For an obstetrician and gynaecologist, medicine is more than a profession. It is a commitment to being present during some of the most significant, unpredictable and emotionally intense moments in a family’s life. It demands clinical expertise, quick decision-making, compassion and an unwavering sense of responsibility.
Few understand this combination better than Dr. Manisha Jagtap, whose professional journey reflects perseverance, adaptability and a deep commitment to women’s healthcare.
“Obstetric practice can be intensely demanding and unpredictable. An apparently routine situation may suddenly turn into an emergency requiring immediate decisions. But successfully navigating those moments and seeing a mother and baby safe brings a satisfaction that is difficult to express in words. For me, that fulfilment has never been about money,” she shares.
With over two decades of dedicated clinical practice, Dr. Jagtap has established herself not only as an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist but also as a medicolegal professional, writer, publisher and active leader in medical and social organisations.
Her journey is one of determination, continuous learning and the courage to explore opportunities beyond conventional boundaries.
From Reluctance to Certainty
Interestingly, medicine was not Dr. Jagtap’s childhood ambition. Her interests initially leaned towards engineering, information technology and interior designing. It was largely her family’s encouragement that led her towards a medical career.
Even during her MBBS internship, obstetrics and gynaecology was not her preferred specialty. The intensity of the labour room, the unpredictability of emergencies and the physical and emotional challenges experienced by women during childbirth initially made her hesitant.
However, towards the end of her internship, her perspective changed. She began to appreciate the extraordinary responsibility and fulfilment associated with bringing new life into the world. What initially seemed overwhelming gradually became her professional calling.
She subsequently pursued postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology, beginning a journey that would shape the next several decades of her life.
Coming from a family without a medical background, establishing an independent practice presented its own challenges. After completing her postgraduate education, she faced a choice between accepting a government position that would require relocation and establishing a private practice independently.
An unexpected opportunity proved pivotal when a doctor joining government service offered her an existing outpatient clinic setup. With her family’s encouragement, she took the opportunity and began her independent practice. As patient numbers gradually increased, the need for inpatient maternity facilities became apparent. With determination and limited resources, she converted a ground-floor residential flat into a modest four-bed maternity unit. What began as a small healthcare establishment gradually evolved into a fulfilling professional journey, eventually leading to Aashirwad Hospital in Nashik.
Her experience reflects an important lesson: meaningful achievements often begin with modest resources, provided they are supported by dedication, perseverance and a willingness to take responsibility.
Medicine, Law and the Responsibility of Care
As her clinical experience grew, Dr. Jagtap recognised that modern medical practice requires more than clinical competence.
Obstetrics and gynaecology, in particular, involves complex ethical decisions, legal responsibilities, documentation requirements and the constant possibility of unexpected complications. Understanding the growing importance of medicolegal awareness, she decided to pursue formal legal education. Despite the demands of her busy clinical practice, she enrolled in an LLB programme, attended college regularly and successfully completed her law degree with distinction. This unusual combination of medical and legal qualifications added a new dimension to her professional journey. Her understanding of both disciplines enabled her to develop a special interest in medical ethics, patient rights, professional responsibilities and the legal challenges faced by healthcare practitioners. Over the years, she has actively contributed to medicolegal awareness among medical professionals through academic discussions, professional forums and guidance to colleagues. For Dr. Jagtap, knowledge of the law is not merely about protecting doctors from litigation. It is equally about promoting ethical medical practice, improving communication, maintaining appropriate documentation and safeguarding the interests of both patients and healthcare professionals.
She believes that sound clinical judgment, compassionate communication and medicolegal awareness are essential pillars of responsible medical practice.
Reassurance as Part of the Treatment
Beyond clinical expertise, Dr. Jagtap places considerable importance on understanding the emotional experiences of her patients.
“Infertility and gynaecological problems carry a significant emotional burden. Often, it is not just the patient or the couple who are affected. Their families and social circles also become emotionally involved,” she explains. Pregnancy and childbirth, while usually joyful experiences, can be accompanied by anxiety, uncertainty and fear of complications. Similarly, couples undergoing infertility treatment often experience emotional stress, social expectations and disappointment. Dr. Jagtap believes that effective communication and reassurance are essential components of treatment.
“Patients need someone who listens to their concerns, explains their condition clearly and helps them make informed decisions. Sometimes, a meaningful conversation can reduce anxiety as much as medical intervention,” she observes. In gynaecological practice, she frequently encounters women who become extremely anxious after discovering a breast lump, uterine swelling or another unexpected finding. The fear of cancer often becomes their immediate concern. Her approach emphasises appropriate investigation, clear explanations and counselling before reaching conclusions. She also highlights that advances in early diagnosis and modern treatment have significantly improved outcomes for many cancers, making timely evaluation and appropriate treatment particularly important.
