The Healers Journal: Why I Chose Pediatric Cardiology?

Someone once asked me why I chose pediatric cardiology.

It was while I was pursuing MBBS. One thing I realized was that I was not cut out to be a surgeon. And I really enjoyed my pediatrics posting. It was really gratifying to see sick children coming and going back smiling. It really brought a lot of happiness to me. So, after clearing my post-graduation entrance exam, I chose MD Pediatrics. I pursued MD Pediatrics at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi. So, there we had a lot of children with heart diseases, and it was really disheartening to see that they were coming from far off places in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, UP, Himachal Pradesh, because there was no local care available for them.

Moreover, when they came to us, we also had just AIIMS New Delhi as a centre where we were sending most of the complex patients. So, it shook me that a lot of children were suffering from heart defects, but there is no proper care that is available. So, after I finished my MD Pediatrics, I was doing my senior residency, and at that time, AIIMS New Delhi announced that there was a single seat in DM Pediatric Cardiology.

So, I think that I found that a good opportunity, and I started giving it my everything to pursue that branch. And I did crack the exam, and I was pursuing pediatric cardiology at AIIMS. And I really had an experience of a lifetime learning from the masters and the pioneers. And it was really gratifying to see that a lot of children, sick children who are being handled and successfully managed. So truly, I feel I’m blessed that I am pursuing this branch, which I always wanted to.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing children who once struggled to breathe or play like other kids come back months later full of energy and laughter. For families, it means hope and a second chance at a normal childhood for their child. Moments like these remind me why I chose this field and reinforce my commitment to continue working in pediatric cardiology.

I’m passionate about this pediatric cardiology branch. But one problem in our branch is that most of the children are born to very young families who are not very financially capable.

And that’s where the role of foundations like Genesis Foundation comes up. They help in bridging the gap between hospitals and families who cannot afford it. Their support enables doctors like us to focus on what truly matters, to save children with heart defects. I’m grateful to be associated with them. I also want to congratulate them as they are completing 25 years of doing this great job.

Dr. Jay Relan
Pediatric Cardiologist
Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad