Janish Kothari, cardiology fellow at SLUHN and social media influencer (@doctajayyy)
What would you say is the most rewarding part about the work that you do?
I can tell you that cardiology is a field that can be incredibly rewarding for those who work in it. For many cardiologists, the most rewarding part of this work is being able to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients and I’m no exception to that. By diagnosing and treating heart conditions, we have the opportunity to help patients live longer, healthier lives. In many cases, this involves not just treating the physical aspects of heart disease, but also addressing the emotional and psychological impact that it can have on patients and their families. This is an area I feel where I have the most influence. Cardiology is also a field that is constantly evolving with new treatments and technologies in development all the time. For those who are passionate about medical research and innovation like myself, this can be an exciting and rewarding aspect of the work as well.
How do you balance your career in medicine with influencing?
Balancing a career in medicine with social media can be a challenging task, as both require a significant amount of time and energy. One important aspect of finding balance that I’ve found incredibly helpful is setting clear priorities and goals for both areas of my life. This usually involves creating a schedule or routine that allows me to dedicate specific blocks of time to my medical work and social media activities. For me, it’s also important to consider how my social media presence impacts my career in medicine (as this remains my main priority), as medical professionals are often held to high ethical and professional standards. As a public figure on the internet, anyone ranging from prospective patients, colleagues and administration can find me and see the work that I do inside and outside of the hospital. Therefore, when I’m creating content this remains at the forefront of my creative process.
What have you learned from both endeavors?
Medicine and social media are two areas that I am immensely passionate about and they continue to bring me excitement. By pursuing my passions and interests, I’ve been able to improve my motivation, engagement, performance and overall mental health, which has led to a more fulfilling and satisfying life because my work has meaning to me. At the end of the day if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Voices of the Valley s2e8 - Janish Kothari
Published as “3 Questions With” in the June 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