For her, compassionate care means addressing not only the disease but also the uncertainty and emotional distress experienced by the patient.
The Changing Face of Gynaecological Surgery
During her professional career, Dr. Jagtap has witnessed remarkable changes in medical technology and surgical practice. The transition from conventional open surgery to minimally invasive techniques has significantly influenced gynaecological treatment. Laparoscopic surgery has made it possible for many patients to undergo procedures through smaller incisions, often resulting in reduced postoperative discomfort, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. Advances in anaesthesia, surgical instruments, antibiotics and infection-prevention practices have further improved patient safety and surgical outcomes. More recently, robotic-assisted surgery has expanded the minimally invasive options available for selected procedures, offering surgeons enhanced precision, visualisation and dexterity. She recalls that patients were initially apprehensive about laparoscopic procedures, whereas today many actively enquire about minimally invasive surgical options. However, she believes that technology should complement sound clinical judgment rather than replace it. The choice of surgical procedure must always depend on the patient’s medical condition, available expertise, safety considerations and individual needs. Despite remarkable technological advances, she also recognises the continuing differences in access to specialised healthcare between urban and rural communities. In her view, improving awareness, early diagnosis, affordability and access to quality healthcare remains essential for advancing women’s health across India.
Leadership Beyond Clinical Practice
Dr. Jagtap’s professional contributions extend beyond the walls of her hospital. Over the years, she has actively participated in professional medical organisations, contributing to academic programmes, professional development, organisational administration and initiatives addressing issues faced by healthcare professionals. She has served as Secretary of the Indian Medical Association, Nashik, and currently holds the position of President of the Nashik Obstetric and Gynaecological Society (NOGS) for 2026–27. She has also held various responsibilities in regional and state-level medical organisations, particularly in academic and medicolegal activities.
Her leadership approach reflects a belief that medical associations should not only promote scientific learning but also encourage professional unity, ethical practice, mentorship and community welfare. Through continuing medical education programmes, conferences and awareness initiatives, she remains committed to knowledge-sharing and professional development. Her interest in medicolegal matters has further enabled her to contribute to discussions on the rights, responsibilities and safety of healthcare professionals.
For Dr. Jagtap, leadership is not merely about holding positions. It is about accepting responsibility, encouraging participation and creating opportunities for meaningful professional and social contributions.
Beyond the White Coat
While medicine remains central to her life, Dr. Jagtap’s interests extend into literature, publishing, music, painting, design and social service.An accomplished writer, she authored the book Matrutva : Vedna Aani Vidroh, reflecting her interest in social issues and human experiences.She also established her own publishing house, Nav Siddhant Prakashan, through which she has published several books and periodicals. Among her notable literary initiatives is Nav Amitav, an annual Diwali magazine that explores a different theme in depth with each edition. The publication has received recognition for its literary contribution, including an award in its category. Her involvement in literature and publishing reflects her belief that professional identity need not be confined to a single discipline. Apart from writing, she has a keen interest in music, painting and dress designing. “I love listening to music and would like to learn singing more seriously when I have the time. Painting and designing are also interests that I hope to pursue further,” she shares. She has also remained associated with social and community organisations, contributing to initiatives beyond healthcare like Rotary and Inner Wheel. She had served for Rotary Surgical Camps at National and International levels, operating the needy and poor patients. Her diverse interests and achievements have shaped her identity as a multifaceted professional who comfortably connects medicine, law, literature, leadership and social responsibility.
Finding Balance Through Experience
Like many women pursuing demanding professional careers, Dr. Jagtap acknowledges that balancing family responsibilities with medical practice has not always been easy.
Obstetrics, with its unpredictable emergencies and round-the-clock responsibilities, frequently demands personal sacrifices. During the early years of her career, managing a growing practice while fulfilling responsibilities towards her child and family was particularly challenging. “There were times when professional commitments made it difficult to give my family as much time as I wanted. Finding a balance did not happen overnight. It took years of experience, adjustment and understanding,” she reflects. Over time, she gradually developed a better balance between her professional commitments and personal life. Her journey illustrates that success is not necessarily about achieving everything simultaneously, but about evolving through different phases of life while remaining committed to one’s values. Today, Dr. Jagtap continues to combine active clinical practice with professional leadership, medicolegal education, literary pursuits and social initiatives. Her story is not simply one of professional success, but of continuous learning, resilience and the determination to grow beyond established boundaries.
For Dr. Manisha Jagtap, the true measure of achievement lies not merely in professional recognition, but in the lives she touches, the knowledge she shares and the positive difference she continues to make in society.
