Leaders

For many women who don the white coat today, the dream began not in a lecture hall, but in the wide-eyed wonder of childhood. Inspired by the profound respect and admiration that surrounded a doctor's presence, Dr Fareha Khatoon became a leader who chased not just a profession, but a purpose. For her, medicine was more than a career, which began with the persistent dream of her father nurtured for her, but it was a visit to SGPGI Lucknow during her school years that truly ignited her ambition. Witnessing the calm demeanor and seeing one person standing strong when others feel weak left a lasting impression on her young mind. That moment defined her path, she knew she wanted to be a doctor.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment to women's health, Dr Fareha has built a career defined by compassion, expertise, and resilience. As someone who specializes in treating high-risk pregnancies and advanced laparoscopic surgeries, Dr Fareha doesn't just treat ailments, but walks hand-in-hand with women through the most intimate and transformative stages of life.

Balancing her demanding profession with motherhood, she credits her supportive husband and family as the backbone of her success. Even through midnight emergencies and long hospital shifts, her passion remains undiminished. Encouraged constantly to grow and learn, she continues to evolve in her field as a medical professional.

Tell us about your educational journey. What inspired you to pursue the medical field?

From a young age, I was deeply drawn to the idea of healing, of being there in moments of uncertainty, and helping bring hope, especially to women during one of the most vulnerable yet powerful phases of life, ‘childbirth’. That sense of purpose is what first led me towards medicine.

My academic path began with a strong foundation in science which fueled my curiosity and commitment. I pursued MBBS with a vision not just to earn a degree, but to understand life, pain, recovery and resilience.

It was during my clinical postings that I found my calling in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which is a field where compassion meets critical decision-making every single day. Postgraduate training solidified this passion, and every experience since, from rural postings to tertiary hospitals, has shaped me into a more grounded and empathetic clinician.

Take us through your 15-year-long experience as a practicing doctor. What key areas of expertise have you developed?

Over the past 15 years, I have the privilege of working across multiple roles, starting from medical academia, then moving into corporate hospitals, and now leading a comprehensive women's health unit.

The initial 11 years of my career were spent in a medical college, where I was actively involved in teaching, clinical work, and academic research.

Later, I worked as a Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospital Lucknow, where I managed complex obstetrics and gynae­cological cases. Currently, I serve as the Director of Cloud­nine Hospital, Lucknow, a role that allows me to combine my clinical experience with strategic leadership.

Each stage has taught me something different, including resilience, decision making, and most importantly, the ability to listen to my patients and understand their unique journeys.

My primary specialisation is in high-risk obstetrics. I deal with cases involving severe preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, IVF pregnancies, multiple medical comorbidities, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Managing such pregnan­cies requires constant vigilance, multidisciplinary collab­oration, and an individualised approach, and that's I have honed over the years.

In addition, I am deeply involved in Laparoscopic gy­naecological surgeries, managing fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and ectopic pregnancies through minimal­ly invasive techniques. I also work in the field of infertility, offering a comprehensive approach that includes diagnos­tics, medical management, and patient counselling.

One emerging area I have grown passionate about is Cosmetic gynaecology. It addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns of women, such as vaginal rejuvenation and pelvic floor issues.

What are some challenges you encounter and how do you tackle these challenges? Which core values guide your approach to your medical practice?

As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, I often encounter high-stakes situations, whether it's managing high-risk pregnancies, making quick decisions in the labour room, supporting patients through emotionally complex diagnosis like infertility or pregnancy loss. One of the biggest challenges is balancing clinical precision with emotional sensitivity. Every patient comes with unique story, and I have learned that listening deeply is just as important as prescribing treatment.

To tackle these challenges, I stay grounded in continuous learning, evidence-based practice, and clear communication- not just with patients but also with the team I work with. In high-risk cases, timely decision making, interdisciplinary coordination, and empathy are key. Over the years, I have also embraced new techniques like laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery to offer better outcomes with faster recovery.

My practice is guided by four core values, namely Compassion, Integrity, Competence, and Respect.

As a woman and a doctor, I understand the fears, hopes, and vulnerabilities my patients bring with them. My mission is not just to treat but to support, empower, and walk alongside them through some of the most transformative moments of their lives.

Beyond your medical expertise what other roles have you played within the medical fraternity? What is your ‘success mantra’?

I served as a faculty member in a medical college for 11 years, training undergraduate and postgraduate students. Contributing to academia and mentoring young doctors has been one of my proudest roles. I have more than 30 national and international publications and authored chapters in books.

I have participated in many national and state conferences as faculty. Have been in the organising team of many state and national conferences. Participating in national conferences and contributing to panel discussions on sensitive topics like unexplained stillbirth has allowed me to advocate for women's health on larger platforms.

My Success Mantra is “Compassion, Consistency, and Commitment”.

I believe that staying compassionate towards patients, being consistent in upgrading one's skills, and remaining committed to ethical, evidence-based practice are the keys to lasting success in medicine.

Dr Fareha Khatoon, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Cloudnine Hospitals

Dr Fareha Khatoon is a distinguished Obstetri­cian and Gynaecologist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in high-risk pregnan­cies, infertility, cosmetic gynaecology, and lap­aroscopic surgeries. She is currently serving as the Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Hospitals, Lucknow. She is renowned for her compassionate patient care and com­mitment to ethical medical practices. She em­phasizes clear communication, ensuring pa­tients are well-informed about their treatment options.