On Doctor’s Day this year, Delhi Medical Association bestowed upon me the ‘DMA Medical Excellence Award’. I was also awarded by The Economic Times at the Economic Times Doctor’s Day Conclave on 30th June for creating a difference in the healthcare sector. ET also identified me as a ‘Doctor with the stethoscope’ in their book on ‘Inspiring Cardiologists of India’.

I have often been asked why I always wear a stethoscope. Wearing a stethoscope is a constant reminder of my medical ‘dharma’ or purpose, which is to abide by the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence at all times and to be available to my patients always. This is why we chose to become doctors - to treat our patients, alleviate their sufferings and try to save their lives to the best of our capabilities.

Doctor’s Day is a reminder to me that being a doctor makes me different. As doctors, we have the privilege of writing ‘Dr’ before our names. Doing so is not to confer status upon us, it means to be available 24x7 for our patients and ready to help in all emergencies unconditionally.

I am deeply honored to receive these awards and acknowledgements.

We may have received several awards, but receiving an award from the Association always means so much more since it is symbolizes the recognition of our achievements by our colleagues.

I express my thanks to you all, dear friends & colleagues, but most of all, I thank my patients for having trusted me to take care of their health needs.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

Vice President CMAAO

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Immediate Past National President IMA