Radiology is Dr Himadri Sikhor Das’ lifeline and he is very particular about doing it right. So he decided to turn his passion into a thriving business and has been successful in doing so. The MD of Matrix is also the Nominated Central Council Member of Indian Radiological & Imaging Association (IRIA), Assam State Branch. He is also involved with many national and international academic and voluntary bodies. M Neelam Kachhap, catches up with him to know more about his illustrious career
Why did you opt for radiology in your postgraduation (PG)?
I was working as a Junior Resident in the Department of Surgery at Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi when the idea kicked in. I used to accompany the patients admitted in my ward to the radiology department where I became friendly with the Senior Residents. I was fascinated by their vast knowledge of anatomy and patho-physiology of many diseases. Over time I was introduced to various state-of-the-art equipment and other aspects of radiology. Eventually, I decided to pursue a course in Radiology rather than General Medicine, which was my earlier choice.
Tell us about your first job.
My first job as a radiologist was at a diagnostic centre in Gurgaon. This was for a very brief period. I used to travel from South Extension, which was about 45-50 km away, to Gurgaon everyday for the love of radiology. At the centre, I mainly reported CT scans. The owner of the diagnostic centre was also a radiologist who was very senior and had studied the subject many years earlier. So he did not know much of CT. He was otherwise a very nice person and made me feel at ease. I also reported X-rays, did USGs and Colour Doppler examinations. though not too many in numbers.
You have your own practice now. How was the journey from job to entrepreneurship?
The journey has been very exciting, full of ups and downs of life. The initial years were very taxing but over the years, as I became more experienced, the stress levels came down substantially. Earlier, any issue like machine breakdown, staff absenteeism or reduced patient footfalls due to any reason would be a cause of serious concern. Then, over the years, I realised that these factors are inherent in all practices and gradually learnt to cope with these types of working problems.
What are the benefits of having your own practice?
Well, there are many but primarily freedom. Having the freedom and flexibility of running a centre without any hindrance or pressure from any higher up is definitely a benefit. Also, the freedom to set working protocols as you desire is an additional benefit.
What are the challenges in setting up a radiology lab?
There are many challenges. First and most important is the finance aspect i.e., to secure funding for buying the machines. Secondly, to find a decent place to set it up, as location is the most important consideration for any business. One important thing which may not be a problem in metro cities is regular power supply, obtaining power needed for running these machines. Also, the usual teething problems of obtaining clearances and no objection certificates (NOCs) from various government agencies like Labour Commission, Pollution Control Board, Fire Safety, Health Centre Establishments, etc.
How did you deal with these challenges?
I have a very simple problem solving formula. It is to understand the problem, address it correctly and then try to find a solution by plunging headlong into the matter rather than looking out for short cuts.
What is your message to students aspiring to pursue PG in radiology?
My message to the younger generation looking to obtain a PG degree in radiology is to work very hard in the initial years so that the basic concepts regarding disease anatomy and pathology are rock solid. Try to find out which modality suits one best and pursue it relentlessly. Embrace the newer, emerging technologies and changes in all existing modalities which are taking place all over the world.
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