On January 24, 2025, at 11:30 AM, Dr. Vikram Patel, a globally recognized psychiatrist, delivered the Dr. R.P. Soonawala Oration 2025 at the R.L. Swarankar Auditorium, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology (MGUMST), Jaipur. His oration,
"Rethinking Person-Centred Medicine: Lessons from My Mother," was a timely and relevant discussion that greatly benefited the large audience of faculty, students, and distinguished guests in attendance.
The oration was a deeply personal and compelling exploration of what it truly means to practice person-centred medicine. Dr. Patel wove together personal anecdotes, particularly focusing on the lessons he learned from his mother, with his extensive experience in global mental health. He argued that while the concept of person-centred care is widely discussed, its practical application often falls short.
He emphasized that true person-centred medicine requires more than just treating a patient's symptoms; it demands understanding their individual context, their lived experiences, their beliefs, and their values.
Dr. Patel shared poignant stories from his mother's experiences with the healthcare system, highlighting instances where her voice was either ignored or marginalized. These narratives served as powerful illustrations of the disconnect that can exist between healthcare providers and patients, particularly when the focus is solely on the disease rather than the individual. He argued that incorporating a patient's narrative into their care plan is crucial for effective and compassionate treatment.
By truly listening to and understanding a patient's story, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights that inform diagnosis, treatment, and overall care.
The oration also touched upon the importance of integrating mental health into all aspects of healthcare. Dr. Patel emphasized that mental and physical health are interconnected,
and that addressing mental health concerns is essential for overall well-being. He called for greater investment in mental health services and for the destigmatization of mental illness.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Firoze Soonawala, a consultant gynaecologist from Mumbai, who served as the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries present included Dr. M.L. Swarankar, Emeritus Chairperson, MGUMST, Dr. Vikas Chandra Swarankar, Chancellor, MGUMST, Dr. Achal Gulati, Vice Chancellor, MGUMST, Dr. Sudhir Sachdev,
Dr. N.D. Soni, and numerous other esteemed guests. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the university's commitment to fostering dialogue on important issues in healthcare.
The Dr. R.P. Soonawala Oration proved to be a stimulating and thought-provoking event. Dr. Patel's powerful message resonated deeply with the audience, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the importance of person-centred medicine. The oration served as a valuable learning experience for the faculty and students of MGUMST,
inspiring them to embrace a more compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare. It is hoped that the lessons shared by Dr. Patel will contribute to a more humanistic and effective healthcare system.