Member Spotlight Q&A

What started your interest in Blood Transfusion?

My journey in Transfusion Medicine began in 2008 when I joined the MD program at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh—one of India’s most prestigious medical institutions. My interest in this field was initially sparked during blood donation drives, where I was profoundly impressed by the altruism of voluntary blood donors who came forward to donate blood for recipients they had never met.

As I progressed in my training, my interest deepened through firsthand experiences in clinical settings. I observed the remarkable impact that timely and appropriate blood transfusions had on the recovery and survival of critically ill patients. Equally moving was witnessing the relief and joy on the faces of patients with chronic transfusion needs, such as those with hemoglobinopathies or hemophilia. These moments reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in transfusion medicine. Following my postgraduate training, I had the opportunity to work at a standalone private blood centre. This experience broadened my perspective and allowed me to see the practical challenges faced by patients in sourcing safe blood. I became aware of the crucial role that blood centers play in patient care—not just in providing components, but also in ensuring quality, safety, and timely availability. I also witnessed the pressing need for promoting voluntary blood donation to address shortages, which strengthened my resolve to advocate for donor mobilization.

Additionally, this phase of my career allowed me to closely interact with clinicians and understand their expectations, concerns, and decision-making processes regarding blood transfusions. This insight highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary communication and the need to disseminate evidence-based practices in transfusion medicine. It inspired me to actively engage in educational initiatives to promote the safe and judicious use of blood and its components.

How did this interest develop and what are your main topics of interest now?

My interest in transfusion medicine deepened significantly during my residency, particularly through my hands-on experience in the apheresis unit. Performing therapeutic apheresis procedures on critically ill patients allowed me to witness the immediate and life-saving impact of these interventions. These experiences not only improved my technical skills but also reinforced the vital role of transfusion medicine in comprehensive patient management.

As my training progressed, I became increasingly involved in managing complex clinical and immunohematological cases. These challenging cases, which required critical thinking, multidisciplinary collaboration, and precision, further solidified my commitment to this dynamic and evolving specialty. I found particular satisfaction in problem-solving and applying scientific principles to ensure the safe and effective use of blood components.

In parallel with my clinical work, I began attending national and international conferences in transfusion medicine. These forums provided invaluable exposure to the latest advancements in the field and the opportunity to interact with leading experts and fellow professionals. The exchange of ideas and best practices during these academic gatherings broadened my perspective and deepened my enthusiasm for continued learning and contribution.

As a natural progression of my evolving interests, I developed a strong inclination towards clinical transfusion practices and haemovigilance. These areas have since become the primary focus of my professional endeavors. I am particularly interested to the potential of haemovigilance systems to enhance transfusion safety through proactive risk identification and continuous quality improvement, which I believe are critical for advancing patient outcomes and healthcare standards.

What have been the most rewarding times in your career?

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to experience several deeply rewarding moments. One of the earliest and most memorable was being awarded the prestigious Harold Gunson Fellowship at my very first international ISBT conference held in Taiwan in 2011. Over the years, I have had the privilege of taking on leadership roles within the organization, including being elected as Secretary and later as Chairperson of the ISBT Haemovigilance Working Party. Additionally, I served as the Secretary and subsequently the Chairperson of the ISBT Wikipedia subgroup, which focuses on disseminating accurate and accessible information on transfusion medicine globally. In parallel with my international engagements, my professional journey within the Indian transfusion medicine community also witnessed significant milestones. I was appointed as faculty at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, one of the most esteemed medical institutions in the country. Alongside this, I contributed as an expert in the National Haemovigilance Programme, helping to shape and implement national strategies to enhance donor safety.

While these professional achievements have been incredibly fulfilling, the most meaningful rewards have always come from patient’s satisfaction. One such unforgettable moment occurred when I was approached by the father of a child who had been receiving regular transfusions during my residency. Recognizing me after several years and despite the distance nearly 500 km when I was visiting their region with my family at the time. He emotionally expressed his gratitude for the care and support his child had received. This emotional feeling of the patient’s father left a lasting impression on me. It reminded me that the true essence of our profession lies in the impact we make on patients and their families.