Nagpur: On this Women’s Day, the story of Dr Dipti Chand — former professor and head of the department of medicine at Indira Gandhi Govt Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), Nagpur — stands as a powerful reminder of courage, resilience and the healing spirit of doctors.Now a senior consultant in critical care, Dr Chand found herself on the other side of the hospital bed when a small lump detected in Dec last year turned out to be malignant. The diagnosis came as a shock, but a quick evaluation showed that the cancer was localised and at stage 1.Within days, she underwent a surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, as advised after biopsy analysis. “When something like this happens, you have to accept it and go through the process with peace,” she said, reflecting on the experience.The months of treatment were difficult, especially during chemotherapy. Yet Dr Chand remained calm and determined. Her children, particularly her son — an oncologist based in the UK — provided strong emotional support and reassurance. “I knew that since it was detected early, the long-term prognosis would be good. It was just a small patch of time that was difficult,” she said.Dr Chand completed her treatment in May and resumed a completely normal routine. After spending some time with her son abroad, she returned to work in Sept and now practises as a senior consultant in critical care at a city hospital while also teaching postgraduate students.Recently attending a medical workshop in Jaipur, Dr Chand said she felt “energetic, bright and beautiful”.From treating patients to becoming one — and returning stronger — her journey embodies the resilience that defines countless women in medicine.
