One Hundred Thousand Hours on
THE Hamster Wheel of Practice
The views expressed in the book is the wisdom derived from the experience of Dr Ganesh Pai and it is in no way a substitute for the professional advice.
The views expressed in the book is the wisdom derived from the experience of Dr Ganesh Pai and it is in no way a substitute for the professional advice.
This book is a powerful metaphorical journey that parallels the life of a dermatologist with running a marathon. In just a few pages, it offers more depth and insight than many longer books on medical careers.
Each chapter reveals a rarely discussed aspect of dermatology, covering a typical 42-year career—one year for every kilometer in the marathon—filled with challenges, growth, and victories.
It explores the balance between passion and logic in medicine, reminding readers that true fulfillment comes from listening to both heart and mind.
The words of Dr Ganesh Pai in the book cautions against chasing only targets and material success, comparing such a path to a high-speed train that misses life’s simple joys. Through vivid storytelling, it encourages lifelong learning, adaptability, and a grounded mindset—making it both an inspiring and practical guide for anyone pursuing or reflecting on a dermatology career.
how to balance passion, practice, and purpose— Turn the page and unlock the secrets to a rewarding dermatology career!
Blazing the trail in the world of Dermatology for 50+ years, Dr. Ganesh Pai attained his Masters in Dermatology in 1981. He graduated from the Kasturba medical college in 1976 and completed his M.D in dermatology in 1981, where he served as a professor and head of the department of dermatology for the large part of his tenure which ended in 2006.
He had one more stint as director professor of dermatology at K.S Hedge medical college for 4 years. He pioneered the science and art of aesthetic dermatology at the turn of century. He has been a guest speaker in lasers in clinical dermatology in several countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Earlier, he has compiled two books, the fictional ‘No Moornings’ and ‘Complications in Cosmetic Dermatology: Crafting Cures’. He has contributed several articles in scientific journals between 1985 and 2000. He was a humour columnist, writing middles for the Deccan Herald and Times of India. He has trained over three hundred dermatologists in his career who are flourishing in many parts of the world.
He was the former National President of the Indian Association of Dermatologists in 2000. He received the prestigious ‘Prof K. C. Kandhari Life Time Achievement Award’, the highest award of the association of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) in January 2016.
Highlights of few of chapters
Every patient walks in with a story—can you tell who truly needs help and who just loves a bargain? Offer discounts with discernment. Charity has its place, but guard your value. Most patients respect your skill; don’t let a few devalue your practice.
You can master skin, but can you master balance at home? Marriage and dermatology often intertwine—some stay loyal, others drift. Amid success and stress, shed the clinic role at home. Be a grounded partner, patient listener, and caring parent.
In dermatology, storms will come—but your peace must stay unshaken. Stay calm like the sea, unmoved by praise or blame. If you've done your best, stand firm. Mastery takes years—let that quiet confidence anchor your journey.
One false accusation can undo years of trust. Legal battles drain time, money, and peace. Even discounted care may be twisted in court. Always document, get consent, and treat every cosmetology patient as a potential litigant—your records are your shield.
Is education the only path to success—or just one of many doors to open? Many dropouts become millionaires while professionals often earn modestly. True success lies in mindset, not degrees. Support your children’s passions—even the unconventional ones.
Can we truly have it all—or is life a delicate balance that demands acceptance? Success, family, and children rarely thrive equally. Like a perfect yet complex shape, life finds harmony in imperfection. In the end, healing others is our true legacy.
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Khalil Gibran said that ‘Tortoises can tell you more about the road than hares’. My four and a half decade journey in the field of dermatology qualifies for being labelled a tortoise. All of what has been seen, felt and experienced is embedded within the pages of this book.
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