Meet Dr. Gulhima Arora, Dermatologist

“As a working mother, I was forced to choose. Choose between taking care of my daughter or focusing on my medical career with the Indian Air Force. I chose her. 

In 1999, when the Kargil war broke out, I was posted in the Pune wing. It was my responsibility to look after the families of the men deployed in the war-front. It was a responsibility which came with a lot of uncertainty and emotion. Uncertainty of not knowing what the next moment would bring. I was strong, I ‘had’ to be strong. There was no other way. 

Those tough times opened my eyes to the sacrifices of not just the men at war, but more so the hardships their families face. The love and fear of a wife for her husband, a mother for her son or a child for their father. 

2 things I love the most? My country and my family. Together, we spent 16 years living and exploring the different parts of India that my husband served in. They supported and encouraged me to practice my profession. But, I couldn’t put my work before their future and happiness. I decided to return  back to my hometown to be with them.

Today, I have no regrets. I was blessed to be able to play a mother’s role whole-heartedly and cherish all the special moments of my daughter’s life. 

Today, as a Senior Consultant Dermatologist, I have learnt a few life lessons. 1) Life isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. 2) Everything is destined. No matter how hard you try to push, it will only happen at the right time. 3) Life and its experiences cannot be compartmentalised. Don’t overthink and just take the plunge! 4) We have to play many roles in our lives simultaneously - Yes, I am a doctor, but I’m also a wife, a mother, and a daughter.”