05/09/2026
Today on Teachers’ Day in India.
I would like to acknowledge one of my teachers, mentors, and dear friend, Dr. Ashish Katewa, someone who took the time to teach me even when he did not have to.
I first met Dr. Katewa in 2016, when he was the Director of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in Raipur, India, and led the first visiting paediatric cardiac team from India to Fiji, invited by the Sai Prema Foundation team. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside the team.
Recognising the need to build paediatric cardiology in Fiji, the team, offered an opportunity for a doctor in Fiji to undertake Paedaitric cardiology training in India.
I completed my Masters in Paediatrics in 2017 and was fortunate to receive sponsorship from the Sai Prema Foundation in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji for this training. Because of the shortage of staff at home, I could only be away for three months.
So, I packed my bags and left for India.
I remember feeling completely overwhelmed by the ocean of knowledge and the incredible variety of congenital heart disease (CHD) I encountered. I wondered how I could possibly learn so much in such a short time.
So, I read and read whatever books I could get my hands on.
The hospital provided an abundance of clinical experience, with children presenting with all kinds of complex and fascinating congenital heart conditions. The staff were incredibly welcoming, patient, and willing to teach.
Dr. Katewa understood the setting I came from, the sacrifice of being away from home, and the need for me to maximise every opportunity to learn.
Despite being an extremely busy cardiac surgeon, with rounds, clinics, and sometimes up to four surgeries in a day, he offered to teach me every morning at 7:00 am, before the day’s rounds began at 7:30.
Sometimes one or two fellows would join us, but I made sure I was there. I read the topics he gave and came prepared, because I knew the value of those teaching sessions.
He taught from a surgical perspective, the anatomy, why surgery was needed, and the different surgical options and approaches.
That teaching has stayed with me. It has greatly helped me understand CHD and, importantly, has helped me counsel families and patients today.
Some of the most important lessons in my career were not only taught in lecture rooms or textbooks. They were taught by people who were willing to give their time, knowledge, and experience.
I will forever be grateful to all my teachers, mentors, and those who invested in my learning.
To all teachers, mentors, and educators, not forgetting the first teachers, parents.
Happy Teachers’ Day!
