Dr. Tamana Sheikh: Excellence in Surgery, Compassion in Care
Interview by Rayees Jamil | Inside Kashmir
In the demanding world of surgery, technical expertise is only one part of the equation. Compassion, resilience, integrity, and lifelong learning define the doctors who truly make a difference. Dr. Tamana Sheikh, Registrar in the Department of General Surgery at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, embodies these qualities through her dedication to patient care, medical education, and healthcare leadership.
Dr. Sheikh holds an MS and DNB in General Surgery, along with the prestigious MRCS (Member of the Royal College of Surgeons), reflecting her commitment to surgical excellence and continuous professional development. At SKIMS—the premier tertiary care, teaching, and research institute of Jammu & Kashmir—she manages complex surgical cases while actively contributing to surgical training and academic excellence.
1. What is the most exciting challenge or project you are tackling right now?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: At this stage of my career, my focus is on advancing surgical care while contributing to medical education and healthcare administration. I am particularly passionate about improving patient outcomes, mentoring young doctors, and pursuing advanced subspecialty training in surgery.
2. What is one major misconception about you or your work that you want to clear up?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: Many people believe surgery is only about technical skill inside the operating theatre. In reality, it is equally about empathy, communication, sound decision-making, and standing beside patients and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
3. What made you realize that surgery was your true calling?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: There wasn't a single defining moment. It was witnessing patients recover after complex surgeries, return to their families, and express their gratitude that confirmed surgery was where I truly belonged.
4. What is the best advice you have ever received?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: "Never stop learning, and let your integrity speak louder than your achievements." That advice has guided me throughout my professional journey.
5. What do people misunderstand about a surgeon's daily routine?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: People often think a surgeon's work begins and ends in the operating theatre. In reality, much of the day involves patient consultations, emergency decision-making, teaching, research, documentation, and continuous learning.
6. How do you stay strong under pressure?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: Medicine teaches resilience. I focus on facts rather than emotions, learn from every experience, rely on teamwork, and remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity to become a better doctor.
7. How do you unwind away from work?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: I enjoy travelling, discovering new places and cultures, spending time in nature, reading, and sharing quiet moments with family and friends.
8. Do you have a quirky habit or hidden interest?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: I'm fascinated by airports and city skylines. Watching planes take off and exploring new cities reminds me that there is always another journey waiting.
9. How would you like to be remembered?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: I hope to be remembered as a surgeon who combined skill with compassion, treated every patient with dignity, inspired younger doctors, and made a meaningful contribution to healthcare.
10. What is the mountain you still hope to conquer?
Dr. Tamana Sheikh: My ultimate goal is to continue growing as a surgeon, contribute to healthcare leadership and medical education, and help build systems that deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare while representing Kashmir with pride on the global stage.
Editor's Note
Dr. Tamana Sheikh's journey reflects the values that define modern medicine—professional excellence, lifelong learning, and unwavering compassion. Her vision extends beyond the operating theatre to shaping future surgeons and strengthening healthcare systems. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals across Jammu & Kashmir.
