Dr Advait Kulkarni: A Rare Combination of Professionalism and Compassionate Neuro Care 

Dr Advait Kulkarni
Advait Kulkarni, Neurologist

Topmost neurologists’ credentials and praises by others for them speak louder than a thousand commercials. Distinguished as the most recommended neurologist in India from 2020 to 2023, Dr Advait Kulkarni takes immense pride in his journey. At the esteemed NIMHANS, Dr Advait achieved an impressive nationwide 3rd rank. Additionally, he has been acknowledged as one of the premier neurologists in Bangalore by threebestrated.in, a testament to his commitment to excellence and expertise in the field.

Not only that, but his patients’ testimonials speak volumes about Dr Advait’s exceptional calibre. Here are some examples.

I had a wonderful experience at HSR Neuro Clinic with Dr Advait Kulkarni. I went for a consultation for my lower back pain. He didn’t give me a single unnecessary medicine. I am really happy and grateful to Dr Advait for his guidance. It has helped me to improve my health condition a lot.”

We had a great experience in getting treatment from Dr Kulkarni. My father had a stroke and was under his treatment. He not only ensured that my father got the best treatment but also kept us well-informed about his decisions and prescriptions. He is an excellent and rare combination of professionalism blended with compassion and care for his patients that helped us to easily handle and come out of this critical situation.

Sometimes you are stuck in situations where you don’t know what to do, and no ray of light seems visible. This was the time for us, too. The approach of Dr Advait changed many things in our lives and gave a positive angle to our thoughts. Amazing person, an amazing doctor, and an amazing approach. God bless him for his good work for us and made the situation better going forward.”

In an interview with CIOLOOK INDIA, Dr Advait spoke in detail about everything, the highlights of which are given herein.

Sir, please brief our audience about your HSR Neuro Clinic, its USPs, and how you are currently positioned as one of the trusted neurologists. 

Six years ago, HSR emerged as a vision that flourished into a centre of excellence. My unwavering commitment has been cultivating an environment encompassing a comprehensive spectrum of neuro-related services, fostering collaborative care at its finest. Within the walls of HSR Neuro Clinic, we have meticulously crafted an ecosystem that caters to the multifaceted needs of our patients. Our state-of-the-art facilities stand as a testament to our dedication.

Among these, our Vertigo Lab stands poised to unravel the complexities of balance disorders. We offer various services beyond the conventional, including physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and neuropsychological support. And our team proudly boasts a paediatric neurologist, ensuring that even our youngest patients receive specialized care tailored to their unique needs. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology is unwavering.

At the heart of our clinic lies a suite of advanced diagnostic tools, including EEG, CT/MRI Neuroimaging, and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCSE). Each piece of technology is carefully chosen to empower precise diagnoses and tailored treatment strategies.

Yet, it’s not just about technology; it’s about people. I firmly advocate a holistic approach that transcends the mere medical aspects of care. We treat the individual, not just the condition, ensuring that emotional, psychological, and social factors are seamlessly woven into each patient’s journey to recovery.

Diversity is a cornerstone of our practice. We acknowledge the richness of different cultures and languages and emphasize language and cultural sensitivity. I am proficient in Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, and English. Moreover, my understanding extends to Basic Tamil and Bengali, enabling effective communication and understanding with a wider range of patients.

As I reflect on the journey of HSR Neuro Clinic, I am fuelled by our progress and the lives we’ve touched. Our commitment to collaborative care, cutting-edge technology, holistic approaches, and cultural inclusivity remains unwavering. Each year, we evolve, adapt, and elevate the standard of neuro care we provide to our cherished community.

Tell us more about your services and what makes it stand out in the cutthroat competition. 

In our pursuit of comprehensive care, we’ve established a dedicated Vertigo Lab, a sanctuary for addressing balance disorders with precision and expertise. Here, the complexities of vertigo are unravelled, and equilibrium is restored to lives. Our neuroimaging facilities stand as a beacon of diagnostic excellence. Each scan is a window into accurate diagnoses, guiding treatment strategies with unparalleled clarity.

Our commitment to diagnostic precision knows no bounds. The reports for these neuroimaging facilities are made by a Neuro radiologist who was also trained at NIMHANS. Our commitment to innovation extends even to physiotherapy. Armed with cutting-edge technology, our physiotherapy services are a testament to our dedication to addressing many health issues. It’s not just about movement; it’s about leveraging technology for optimal healing and restoration.

Psychotherapy, often neglected in the Indian healthcare landscape, finds its spotlight at our clinic. We recognize the profound impact of mental well-being on overall health. With a firm belief in the power of healing through the mind, we’ve championed this vital service, bringing it to the forefront of patient care.

