A Doctors’ Day Tribute to Our Oncologists and Cancer Specialists
This Doctors' Day, we shine the spotlight on the ones who rarely ask for it — and remind every cancer doctor: you deserve care too.
Every year, Doctors' Day is a moment for the world to pause and express gratitude to the medical professionals who dedicate their lives to healing others. At ICTC – Indian Cancer Treatment Centre – we hold this day with even deeper reverence, especially for our oncologists, hematologists, and cancer care specialists. These are the warriors behind the scenes who guide patients and families through the most difficult diagnoses with resilience, empathy, and unmatched expertise. But amidst the constant focus on patients, it's easy to forget that doctors are human too. They carry not just the weight of medical decisions but also the emotional toll of cancer journeys — often at the cost of their own well-being. This Doctors' Day, we shine the spotlight on the ones who rarely ask for it — and remind every cancer doctor: you deserve care too.
Tips for caring for yourself
- Eat Right. Eat On Time.
- Exercise, Even On-the-Go
- Sleep Like Your Patients Depend on It — Because They Do
- Balance the Stethoscope and Life
- Disconnect and Delegate
- Create Boundaries Between Work and Home
- Stay Organized to Stay Sane
1. Eat Right. Eat On Time.
In the rush of back-to-back consultations and emergency calls, doctors often delay or skip meals. But fueling your body at the right time is non-negotiable.
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Prioritize regular meals to maintain energy and immune function.
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Stay hydrated — especially during long shifts.
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Keep quick, healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or yogurt handy.
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Make a conscious effort to step away for lunch.
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Avoid late-night meals that disturb your sleep and digestion.
A well-fed doctor isn’t just healthier — they’re sharper, more focused, and more emotionally present.
2. Exercise, Even On-the-Go
You don’t need a gym. Just 5–10 minutes of movement in between duties can work wonders.
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Do simple chair stretches or neck/back/shoulder exercises between appointments.
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Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
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Park a little farther to add a few extra steps.
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Walk during breaks or take quick stair runs.
These micro-movements ease stress, boost mood, and fight off fatigue. Movement is medicine — even for doctors.
3. Sleep Like Your Patients Depend on It — Because They Do
Sleep deprivation impacts judgment, memory, and emotional regulation — all critical in cancer care.
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Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep — it's not a luxury, it’s science-backed necessity.
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Create a sleep-conducive space: dark, quiet, and cool.
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Try tools like white noise apps, blackout curtains, or sleep trackers.
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Prioritize naps if you're on irregular shifts.
Well-rested doctors make fewer mistakes — and more meaningful connections.
4. Balance the Stethoscope and Life
A life solely defined by medicine can feel hollow. Reconnecting with who you are outside the hospital helps refill your emotional reserves.
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Schedule check-ins with loved ones.
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Pursue hobbies or social outings that have nothing to do with work.
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Laugh with friends. Cook with family. Watch a movie.
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Let joy outside of work strengthen your spirit inside it.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
5. Disconnect and Delegate
Even superheroes need a break.
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Rotate duties or shifts with a trusted colleague when needed.
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Designate no-work hours or no-phone zones at home.
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Practice digital detoxes, mindfulness, or even just quiet breathing.
It’s okay to switch off. It's not abandonment — it’s self-preservation.
6. Create Boundaries Between Work and Home
Cancer care doesn’t have a time stamp — but doctors must.
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Learn to say “no” to extra commitments when your plate is full.
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Set after-hour boundaries for calls or messages unless critical.
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Create transition rituals — a change of clothes, music on the drive, a few minutes of silence — to shift mentally from doctor to self.
Boundaries are not selfish. They’re survival.
7. Stay Organized to Stay Sane
Juggling patient loads, reports, and research can overwhelm even the most seasoned oncologists.
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Use digital scheduling tools and to-do lists.
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Batch tasks and optimize your downtime.
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Streamline systems for patient management.
Being organized doesn’t just save time — it protects mental clarity and reduces stress.
