Dr Deepa Bhide in India
In this new blog series, I’d like to ask four questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Dr Deepa Bhide MBBS, DCH, PMP, has over 20 years of professional experience in blending medical practice and research with Project Management. Born from day-to-day patient interactions, Deepa viewed Project Management as the backbone of progressive healthcare. As a physician having leveraged IT/PM skills, Deepa has blended her broad-based experience and learnings to present a unified, holistic, and wholesome view of Project Management and Healthcare. Her paper on "Patient Care - A Project Management Perspective" has received global recognition. Through various webinars, events, and writings across platforms, Deepa has championed global project management during Covid-19. Deepa is a gold medalist from Osmania University for standing First in the MBBS and later pursued her DCH in Pediatrics and Child health. She remains actively engaged with PMI and has been a participant and speaker for various national and global meetings and online events. Deepa lives in Hyderabad, India, and loves traveling, singing, and experimenting with global cuisine.
How did you begin to volunteer?
I started volunteering as a child with my parents, who were doctors. I used to visit healthcare camps that they used to conduct. Later in medical school, I was a part of many volunteering expeditions where we conducted health camps, blood donation camps, patient education camps etc.
I started volunteering for PMI in 2005 with Academy of PMI Pearl City Chapter. I taught PMBOK to healthcare professionals and other groups as a part of the academy. later on went on taking global roles in PMI. Love volunteering immensely.
Why did you continue volunteering?
It gives me an immense sense of accomplishment and giving back to the community. I am an extrovert and love networking. I love to share my thoughts and also learn from others. Volunteering is a noble activity in my opinion and will like to continue doing so.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
Volunteering has helped me make good friends and also connections in the industry which help in your career path.
During my volunteering with a blood bank while in medical school, I was involved in a case related to Pediatrics. I enjoyed volunteering and learning so much that I got interested in Pediatrics as a specialty. I went on to do my master’s in Pediatrics.
As a part of PMI volunteering, I come across volunteers and professionals from different domains. This helps in making connections to switch jobs or organizations for whatever reason. One such incident was when I was looking out for a job after a multinational company stint. My volunteering with Pearl City Chapter helped me grab a good opportunity in the healthcare sector.
Why are you volunteering as a doctor in a project management association?
I have always loved challenges. I volunteer to create and promote a blend of healthcare and project management to ensure both domains benefit from each other. I love both frameworks and feel that for a successful project, including that of patient care, we need to amalgamate the best methods to ensure the project succeeds. I believe in the cross-pollination of ideas and would like to bring healthcare concepts to PM and vice versa.
I am perhaps one of the few physicians in PMI who is also a PMP and would like to have more of this blend.
Would you encourage other people to take up volunteering, and if so, why?
Yes, I would certainly encourage everyone to take up volunteering. It’s the best use of your time and for a noble cause. You get to network, learn, share, imbibe, and ultimately, have a sense of well-being and accomplishment.
