Every journey has a beginning, and mine starts in the bustling streets of India, where family, tradition, and ambition collide with extraordinary force. I’m Samiksha, and through Dr Sam & G, I’ll be sharing the unfiltered story of my journey as a doctor, mother, and global citizen.
My journey has been… well, let’s just say it’s had its fair share of twists. I grew up in India, surrounded by family and tradition. My brother’s a high-ranking government official (no pressure there!). My grandmother was the sister of Osho Rajneesh, so philosophical discussions were definitely a part of our family life. It also ingrained in me, spirituality and a sense of service. Losing my mother at a relatively young age, though, really shifted my overall focus toward health and well-being, not just physically but mentally too.
Then came love, in the form of Gaurav (the “G” to my “Sam”). We had a semi-arranged marriage – a blend of tradition and modern dating. Two years of getting to know each other, and then, boom! Married in 2004. He’s my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and the steady hand to my spirit.
Professionally, I found my calling as a pediatric ophthalmologist. I take care of kids’ eyes, which is incredibly rewarding in itself. I trained at the Sankara Eye Centre in India, a top-notch institution. But then, Gaurav’s ambition took us on a bit of a world tour. He’s a liver transplant surgeon , and his career path led us to the United Kingdom.
The UK was a whirlwind – a time of both professional growth and personal challenges. While Gaurav pursued advanced medical training, I completed my FRCS in ophthalmology in Glasgow and even landed a great residency in Scotland. When our daughter Rhea was born in Southampton, Gaurav had a fellowship in the United States. It was clear then that our life wouldn’t follow a predictable script. It also meant I had to put my career on hold again. It wasn’t easy, but we’re a team and it was a calculated sacrifice to support each other’s dreams.
Starting over in the US meant retaking exams, more fellowship training… all the necessary steps. But I did it! Now, I’m a staff pediatric ophthalmologist, a researcher, and an assistant professor, teaching future eye doctors. I’m also passionate about giving back to my community. I’ve participated in numerous rural eye camps across India, working with organizations like Sight Savers UK and the Sankara Eye Foundation to bring eye care to those who need it most.
You know the really crazy part? Gaurav and I live in different cities right now. It’s the reality of our careers – finding two senior-level positions in the same place within our specialized fields is tough. So, we do long-distance. It’s not always easy, but it’s made us really good at communicating (and scheduling date nights!).
Why Dr Sam & G?
Because Gaurav and I believe our story – 20 years of marriage, multiple international moves, raising two children, and building demanding medical careers – is worth sharing. We want Dr Sam & G to be a place where we connect with you, share our experiences, and empower you to live your best life.
I love fitness, I’m a foodie, and I confess, I’m a Bollywood junkie. Dr Sam & G will be our corner of the internet where Gaurav will be sharing his medical insights, debunking myths, and offering practical health advice, and I’ll be focusing on wellness, lifestyle, motivation, and maybe even a little fashion.
We aim to build a community where you feel supported, inspired, and empowered to live your best life. Welcome to our journey.