Sireesha Battula (Siri) / Doctor

 

I always felt that I am incredibly lucky to be in a profession I absolutely love. I am a Foot and Ankle specialist who treats patients of all ages. Healthcare professionals in general love helping and healing. But lately, they have been burdened by many professional logistical issues such as billing for services, keeping up with new information, accommodating a constant flow of new rules and regulations, having to be technologically updated and being cautious of patients that could sue them. Needless to say, this creates much stress on a daily basis. I was on that boat before I started this meditation.

I see many different kinds of patients on a daily basis and get to hear many of their agonies and problems related and unrelated to their physical ailment. This also can create stress for most in my profession. Recent studies unfortunately revealed that doctors have the highest suicide rates of any other profession. Hence stress relief practices and mindfulness classes are recommended to us and I have indulged in many of them which are definitely helpful. However, I can say with complete conviction that this meditation is the only method that has truly helped me by changing my perspective from the core and has given me the tools to simply cruise through my work and patients without ever feeling an ounce of burden. This might sound almost unreal for many. But, my experience has been even greater than that.

It has helped me loose my ego(and pressure) of being a “doctor” which created immense clarity while treating patients and I am able to enjoy each day of my work with intense joy. This is a simple guided, purposeful meditation method. Guiding is done by some incredible, selfless, nonjudgmental, loving and supportive individuals I have ever met called helpers. I started to notice the benefit of this meditation right after the first session. With many work and family demands, it was hard to find time, but I just could not stay away, as it was clear to me that this was the path to answer all my deeper questions. The helpers were very understanding and let me do as little as I had time for and even that was amazingly effective. My office staff is constantly amazed at how calm I am in dire and even unreasonable patient scenarios.

It is not something I do intentionally but it is what happens naturally after reaching level seven of this meditation method. I truly hope this message rings a bell with everyone in the medical profession and motivates you to start and complete this path. It is the greatest gift you will give yourself, your family and all your patients.