Dr. Karthika

I am currently a PG 2nd yr student in the dept of Shalakya Tantra at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, batch 2024. I joined right after UG—no break—straight into PG (regular batch). I did my undergrad from Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (2017 batch, CCRAS syllabus under Pondicherry Univ). Somehow managed to secure 2nd rank university-wide back then, which I didn’t totally expect. Right now, my core interest lies in the Ayurvedic and integrative management of eye disorders. I’ve got decent exposure to both classical texts and clinical practice. From anatomy to pathology, I try to stay grounded in both the traditional Ayurvedic view and also the modern opthalmic understanding, especially with conditions related to the cornea, retina, and anterior segment. During PG deputation in 2nd year, I handled like 200+ OPD patients daily within 1–2 hrs (felt crazy at first but got used to the pace). I’m also trained hands-on in cataract and cornea surgeries under supervision. Not calling myself a surgeon yet, but I did get a good amout of surgical exposure in the PG postings. In terms of academics, I got 82% in the first-year PG exams—distinction score—secured department 1st and university topper at Parul Institute. Sometimes I do wonder if all this speed actually lets me go deep into each case but I’m learning to balance efficiency with proper patient care. Honestly I think that’s the biggest challenge in clinical ayurveda today—staying rooted in shastra while also being practically useful in today's overloaded OPDs. Anyway, still got a lot to learn, but I try to show up with clarity, humility and the will to keep improving every day.