Dr Arika Bansal holds a post doctorate from All India Institutes of Medical Sciences and published 12 National & International papers in a short span of 3 years of MD training at AIIMS. Her research area majorly focused on prevention of hair loss and restoration. Dr Bansal is one of the few doctors from Asia (third in India and first in North India) to qualify as a diplomate of American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). Dr Bansal along with her husband, Dr Pradeep Sethi, invented Direct Hair Transplant (DHT) technique, which was published in 2012 and is practiced by a lot of surgeons across the globe. The two dermatologists also invented ‘No Root Touch’ technology which offers higher efficiency in hair transplant surgery and better graft survival. She also assists her husband in his CSR initiatives which include the upliftment of the villagers in Orissa and cleaning of Ganges in Rishikesh.
What are the challenges that you have faced in your professional life being a woman?
Being a woman and a mother of two lovely kids, one of the challenge that I face is the work like balance.
In spite of busy work schedules, how have you been able to maintain a balance between personal and professional life?
Yes, the schedule is hectic but it is the sense of responsibility which is the driving force for me. It helps me to keep the balance between both professional and personal life.
What is the one accomplishment you feel most proud about?
There have been significant achievements that I have accomplished such as being one of the few doctors from Asia and third in India and first in North India to qualify as a diplomate of American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). I have published 12 national and international papers in a short span of 3 years during my post doctorate study at AIIMS. I am a gold medalist and have also co-invented Direct Hair Transplant (DHT) technique which was published in 2012 and is practiced by surgeons across the globe. Recently, I have been invited by International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) to perform a live surgery in Dubai in March 2018 and will be the only female doctor from India to be part of the guest operating faculty.
Stress really takes a toll on women health these days. What is one haircare tip that you would like to share with women?
This has been a common problem these days because of the fast paced life, urge to do a lot in a minimum time leading to lifestyle imbalances and stress. It has various implication towards the health and it also plays a vital role in hair loss. I recommend that they should exercise regularly and manage stress. Apart from that, I would encourage women to have balanced diet rich in protein and iron.
What message would you like to share with other women across the globe on this Women’s Day?
Being a Doctor and a woman my advice to them is to keep fit and healthy as the generations depends on them. And finally do take care of your crowning glory which is your beautiful hair.
