I am a pediatric cardiologist and I specialize in taking care of heart conditions that affect children. They can range from congenital conditions such as a hole in one of the walls of the heart to acquired conditions due to viral, bacterial or fungal infections, tumors or autoimmune conditions. Common signs and symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, failure to attain milestones, loss of weight or cyanosis. While learning about why these conditions happen and how to treat them is interesting, textbooks often do not touch the practical aspects and challenges that are encountered in the real world.

When I started my clinical practice in Akola, it did not take me long to realize the challenges that we face as parents, guardians, family members, providers and as a society while caring for cardiac afflictions that children may face. While cardiac care for adults is more flourished with accomplished cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in Akola and nearby cities, the counterpart for children is more fragmented.

Often parents are not aware of the resources available and are hesitant to seek care in a timely manner. Thankfully there is an emerging network of NGOs that can extend help to needy families. The diagnosis of cardiac conditions in children can be challenging, but even after correct diagnosis many cases are lost to follow up. Although I was disappointed at first, I soon began to look for the reasons and the ways to improve their understanding of the situation. While the message is important, it is also important who is the messenger.

Doctors are often keen to explain the importance of adherence to treatment, but the medical jargon is often confusing. Parents are more receptive when they learn about success stories from other families who have already navigated the situation and battled the condition. With this aim in mind, I have created this website to give platform to my patients to share their success stories.

Help is only a step away and so do not hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Dr Vishal Kale

email:dr.vishal.kaley@gmail.com