Ratna Bhavaraju-Sanka, MD
Diagnosis is not the end, but the beginning of practice. ~Martin H. Fischer My first experience of medicine started in thefootsteps of my father who is a Neurosurgeon in India. Being a physician in a third world country with limitedtechnology and access to care, he had to work through tough situations. Technological advancements have madeavailable variety of different techniques today to find the right diagnosis, but that is only the beginning. My interest inNeurology and Neuromuscular disorders was further bolstered in medical school and residency by my mentors. Fromthere I embarked on a journey to further my knowledge as a clinician and researcher. The lack of ability of rapidlyevolving medical knowledge to change the course of a disease like Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is clearlyvisible, Yet the improvements in management of diseases like Myasthenia gravis and immune neuropathies have made adefinite change in the lives of patients. The ongoing developments and the room for more research make neuromusculardisorders an interesting specialty. The varied pathology seen within the neuromuscular disorders like myopathies,muscular dystrophies, neuromuscular junction disorders, immune and infectious neuropathies to name a few keeps thefield always fresh and challenging. The care of patient with these debilitating incurable diseases is challenging yet thesmile on their faces when we see them and talk to them gives you the strength to go forward in search of the magicpotion that will cure their miseries. We also developed a great research facility to offer our patients ability to participate latest research trials in various neuromuscular conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Myasthenia gravis. During the course of my work as a clinician and Assistant professor, I realized that practicing medicine involves more than treating patients, I assumed the role of the Clinic director to lead our clinic and provide efficient timely care to our patients in the current health care settings. We are developing innovative methods to train and use advance practice providers to overcome the shortage of neurologists. I realize this is the beginning of my career but am excited about the opportunities lying ahead and ready to face the challenges to become a great clinician, researcher and leader for our community.
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