Dr. Lekha Pathak – A Cardiology Pioneer with More than Five Decades of Experience!
When it comes to experienced cardiologists in India, Dr. Lekha Pathak is naturally mentioned. Having worked for over 53 years in medicine, including 49 years as a cardiology specialist, Dr. Pathak is one of the most renowned identities in the field of cardiac care. Dr. Pathak is currently practicing out of Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital in Vile Parle West, Mumbai, where she also guides patients in one of the most advanced medical treatments available.
Education - Strong Educational Background
Dr. Pathak's beginning as a physician was at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, where she was awarded her MBBS in 1965 and her MD in General Medicine in 1968. She was also awarded her specialization, DM, in Cardiology in 1971, from King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai.
As she has said, at a medical seminar about her journey, "A strong foundation in internal medicine is an essential component of being a cardiologist. It allows you to treat the patient, not just the disease." This approach resembles her own clinical approach, which entailed treating patients holistically.
Experience - Over half a century in cardiology
In over 50 years in cardiology, Dr. Pathak has seen and been part of changes in cardiology in India. She has seen and managed thousands of patients, including regular cardiac assessments to very complicated interventional procedures.
Many of her colleagues consider her a mentor and have trained and inspired young cardiologists. Dr. Pathak is definitely a leader in medical education and advisor; similarly, Dr. Pathak is well recognized as a thought leader in her field
Specialization - Expert Interventional Cardiologist
Dr. Pathak is a well-known interventional cardiologist (the study and treatment of heart diseases through minimally invasive techniques). There are several aspects of procedural cardiology that Dr. Pathak has expertise in, including but not limited to:
- Triple Vessel Coronary Angioplasty
- Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting
- International Interventional techniques used in cardiology
- Holter Monitoring for arrhythmia and assessment of heart rhythm disorders
In fact, many of these procedures are essential for individuals who have severe blockages or arrhythmias, and Dr. Pathak has had success in them.
Professional Affiliations - Active Engagement with the Medical Community
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Pathak represents associations in which she is an active fellow. She is a member of
- Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
- Padmashree Dr. D Y Patil University - Member Management Council
- Association of Physicians of India (API)
- Indian College of Physicians
Her work in all of these associations, gives her input as they relate to policy changes, medical research and facilitating the next generation of physicians’ training.
Services - Comprehensive Cardiac Care
At Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, Dr. Pathak addresses the following services:
- Diagnostic and Preventive Cardiology
- Complex Interventional Procedures
- Post Angioplasty and Stent Management
- Long-term Cardiac Health
Patients often acknowledge her ability to explain the possible situations of their conditions in clearly defined, uncomplicated terms to assist them with informed decision-making regarding their care.
Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Pathak is approachable, calm and supportive when examining patients as described as she shares the experience of decision-making with her patients. According to patient’s reports, disclosed about her clinical approach, if she has 10 minutes in the examination room with her patients, she will listen first and then decide about the plan to proceed with. Dr. Pathak demonstrated her belief in the importance of patient education during consultations. She makes every effort to explain each of the procedures planned so the patient understood.
In a recent interview she shared "Cardiology is more than technology. It's about building trust with the patient, as a heart ailment does not affect just the body, but the mind.