Bangalore, a fast-paced city in Karnataka, India, is the third most populous city in that country. With a population of more than eight million, Bangalore also is known as the garden city of India for its temperate climate and numerous public parks. Leaving such a bustling, beautiful place was not easy, but for Dr. Srinivasan Ramaswamy, a family medical physician at CHI St. Vincent Primary and Urgent Care, Little Rock has become home.

Q: Where did you go to college? Medical school?

A: I am originally from Bangalore, which is a very cosmopolitan and technologically savvy city in the southern part of India. I did my medical school at KIMS, a premier medical education institution in Bangalore. I then moved to the University of Alabama Birmingham where I pursued my masters in health informatics. I then moved to Arkansas to do my residency at UAMS, and having spent my earlier years in a busy city with a fast paced lifestyle, I realized that, in addition to the beauty of the natural state, I enjoyed the somewhat laidback, relaxed life in a smaller town such as Little Rock and decided to settle down here.

Q: What made you decide to pursue family practice?

A: Family medicine involves being part of every patient’s health decision making process. Most patients consider their primary care physician as part of their family, someone with whom they can share all their health concerns. The warmth with which my patients regard me is one big reason for choosing family practice.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your career?

A: Dealing with complex psychosocial situations are challenges I enjoy. Also, providing timely access to primary and urgent care as well as treating elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities are opportunities I encounter.

Q: What is the one most helpful thing a patient can provide you when he or she comes into your clinic?

A: An Accurate description of history and symptoms with a list of all current medications. You should always maintain an updated list of medication from all of your current physicians. Also, any relevant imaging studies is helpful, but most important is being open and honest with your physician.

Q: What one piece of advice would you give your regarding their health?

A: Stop smoking, consider counseling when dealing with stressful situations, and get immunized as age appropriate.

I am a firm believer in the old adage that both healthy body and healthy mind are needed for a successful life. So in addition to doing everything such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, healthy lifestyle habits, etc., it is very important to do other activities that keep the mind active.

So indulging in a hobby, pursuing a sport, taking some time out for yourself and for your family are some of the other things I like to advocate. Take time out of your routine to take care of your health, do more of what brings joy to your heart and spend quality time with your loved ones.

This post is a collaboration with AY Magazine.