7 minute read
Dr. Ria Kadkade Kenkre
Dr. Ria Kadkade Kenkre is an inspiring figure in the world of homoeopathy, blending her passion for medicine with a dedication to improving the lives of children. At the age of 28, she has already achieved remarkable success in her field, both academically and professionally. Her journey has taken her from her studies at Shri Kamaxidevi Homoeopathic College in Shiroda, Goa, to the highly respected Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College in Mangaluru, Karnataka, where she pursued her Masters in Pediatrics. Dr. Ria is currently working as a Senior Research Fellow at the Central Research Unit for Homoeopathy (CRUH) in Goa, contributing significantly to a school health programme aimed at fostering children's well-being.
This article will explore the various facets of Dr. Ria's professional and personal life, highlighting her commitment to homoeopathy, her approach to patient care, the challenges she has overcome, and her future aspirations. Through her story, we see the potential for homoeopathy to continue evolving and providing holistic care to those in need.
Biology: A Lifelong Love
From a young age, Dr. Ria was captivated by biology, a subject she adored, while she had little interest in mathematics. Her natural inclination toward biology led her to the field of medicine. Rather than being influenced by external forces, she found inspiration from within, motivating herself to pursue a career in homoeopathy. Medicine, with its ability to heal and restore health, became her true calling.
Academic Pursuits in Homoeopathy
Dr. Ria’s academic journey began with her Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree, a five-and-a-half-year course that included one year of rigorous internship training. She pursued this degree at Shri Kamaxidevi Homoeopathic College in Shiroda, Goa, where she laid the foundation for her career in homoeopathy.
Her desire to specialize in pediatrics led her to Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College in Mangaluru, Karnataka, where she earned her M.D. degree. Studying for three years in this specialized field allowed her to deepen her knowledge and expertise in pediatric care, which is a unique and challenging field in homoeopathic medicine.
Overcoming Prejudice Against Homoeopathy
Despite the progress in the field, one of the most significant challenges Dr. Ria faced—and continues to face—is the skepticism and criticism that often surrounds homoeopathy. Many people still hold misconceptions about this system of medicine, dismissing it as ineffective. However, Dr. Ria remains unfazed by these doubts, persevering in her efforts to demonstrate the effectiveness of homoeopathic treatments.
The Most Challenging Case: Cerebral Palsy
As a pediatrician, Dr. Ria regularly encounters cases of children with complex medical conditions. Among the most challenging cases she has ever treated was one involving cerebral palsy. This condition, which affects movement and muscle coordination, requires an extraordinary level of patience, skill, and attention to detail. Through her efforts, she witnessed significant improvement in the patient’s condition, which reinforced her belief in homoeopathy’s ability to make a difference in even the most difficult cases.
Rewarding Experiences in Paediatric Care
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Ria’s career is the opportunity to work with children. As she primarily treats pediatric cases, her practice focuses on addressing conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and other behavioral disorders. The improvements she has witnessed in children with these conditions, thanks to her homoeopathic treatments, have been a source of immense personal satisfaction. Serving the society and contributing to the well-being of children is what keeps her motivated to continue in this field.
Homoeopathy: A Holistic Healing System
Dr. Ria’s approach to patient care is rooted in the core principle of homoeopathy—“like cures like.” This philosophy, known as similia similibus curentur, emphasizes treating patients holistically, considering the root cause of their ailments rather than focusing solely on their symptoms.
In her practice, each patient is treated as a unique individual with distinct needs. This personalized approach is a key element of homoeopathy, and it is one that Dr. Ria follows closely. Her goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but to address the underlying issues that contribute to a patient’s condition, providing long-term relief and promoting overall well-being.
Case Taking: The Foundation of Treatment
Before developing a treatment plan, Dr. Ria conducts a thorough case-taking process for each patient. This involves asking detailed questions about the patient’s health, lifestyle, and medical history, which allows her to gain a comprehensive understanding of their condition. Based on this information, she devises a tailored treatment plan, which often involves regular follow-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary.
Drug Provings: Expanding the Scope of Homoeopathic Remedies
One of the most exciting aspects of homoeopathy, according to Dr. Ria, is the constant innovation taking place within the field. Drug provings, for instance, are a critical component of homoeopathic research, as they involve discovering and testing new remedies.
These developments allow homoeopaths to expand the range of treatments available to patients, offering more comprehensive and effective care.
The Future of Homoeopathy: Growing Awareness and Acceptance
As public awareness of homoeopathy continues to grow, more people are beginning to recognize its value as a legitimate system of medicine. Dr. Ria is optimistic about the future of homoeopathy and believes that with increased education and campaigning, more individuals will come to appreciate the benefits of this holistic approach. She sees herself as part of this larger movement, working to spread awareness and ensure that homoeopathy continues to thrive in the years to come.
A Supportive Family: Key to Success
Dr. Ria credits much of her success to the support she receives from her family, particularly her husband, Akhil. Despite being from a different profession, Akhil has been a constant source of encouragement and assistance, helping her manage the demands of her career alongside her personal responsibilities. Dr. Ria Kadkade Kenkre is deeply grateful to her grandmother, Mrs. Vithabai Kadkade, for being by her side since childhood and continuously motivating her. Balancing work and home life can be challenging, but with the backing of her family, Dr. Ria has been able to excel in both areas.
Advice for Young Practitioners
For those just starting their careers in homoeopathy, Dr. Ria offers the following advice: be dedicated, focus on your work, and most importantly, pursue what you love. She believes that passion and commitment are the keys to success, and that practitioners should never feel pressured to please others. Instead, they should focus on making meaningful contributions to society through their work.
Spreading Awareness of Homoeopathy
Looking ahead, Dr. Ria is determined to continue promoting homoeopathy and increasing its visibility among the general public. Her future goals include not only furthering her own career but also working to ensure that more people have access to the benefits of homoeopathic care. Through her efforts, she hopes to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of this field, making it more widely accepted and appreciated.
Conclusion
Dr. Ria Kadkade Kenkre’s journey in homoeopathy is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, from public skepticism to complex medical cases, she has remained committed to her field, continually seeking new ways to improve patient care and advance homoeopathic medicine. Her work with pediatric patients, particularly those with conditions like cerebral palsy and ADHD, highlights the potential for homoeopathy to offer meaningful, long-term solutions for children’s health. Supported by her family and driven by a deep desire to serve society, Dr. Ria is poised to continue making significant contributions to homoeopathy in the years to come.
