Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Dr. Rinku Kumar Sharma, a renowned Neurosurgeon at Metro Mas Hospital, Jaipur
Rising from a lower middle-class background to serving as a distinguished neurosurgeon at Jaipur’s Metro Mas Hospital, Dr. Rinku Kumar Sharma embodies perseverance, purpose, and professional integrity. Educated in government institutions and trained at esteemed centres such as SMS Medical College, his path was shaped not only by academic dedication but also by a personal loss that steered him towards Neurosurgery. Today, he stands at the forefront of advanced brain and spine care, combining clinical precision with compassion. In this insightful interaction, Dr. Sharma shares reflections on his journey, emerging medical technologies, and the evolving landscape of patient care.
Question: You are a renowned neurosurgeon at Jaipur’s Metro Mas Hospital. How would you describe your journey so far?
Answer: My journey has been one of perseverance and purpose. I come from Dausa and belong to a lower middle-class family. My early education was entirely in government schools, where resources were limited but aspirations were not. After completing my senior secondary education, I moved to Kota to prepare for the pre-medical entrance examination. I could not clear it in my first attempt, which was a humbling experience. Determined to succeed, I prepared again with coaching from CLC, Sikar, and secured a rank that earned me admission to a government medical college in Surat.
After completing my MBBS, I pursued my MCh in Neurosurgery from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, followed by further specialization at Durlabhji Hospital. My decision to enter Neurosurgery was shaped by a deeply personal loss. In 2013, during my MBBS, my uncle passed away due to a severe head injury sustained in an accident. Witnessing the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of brain trauma left a lasting impact on me. Head and spinal injuries are often life-threatening, and I felt a desire to dedicate myself to a field where timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Although I had interests in Urosurgery and Pediatrics during my formative years, Neurosurgery ultimately became my calling. Today, serving at Metro Mas Hospital is both an honour and a profound responsibility.
Question: What were the initial challenges you faced while establishing your practice?
Answer: Financial constraints were among the most formidable challenges. Coming from modest means, funding medical education and advanced specialization required significant sacrifice. Medicine is a highly competitive field, and one must consistently prove one’s competence. I was academically sincere but not always confident in showcasing my abilities.
Another major hurdle was language. Having studied in Hindi medium, transitioning to an English-intensive medical curriculum was daunting. Medical textbooks, journals, and examinations are overwhelmingly in English. Initially, it required extra effort to comprehend complex terminology. However, persistence, disciplined study, and constant practice helped me overcome this barrier. In retrospect, these challenges strengthened my resilience.
Question: The doctor–patient relationship appears to be evolving. What is your perspective on this shift?
Answer: The dynamics have indeed changed. Earlier, patients placed implicit trust in their physicians. Today, with the proliferation of digital information, many patients consult the internet before or after meeting a doctor. While awareness is empowering, partial or misinterpreted information can create confusion and mistrust. Patients sometimes seek multiple opinions not out of caution alone, but uncertainty.
However, trust is a two-way responsibility. Doctors must uphold transparency, empathy, and ethical conduct. Hospitals, too, must ensure that patients never feel exploited. When someone approaches a doctor, they do so in vulnerability. It is our duty to provide not only treatment but reassurance.
Question: What does Neurosurgery encompass, and what are the common causes of neurological illnesses today?
Answer: Neurosurgery deals with disorders of the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system. We frequently manage head injuries, spinal trauma, strokes, hemorrhages, brain tumors, slip discs, and cervical spine disorders. Emergency cases often involve road traffic accidents leading to traumatic brain injuries.
A significant proportion of spinal ailments today are lifestyle-related. Sedentary routines, poor posture, lack of exercise, and prolonged screen exposure contribute heavily. Among children and adolescents, headaches have become increasingly common due to excessive screen time. The human brain evolved to process limited visual stimuli, yet digital screens expose it to millions of colour variations, leading to ocular and neurological strain. Conditions such as computer vision syndrome and tech-related headaches are on the rise. Preventive awareness is as crucial as surgical intervention.
Question: How do you view the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and robotics in medicine?
Answer: Artificial Intelligence is gradually transforming healthcare. It aids in rapid diagnosis, surgical planning, data analysis, and follow-up monitoring. In Neurosurgery, neuronavigation systems allow us to locate lesions with remarkable precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Robotic assistance and minimally invasive techniques have significantly reduced operative risks and recovery time.
However, AI is still in its developmental phase in India. While technological advancements enhance accuracy and safety, they also increase treatment costs. Accessibility remains a concern. Balancing innovation with affordability will be crucial in the coming years.
Question: There are numerous fears surrounding brain and spine surgeries. What are the most common myths?
Answer: One widespread misconception is that all slip disc cases require surgery. In reality, only about five percent necessitate operative intervention. The majority respond well to medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is recommended only when conservative measures fail or neurological deficits arise.
Another fear relates to brain tumors. People often ignore early warning signs such as persistent headaches, seizures, or unexplained neurological symptoms. The brain, though delicate, does provide signals when something is wrong. Early detection through MRI or CT scans significantly improves survival rates. Delayed diagnosis, however, complicates outcomes. Modern neurosurgical techniques are far safer than commonly perceived, and awareness can help dispel unnecessary fear.
Question: What is your assessment of government healthcare schemes?
Answer: From the patient’s perspective, government schemes enhance affordability and access. They reduce the financial burden on economically weaker sections and uphold the principle that healthcare is a fundamental right.
However, implementation challenges remain. At every level, there are problems which everyone knows. Navigating through them with efficiency can aid in delivering efficient healthcare services.
Question: Where does Rajasthan stand in terms of quality healthcare compared to other states?
Answer: Over the past four to five years, Rajasthan has made notable progress in Neurosurgery and tertiary care. While states like Gujarat and Delhi have advanced rapidly, Rajasthan is steadily bridging the gap. I believe that within the next five to six years, we will witness substantial improvements, particularly in emergency response systems and quality-driven care. The focus is gradually shifting from quantity to excellence.
Question: In cases of trauma, what protocol should be followed, and how can awareness be increased?
Answer: In severe trauma, especially head injuries, the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol is essential. It follows the structured ABCDE approach—Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure—prioritizing life-threatening conditions systematically. Public awareness of basic trauma response can save countless lives. Integrating foundational emergency training into school curricula would empower citizens to respond effectively during accidents.
Question: What message would you like to share with young medical aspirants?
Answer: Medicine demands integrity, discipline, and compassion. I would urge aspiring doctors to prioritise quality over quantity and passion over profit. When one practises with sincerity and dedication, professional recognition follows naturally. True fulfilment in medicine comes not from financial gain, but from the lives you are able to heal and the hope you restore.
