Hyderabad : Women doctors play multiple roles every day as healthcare professionals, caregivers, mothers, wives, daughters, and often the central pillar of their households. While they dedicate their time, expertise, and emotional energy to patients and families, their own health frequently takes a back seat.
Long working hours, demanding clinical schedules, emotional stress, patient responsibilities, and home management can leave little room for regular self-care. Even with a strong understanding of preventive healthcare, many women doctors may postpone routine blood tests, ignore early symptoms, or delay age-appropriate health screenings.
Healthcare experts emphasize that preventive health must not be viewed as an optional measure, particularly for women balancing sustained professional and caregiving responsibilities. Annual health check-ups, routine investigations, timely vaccinations, and age-appropriate screenings can help identify risks early and enable proactive management.
“Women doctors are often the first point of support for their patients and families, but they may overlook their own health needs in the process. Regular preventive screenings are essential, not only to detect health concerns early, but also to ensure they can continue to lead healthy, fulfilling, and productive lives,” said Dr Ankita Srivastava, Chief of Labs at Neuberg Diagnostics, Hyderabad.
Depending on age, medical history, and individual risk factors, women should speak to their doctors about regular blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol monitoring; breast and cervical cancer screening; bone-health assessments; thyroid evaluation; and other relevant investigations.
“Preventive care is an investment in long-term well-being. A healthy doctor is better equipped to care for patients, support her family, and inspire healthier choices in the community. Making time for one’s own health is not selfish; it is fundamental to sustained caregiving,” added Dr Ankita Srivastava, Chief of Labs at Neuberg Diagnostics, Hyderabad.
Women doctors are encouraged to prioritise their annual health assessment and seek timely medical guidance for any persistent symptoms or health concerns. By placing preventive health on the calendar, they can reinforce an important message for patients and families alike: healthcare begins with caring for oneself.