Alumni Speak
‘Medicine’s foundation was laid in school’
Apeejay School, Noida, alumnus shares that the school instilled discipline and a willingness to keep learning
After completing school, he pursued an MBBS from Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial (LLRM) Medical College, Meerut, and was selected for an MD in Medicine at the same college. Then he moved to Delhi and joined the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), where he trained in neurology. After completing his training, he worked at AIIMS for a year, then at PGI Chandigarh, and eventually joined IndoGulf Hospital as a neurologist and executive director. Meet Dr Navdeep Kumar, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Noida.
In a candid interview, he shares how neurology training is quite rigorous, among other things.
What sparked your interest in neurology?
I have always been fascinated by the brain. It is a mysterious organ, and even today we do not fully understand it. That curiosity drew me toward this field. My primary areas of interest are neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s.
Did your school play a role in shaping this interest?
Yes, the foundation was laid in school. We had excellent faculty, and my background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics helped. The environment encouraged curiosity. The school inculcated discipline and the willingness to keep learning as well. Those qualities were developed early and stayed with me.
What should students keep in mind if they want to pursue neurology?
It is a long journey. You need five and a half years for MBBS, three years of postgraduate study, and another three years of super-specialisation. Sustained interest and strong motivation are essential.
What are some of the challenges in your field?
Neurology is vast, and there is still so much we do not know about the brain. New diseases and diagnostic criteria continue to emerge. The challenge is to stay updated and apply evolving knowledge to provide the best possible care to patients.
Do you have any fond memories from school?
I joined after Class X, but I had a wonderful time. I made close friends, and I am still in touch with them. The teachers were strict, but the experience was warm and memorable overall.
