Q & A: Dr. Gautamn Sarwal, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, PGY1
One thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
Shot an episode with Jillian Harris from the Bachelorette on W-network, 2014
Favorite vacation spot and why?
Skipped prom to attend a Miss Universe sponsored charity golf tournament in Sun City, South Africa. Sun City is surreal; without doubt the Atlantis of South Africa.
What makes you laugh?
Having to take a second mortgage on my water-resistant cardboard box in Vancouver
Why did you pursue a career in medicine? Like the Dempster sandwich commercial, I performed liposuction on my teddy bear as a child while my mum brought me sandwiches during room turnover.
In all seriousness, I chose medicine because I thoroughly enjoyed the intellectual connection between studying human anatomy and the visual and physical approaches to fixing pathology.
What do you do for physical activity?
Stairs … lots of stairs thanks to our super high efficient VGH Jim Pattison/SPH Providence tower elevators. Outside of work, the MSAC gym is prime at 3am while on call!
What is your favorite book and why?
The Vascular Surgery ‘Combat Manual’ .. because we routinely wear camo, gas masks and operate in the field. On that note, Dr. Baxter, I’m going to need replacement O2 canisters & combat boots for the OR please.
What are your research interests?
It’s been quite varied. I started in undergrad with bench top work in atherosclerosis & coronary artery disease with Dr. John Hill, then clinical lipidology with Dr. Jiri Frohlich, and finally biomechanical research into Rotator Cuff repair with Dr. Patrick Chin during my 1st year of residency with UBC Orthopaedics.
Currently, I’m analyzing the SPH experience with the iliofemoral eversion endarterectomy. In the future, I hope to create the infamous Sarwal incision or vascular anastomosis stapler.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Quite simply, it was because I got along extremely well with all the residents, nurses & staff at VGH/SPH. The overwhelming familiarity with our hospital system, staff & residents made it a seamless transition from medical school to residency.
When not in the hospital, where can you be found? Building an outdoor firepit, surrounded by tiki torches, surround sound, a wet bar and shoveling heaps of fine, beach sand that you can sink your feet into and pretend it is Cuba.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years?
In a mortgage free lane way home in Vancouver. Lane way homes are absolutely amazing! Who wouldn’t like to have their car double as their living room. The leather and sound system in mine beats my dual cassette/CD boombox.
If you could change one thing about BC’s healthcare system, what would it be?
I would re-examine and increase the billing fees for our hard working Vascular & Orthopaedic surgery colleagues & introduce full-time hospitalists on the surgical wards to allow the residents to remain focused on seeing consults and learning in the OR.
If you had a million dollars … I would commission a joint Lululemon & Arcteryx ER/OR/ward scrubs collection complete with a hybrid featherweight Ecco & Uggs footwear of course.
What words of advice do you have for undergraduate students considering a career in medicine?
With the latest changes and added length to the MCAT, this is just one of the many obstacles that stand between you and the M.D., but only because it is the BEST career in the world.
Besides shadowing physicians, consider if you’d like to spend all those years studying and spending time away from family only to ensure your patients see theirs … but in my case, when I first saw that hemorrhaging open vessel, it made it all worthwhile. Having said that, it may also be wise to get over that awe relatively quickly and address that bleed – crack out the 6-0, Scrotons (Dr. Macdonald) & Castros!
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I grew up in the coastal cities of Muscat & Salalah, along the Persian Gulf in Oman. Many will recognize Oman as home to some of the brightest, most talented, & friendly General Surgery residents. Fortunately, I came here long before residency else I’d likely not make their cut.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Interior detailing & valet at London Motor Cars on Burrard Street; if you’re willing to pay $150 + tax for a hand wash & wax, then you’ll even pay $300.
What is your favorite thing about BC and why?
The volatile gas prices, the unaffordable housing and all the bike lanes … oh sorry, favorite?! Umm yoga on the steaming asphalt of the Burrard bridge during rush hour, Namaste.
Has there been anybody in particular who has had a significant impact on your life?
I have a large roof over my head, my choice of transportation, 4-5 meals per day (I do love food) and I’m 100% debt free. I owe my parents everything! In return, they do enjoy their annual compression stocking scripts.
Who are your mentors and influencers?
My mentor has been Dr. Jiri Frohlich from the Healthy Heart Lipid Clinic at St. Paul’s hospital. He has guided me since my undergraduate years and continues to remain invested in my training. He initially prepared me for medical school interviews and subsequently gave me ample opportunities to practice and fine tune my physical exams. I first learned how to chart and dictate in his clinic. Finally, I received his complete support during CaRMS in preparing for Orthopaedics, and ultimately Vascular Surgery.
As a resident today, I try to not only model his dedication and compassion with my medical students but also train them to carry these qualities hence forth.
posted : 2016-February-1