How a veteran, extremely busy CMC Vellore doctor protects his own health: A no-excuse rule and four other habits

Medicine is often described as a noble calling, but for those who practice it, the profession can quickly become all-consuming. Sleepless nights, constant emergencies, and packed outpatient schedules are a routine reality. Yet, one of India’s most respected neurologists, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, says the biggest mistake doctors make is ignoring their own health while saving others.

Recently, Dr. Kumar, a CMC Vellore–trained neurologist now based in Hyderabad, shared a detailed reflection on X, urging his peers to put self-care on par with patient care. His post, titled “Caring for Ourselves While Caring for Others”, has sparked conversations across the medical community about the growing toll of stress, neglect, and lifestyle disorders on healthcare workers.

A Warning from Within the Profession

“For the past 31 years, I have lived the life most Indian doctors know well,” Dr. Kumar wrote in his viral post. He described juggling outpatient departments, ICU cases, emergencies, teaching, and research—often at the cost of personal health.

The impact, he warned, is showing up in stark statistics. “Increasing numbers of young doctors are succumbing to sudden cardiac arrests. Rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke are climbing within our own fraternity. Some studies even suggest that doctors, on average, may live ten years less than the general population. That is a sobering thought,” he wrote.

The “No-Excuse” Rule

At the core of Dr. Kumar’s wellness routine is a non-negotiable rule: 45 minutes of daily exercise. Whether it is running five days a week, walking on two, or adding evening strength training, this time is treated like a prescription. “This discipline is my strongest shield against lifestyle disease,” he noted.

It is this “no-excuse” approach that has become his anchor, allowing him to remain physically fit despite his hectic schedule.

Habits that Keep Him Going

Alongside daily movement, Dr. Kumar outlined four other pillars of his health:

Optimising work: Emergencies cannot be predicted, but outpatient schedules can. Prior appointments, structured routines, and team practice reduce chaos and bring order to his day.

Eating right: His meals are mostly home-cooked, with an emphasis on adequate protein, fewer refined carbs, and early dinners. He avoids fad diets in favour of mindful eating.

Guarding sleep: Seven to eight hours of sleep each night is treated with the same importance as medication. A consistent bedtime routine helps him stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced.

Nurturing the mind and spirit: From farm visits and nature walks to listening to old Hindi songs, Dr. Kumar prioritises activities that calm his mind and lift his mood.

Dr. Kumar’s message is not just personal but also a wake-up call to younger doctors. “Start early. Don’t wait for a warning sign. Build your health habits now, just as diligently as you build your clinical skills. The rewards will last a lifetime,” he advised in his X post.

A Sobering Reminder After a Colleague’s Death

Dr. Kumar’s call for self-care resonates with the recent death of 39-year-old cardiac surgeon Dr. Gradlin Roy, who suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty. Despite rapid intervention by his colleagues, he could not be revived. Calling it a “wake-up call,” In an earlier post, Dr. Kumar stressed that the growing list of young doctors lost to cardiac arrests reflects the silent dangers of overwork, stress, and neglected check-ups. His advice to peers is straightforward: schedule regular screenings, guard sleep, embrace daily movement, and most importantly, learn to say no when workloads threaten personal health.