Lokesh Bathla, M.D., Hepatobiliary (HPB) surgeon, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–San Antonio Northeast and Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–San Antonio Medical Center. Dr. Bathla shares his passion for practicing medicine and what he wants his future patients to know.
When did you become interested in practicing medicine?
I have had an interest in medicine since childhood. My uncle was a general practitioner in India, and I spent a lot of time in his clinic watching him treat patients. He was a great clinician, affable, and smart. It was inspiring to witness the difference a physician could make in patients’ lives, and it convinced me at an early age to become a doctor. My uncle also performed minor surgeries in his office, and I was always fascinated by the procedures. When I got to medical school, I was sure I wanted to be a surgeon from day< one of my surgery rotation. That was 25 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your career so far?
I’m inspired by how surgery plays a pivotal role in the multi-disciplinary management of hepatobiliary cancer patients. The chances of remission lessen significantly if surgery is not an option – either because the cancer is advanced, or the patient can’t undergo surgery. Most HPB surgeries are fairly complex. They involve long operations with complex reconstructions, and these factors motivate me to push the envelope in my surgeries.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your career so far?
One of the most important lessons I have learned in my career is that there are no short cuts to success. Surgery is very humbling by nature and has taught me that things must be done with full dedication and commitment every time because there is no room for error.
“I want them to feel comfortable around me and know it is okay to express any fears or apprehensions they may have.”"
What do you want your patients to know about you?
Patient care is my priority, and I want my patients to know I will always try to do my best by them. I want them to feel comfortable around me and know it is okay to express any fears or apprehensions they may have.
What are you regularly tuning into right now?
I like to travel and learn about different cultures around the world. Recently, I was in Iceland and Costa Rica exploring nature and learning all about their history and culture. I also try to watch shows in different languages and read about their history. I love Hindi music and recently enjoyed the Business Wars podcast series.