo ka bhujia” (fried potatoes with onion). I could think of no other food at the moment. Even though it wouldn't be healthy, I just wanted to be honest.
Tanya: Finally, a message you would like to convey to the budding medical students or society?
Dr. Sinha: Keep your patients at the center of everything you do, and everything else will fall into place. Let me rephrase: We must prioritize ourselves and our families while keeping patients at the center of our efforts. I want the doctor community to live longer, healthy, and live progressive lives.
If doctors are healthy and happy they will do the right things for the patients.
Tanya – very practical advice, Sir!
MedBoundTimes is extremely grateful to Dr. Rahul Sinha for taking out the time and interacting with us.
