Dr YK Amdekar and Dr OP Kapoor have a lot in common. At 82, Amdekar and Kapoor are perhaps the fittest doctors who continue to teach and inspire young medicos. Both have been doctors and teachers at JJ group of hospitals. While Amdekar is now a medical director at Wadia hospital and still teaches, Kapoor practises in Fort and gives lectures on Sundays.
According to their students, both are among the greatest teachers in medicine in Mumbai. Dr Samir Dalwai, developmental paediatrician, said, "Both are gods who have inspired and taught many doctors like me. To begin with Dr Kapoor, he is the original rock star in medicine who has never turned away any student hungry for knowledge."
He added that Kapoor started the concept of night clinic, where he taught medical students for free. "His class was open for everyone. He used to get food for his students too. At this age too, he not only continues practising, but also shares his knowledge with students. It is his love for fitness and sports that keeps him going," said Dalwai.
Talking about Amdekar, Dalwai said simple living and high thinking has been his motto. "He is extraordinarily intelligent and a sharp clinician. He is actually the Sherlock Homes of paediatrics. He has also helped his students financially," he added.
Dalwai said Amdekar has taught students to be honest with patients about diagnosis.
Dr Suhas Pingle, secretary of Indian Medical Association and a student of both Amdekar and Kapoor, said, "Both are excellent clinicians and teachers. They are gifted with the talent of being good teachers as well as good doctors."
Pingle narrated an incident involving Kapoor, when a Dubai citizen had pain in abdomen and had visited many doctors. "No one was able to diagnose the cause. Dr Kapoor asked him only one question, whether he had the habit of biting nails. We all, including the patient, were shocked. He had observed the patient from head to toe and seen his nail-biting habit, which was related to his stomach pain," he said.