Neuropsychological assessments and cognitive rehabilitation, both rare gems in the healthcare realm, have found a home within our clinic. A service that’s a rarity not just in Bangalore but across India. Traditionally confined to hospitals, we’ve democratized these assessments, offering a personalized touch that recognizes the uniqueness of every patient’s journey. As we forge ahead, we’re not merely building services but shaping a holistic healthcare haven that addresses the intricate web of human health.

Tell us about your neurology services’ immersive benefits to the healthcare sector. 

Our immersive benefits to the healthcare sector are rooted in a commitment to precision, innovation, and holistic care. By offering specialized services, harnessing advanced technology, and focusing on mental well-being, we alleviate the burden on the healthcare system while delivering comprehensive and effective care to our patients. This, in turn, fosters a healthier society and optimizes resource allocation within the broader healthcare landscape.

Please brief us about your journey in the healthcare industry and how you have made your venture excel in its niche. 

I began my journey as a qualified neurologist, shaped by the invaluable training I received at the esteemed National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore. My fascination with neurological disorders, from their intricate pathogenesis to treatment strategies, led me to focus on various conditions, including headaches, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, dementia, and paediatric neurology.

As I embarked on my career, I joined the dynamic team at Narayana Health City, Bangalore. Over more than three years, I passionately engaged in training neurology residents and registrars, nurturing the next generation of medical professionals.

Seeking a new path, I shifted to the vibrant HSR Layout in Bangalore to establish a neurology venture catering to individuals of all ages. This vision gave birth to HSR Neuro Clinic, which took its first steps in January 2018. Since then, we’ve had the honour of serving over 30,000 patients, with a particular focus on being a mentor for those battling migraines.

A significant chapter in my journey unfolded as I assumed the role of the Head of the Neurology Department at Columbia Asia Hospital, Sarjapur Road. This department, later integrated into Manipal Hospital, allowed me to pioneer the establishment of neurological care since 2018.

Being an experienced leader, share your opinion on how adopting modern technologies like AI and ML impacts today’s healthcare sector and how HSR is adapting to the change. 

AI and ML are changing how things work in many fields, including healthcare. But we’re still figuring out all the ways they’ll impact us. We also don’t fully understand all the good things they can do when used to their fullest potential. In our clinic, we’re using AI to improve what we do. Our Medical record and Data Maintenance Software Powered by EkaCare is an excellent example of how AI can help maintain Patient Records. We have Been recognized as Digital Doctors by Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. We’ve joined forces with QURbook, which offers personalized neuro care and diet plans. They can even help keep track of important signs and records. They’ve introduced India’s first AI healthcare assistant, Sheela, to help patients more smartly. This partnership is just a start towards incorporating AI and ML into our services, and we intend to use these technological advancements more comprehensively.

Considering the current industry scenario, what challenges do you face, and how do you drive your services to overcome them? 

How things work in our industry is changing quickly, and it’s a bit tough to keep up with all the new technology and services that are popping up. For instance, we’re always learning about new methods for online Presence and Support for Our Patients. As further information comes out and we find better ways to do things, we also have to stay current and update our practices and services with the latest research. It’s like a puzzle we’re always working on to stay updated and offer the best to our clients.

What would you advise budding professionals aspiring to venture into the neurology sector? 

Embarking on a career in the field of neurology is both rewarding and challenging. My advice to aspiring professionals considering venturing into the neurology sector would be to keep a few key principles in mind.

Stay curious and open to learning throughout your career. Neurology is rapidly evolving, and staying updated with the latest research, advancements, and technologies is essential. Gain diverse clinical exposure. Neurology encompasses a wide range of conditions.

Early on, try to gain experience in different subspecialties within neurology to find your areas of interest and expertise. Develop strong interpersonal skills. Neurological conditions often have a profound impact on patients’ lives.

Compassion, empathy, and effective communication are essential for providing holistic care. Nurture your problem-solving skills. Neurology requires intricate diagnostic work and the ability to analyze complex data. Uphold ethical standards in all aspects of your practice. Seek guidance from experienced neurologists.

Finally, be okay with taking risks or, as I prefer to call them, leaps of faith. It is important to remember that the journey in neurology requires dedication, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for improving the lives of those affected by neurological conditions.

How do you envision scaling your neurology operations and offerings in the future? 

Scaling neurology and our offerings for now entails increasing patient awareness and awareness in the general population. We keep our social media handles well updated to expand our reach and to educate our patients about follow-ups, treatment procedures and long-term care.

As we venture into new services, we aim to revolutionize dementia care and offer long-term cognitive rehabilitation and support. The future holds immense potential for enhancing patient care, advancing research, and reaching a wider audience.

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