Dr. Vinod Biala
Vitreretinal Surgeon,
Amritsar Eye Clinic, Ghaziabad
Dr Vinod Biala, a vitreretinal surgeon and currently in his own private practice at Amritsar Eye Clinic, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh shares why he chose private practice and what he loves about his form of practice.
Q1. What form of practice are you in? (Solo/Group/Corporate/Private institution/Public institution/Medical College)
I am in a solo practice from right after my residency at Amritsar Medical College.
Q2. Why did you choose the current form of practice you are in?
I always wanted to have my own practice. In fact, I became a doctor with the aim of having my own practice.
Q3. Do you have experience of any other form of practice apart from the one you are currently in? If yes, could you briefly compare them?
No. I have never been in any other form of practice.
Q4. What did you perceive as the key advantages and disadvantages in your current form of practice?
I think the main advantages of being a solo practitioner is that you have complete independence to make your decisions. There is flexibility in your routine as per our choice and you can work at your own pace. Also, in the long run you know its your own practice so a the hardwork gives you satisfaction and there is a sense of security which is missing in private jobs. Financially too, the number of patients in one catchment area are often sufficient for one practitioner, particularly in a crowded market and multiple doctors may not find enough work sitting in the same centre unless they expand to other locations too.
There are a few disadvantages in this form of practice. Initial investments are high and sometimes one cannot have the best equipment. Also, with evolving subspecialties of ophthalmology, there is a need to get other doctors to visit or to refer certain cases to them. Therefore you can’t manage every type of patient who comes in. Lastly. It is dependent entirely on you and if you are unwell, then practice suffers. Likewise, if you go for a holiday or a conference, the practice has to be completely shut which causes hardship to patients and prevents a single practitioner from taking long carefree breaks.
Q5. If you were to start a new practice today, would you choose a different one?
I think I am may choose a duo or group practice, considering the evolving subspecialties, but finding likeminded people is difficult.