Q & A with Himabala Medasani, MD 
Doctor of Internal Medicine at VNA Health Care

Why did you want to work in medicine?
I was always fascinated by science, medicine was a natural selection for me with my inquisitive nature coupled with love for people.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The gratification that I helped someone, the high I get from making a right diagnosis are the best part of my job. Yes, I am calling it high because each patient inspires so much curiosity and when you nail the diagnosis, it is like solving a puzzle.

What has surprised you most about working with older adults?
Providing emotional support along with medical care goes a long way with older adults.
Older adults when given enough time and attention are really compliant. I have had patients who make appointments just for the interaction as they rarely see their own family members.

What do you find most challenging about working with patients?
It is always hard to help patients who are not willing to help themselves and most of the times this is related to poor awareness of complications or insight into their own medical problems. I have learnt that spending enough time in patient education makes my job more enjoyable and easy.

What do you wish everyone knew about older adult health?
Decline in memory is not always just old age!

What’s your personal philosophy on adult health?
Compassionate care
Go slow, start low with your medications

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I am good dancer, hold a dance diploma in Indian classical dance called Bharathanatyam

What are some of your favorite activities outside of work, and why do you enjoy them?
Photography and Travel

What is your favorite meal? Your favorite snack food?
I love Thai food, favorite snack would be Indian bhel puri

What book did you read last?
Living dowry by Abraham Verghese

Are you a morning person or a night person?
Morning any day

What’s one thing you need to have every day?
Sleep

Do you have a favorite quote?
“She is free in her wildness, a drop of free water” – Roman Payne