The Healers Journal: Why I Chose Paediatric Cardiac Surgery

As I stand in the heart of the paediatric cardiac surgery department, surrounded by the laughter, tears, and smiles of young patients and their families, I often reflect on the journey that led me here. The path I chose was not easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling decisions of my life. Paediatric cardiac surgery is a niche that blends the best of science, medicine, and compassion and it is one that requires a unique kind of motivation. I have undergone meticulous training at the prestigious AIIMS, New Delhi for my super specialization in Cardiac Surgery. My decision to specialize in paediatric cardiac surgery was profoundly influenced by the mentorship under the esteemed Dr. P. Venugopal at AIIMS Hospital. Dr. P. Venugopal, a visionary in the field, firmly believed in training his students to become versatile cardiac surgeons, capable of performing both adult and paediatric cases with equal expertise. His guiding philosophy was that a surgeon should never have to turn down a case due to a lack of skill or experience.

To uphold this belief, Dr. P. Venugopal initiated a rigorous training program designed to equip his students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on proficiency in all domains of cardiac surgery. I, being a distinguished alumnus of AIIMS, has carried forward this legacy with utmost dedication.

Further inspired by Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, the founder of Narayana Health and one of India’s most renowned paediatric cardiac surgeons, I assure to combine the teachings of my mentors with my own deep passion for paediatric care. The commitment to excellence, empathy, and lifelong learning defines my journey.

Cardiology appealed to me for its combination of intellectual challenge and direct impact. The heart, being the vital organ that it is, has always captivated me. Paediatric cardiac surgery, however, felt like an even greater calling. Treating the heart of a child is different from treating that of an adult.

What makes paediatric cardiac surgery particularly special is the close-knit relationship we build with families. Treating a child is not just about diagnosing and prescribing. It’s about supporting families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. When a parent brings their child in with a heart condition, it’s not just the child who needs care; it’s the entire family. It’s about reassuring them, explaining the situation clearly, and guiding them through a sometimes long and difficult journey.

As for me, my motivation will always remain the same: to offer the best possible care to my patients, to help them live healthier, happier lives, and to contribute to the ongoing evolution of paediatric cardiac Surgery. There is always more to learn, always more ways to improve, and always more children who need us. And often, what they need most—beyond medicine and surgery—is timely financial support. Congenital heart disease donation plays a crucial role in making care accessible to underprivileged families.

I am grateful every day for the opportunity to be part of these young patients’ journeys, to help them heal, and to see them grow into the bright, resilient people they are meant to be.

Dr. Ankit Mathur

Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon

Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur