Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Global Women’s Healthcare with Dr. Anusha Rao P.
By Taruni Tangirala
In this interview, we explore critical topics shaping women's healthcare globally today, guided by the expertise of Dr. Anusha Rao, MBBS, MS, FMAS, MRCOG, a consultant gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon based in India. We examine the comparative advantages of healthcare systems in India and the United States, with a focus on how each addresses the health needs of women. We also discuss the impact of cultural beliefs on women's health decisions, the evolution and benefits of minimally invasive gynecological surgeries, and strategies to address non-communicable diseases affecting women.
In Hyderabad, a rapidly modernizing Indian metropolis steeped in diverse cultural and religious practices, healthcare exists at the intersection of medical innovation and deep-rooted, traditional expectations. In bustling hospital hallways and brightly lit examination rooms, interactions between doctors and patients reveal insights about both global healthcare systems and local social realities. Patients from all walks of life– ranging from elderly women from remote villages to local, urban university students, as well as low-income women to VIPs and foreign nationals– come to see Dr. Anusha Rao P, an obstetrician and gynecologist who has trained in both India and the United States and now practices in Hyderabad.
During her time at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City, Dr. Anusha encountered a healthcare system characterized by meticulous record-keeping and structured continuity of care, aspects she identifies as strengths. She explains, “The U.S. healthcare system excels in meticulous record-keeping and continuity of care, enabling detailed, ongoing patient management.” Now practicing in Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, she notices a distinctly different advantage—rapid patient access to medical services. She reflects, “Patients often benefit from the speed and ease of scheduling appointments and surgeries here in India,” highlighting the efficiency with which medical interventions occur compared to the slower, more methodical pace of care in the United States. In her current practice in Yashoda Hospital, a leading hospital in Hyderabad, patients go home after every consultation receiving a paper file containing the medical history noted down by the physician, treatment recommendations, as well as any diagnostic test results (which patients often receive within an hour of testing). Test result interpretations are accessible for patients– for example, blood test levels are printed next to ideal numbers for the South Asian demographic and explanations of what they entail.
Yet, the immediacy of Indian healthcare also underscores deeper complexities tied to cultural customs. Dr. Anusha frequently observes consultations where sensitive topics such as menstruation and childbirth intersect directly with cultural beliefs. "Menstrual timelines significantly influence women’s health behaviors. It’s common for women to request medical intervention to schedule menstrual cycles around religious ceremonies," she explains– this is especially seen for religious festivals that involve fasting. Similarly, childbirth decisions, such as elective cesarean sections or inductions, are regularly timed according to culturally auspicious dates and hours, illustrating the complex negotiation between cultural respect and clinical necessity.
Patients often exhibit increased susceptibility to misinformation regarding menstruation, reflecting broader global challenges in health literacy. Recent research indicates that persistent menstrual taboos and inadequate patient education can exacerbate misinformation, creating barriers to effective health interventions. Dr. Anusha acknowledges this vulnerability, noting, “Patients frequently come to me influenced by misinformation from social media or traditional misconceptions. It's crucial to address these directly and sensitively, ensuring women have accurate information to make informed choices.” Ultimately, a physician practitioner can only guide patients in making informed decisions based on evidence and expertise; it is up to the patient to actually make the choice. In her consultations, Dr. Anusha emphasizes educational outreach, providing clear and empathetic explanations that empower women to challenge misconceptions and manage their menstrual health proactively. For example, when observing her consultations involving women seeking to alter menstrual timing, Dr. Anusha carefully addresses their concerns by clarifying misconceptions, explaining the physiological implications of their requests, and discussing alternative solutions that balance both health needs and cultural sensitivities.
