Indian doctors: Hall of fame - Part 9: Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, gastroenterologist

By Syed Akbar
When one thinks of gastroenterology, the first name that pops to mind is Dr D Nageshwar Reddy. From being just one of the many professors of gastroenterology two decades ago, Dr Nageshwar Reddy carved out a niche, through research, utmost patient care and dedication, in this area of medicine.
Today he is the best Indian doctor in gastroenterology and the most sought-after worldwide. When he gets free time, he reads books on philosophy, science and evolution.
"The centre of my universe is the patient," he says and it’s this single principle that has earned him name and fame, both at national and international level. "Only when we constantly think of ways to improve care of our patients and work hard at it, can we reach the top of any branch of medicine," he adds.
Being at the top in this select field, Dr Nageshwar Reddy feels that humility and compassion are two other characteristics that doctors require to excel in medicine. "Team work is very important," he points out.
Stating that it took about 15 years to reach the top in the field, Dr Nageshwar Reddy says he selected gastroenterology as the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases is very high in India.
He graduated from Kurnool Medical College in 1978 and obtained a PG degree in medicine from Madras Medical College in 1982 and specialisation in gastroenterology in 1984 from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
A busy doctor he is, Dr Nageshwar Reddy and his team see over 200 outpatients and 250 inpatients. He is credited with a breakthrough in endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, gallstones and pancreatitis.
He bagged a number of national and international awards which include Dr BC Roy Award for development of specialities, Padmasri, and the Master Endoscopist Award, the highest award in endoscopy, equivalent
to Nobel Prize in endoscopy.
He feels that Indians are doing so brilliantly because Indians are innately intelligent and willing to work hard, much harder than an average westerner.