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis highlight additional challenges in women's healthcare. Dr. Anusha consistently advocates lifestyle adjustments—"Sustainable dietary changes and regular physical activity, especially weight training, are foundational,” she advises. Furthermore, stress due to work or education is often seen in patients who find themselves with a PCOS diagnosis; Dr. Anusha frequently sees such patients and suggests, along with other modes of treatment, a reduction in stress as far as possible in one’s professional life. This recommendation aligns with emerging research indicating that chronic stress may exacerbate hormonal imbalances central to PCOS, thereby impacting menstrual regularity, fertility, and overall health. Dr. Anusha underscores the importance of stress management through counseling, mindfulness practices, and realistic adjustments in professional or academic workloads, providing tailored advice to help patients integrate manageable stress-relief strategies into their daily routines. And when it comes to such conditions, she also highlights how early detection is ideal– keeping an eye out for troubling symptoms, such as severe period pain or irregular menstrual timelines, and consulting a physician practitioner as soon as possible.
Patient interactions observed within her practice further reveal the broader importance of honest, empathetic, and engaging physician-patient consultations. Given the diverse backgrounds of patients visiting the clinic, effectively communicating essential medical information in accessible terms is paramount. Dr. Anusha carefully adjusts her explanations based on each patient's background and understanding, recognizing that dialogue with a medically knowledgeable patient, such as a medical student, must differ substantially from conversations with individuals coming from remote, low-resource environments. She ensures that all patients receive clear and relevant information, enhancing their ability to make informed healthcare decisions regardless of their prior knowledge or experiences. One patient, anxious about a breast lump (fibroadenoma), was reassured through detailed explanations about
diagnostic procedures. For another patient with a breast lump that ended up requiring surgical removal, Dr. Anusha’s assurance that the surgical scar would be minimal played a significant role in hastening the patient’s treatment. Another consultation involved comprehensive postpartum dietary counseling for a woman from a low-income background who had experienced gestational diabetes, emphasizing Dr. Anusha’s focus on patient education as crucial for managing chronic health conditions.
Dr. Anusha’s career trajectory mirrors broader shifts in gynecological practice, notably the transition from traditional open surgeries to minimally invasive methods like laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. "Initially trained in an environment where open surgery was standard due to limited resources," Dr. Anusha recalls, "my teachers themselves preferred open surgeries. It wasn't until I began practicing in Hyderabad, where the availability of advanced equipment and skilled mentors facilitated training, that minimally invasive techniques became standard." Today, patients readily opt for laparoscopic procedures, attracted by promises of faster recoveries and reduced complications. Dr. Anusha reflects, "Now I don't have to tell patients to choose between open and laparoscopic surgery—it’s almost always laparoscopic. Even patients from rural areas readily opt for keyhole surgery once they understand the benefits. It's physically less demanding for me and significantly easier for the patients, who can resume their daily routines within a few days." Enhanced visibility during laparoscopic surgeries also ensures comprehensive treatments, especially in complex cases like endometriosis, where thorough clearance improves fertility outcomes and reduces postoperative hormonal treatments that might hinder immediate pregnancy plans.
Looking ahead, Dr. Anusha anticipates continued advancements in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, particularly for complex conditions such as extensive endometriosis, confident these innovations will markedly enhance patient care globally. While robotic surgery represents a significant technological advancement, Dr. Anusha notes, "We often get similar results between laparoscopy and robotics unless it's extensive endometriotic surgery." But the future holds promise– she acknowledges how the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into robotic surgery holds significant promise, potentially enhancing precision, reducing human error, and allowing surgeons to make more informed, data-driven decisions during complex procedures. Beyond technological innovations, Dr. Anusha highlights a critical shift toward patient-centered care among younger medical professionals in India. Drawing from her MRCOG training, which deeply emphasizes effective patient communication, she observes, "There's a growing emphasis on collaborative decision-making, involving patients more actively in their healthcare choices." This evolution reflects broader trends beyond medicine, mirroring shifts in other sectors where emotional intelligence and shared decision-making are increasingly valued. As the city of Hyderabad continues its journey balancing rapid innovation with deep-set tradition, Dr. Anusha's practice serves as a microcosm of this larger narrative—a place where global innovation meets local cultural understanding, shaping healthcare into a more empathetic, informed, and ultimately patient-focused endeavor.
Learn more about Dr. Anusha Rao P.’s work at https://dranusharp.com/.