Stepping out of his comfort zone is something Dr Jay Mehta knows well.
Originally from Mumbai, he ventured to Kerala to pursue his post-graduate studies in gynecology at Jubilee Mission Hospital.
“It was more than just a change of scenery; it was a new culture, language, and environment,” he shares.
This shift wasn’t only geographical — it taught him to look at medicine through a different lens. “People in South India have a straightforwardness that I wasn’t used to in Mumbai, and it actually helped me connect better with my patients. It was like learning a whole new approach to practicing medicine,” he says.
Dr Mehta reflects on the impact of his journey, sharing how rewarding it is when he can make a tangible difference in his patients’ lives.
“The most fulfilling moments in my profession arise when we help girls born with Mullerian anomalies,” he says and adds, “Later, they invite us to their weddings. Being a father to two daughters, I deeply understand the emotions of their families, and that keeps me going.”
However, he’s quick to acknowledge the challenges. “Medicine isn’t just about the good moments. It can be disheartening, especially when online reviews judge us based on only one side of the story. It’s concerning that doctors are treated like commodities in business yet expected to be completely human during treatment,” he says.
In November 2019, Dr Mehta embarked on an initiative close to his heart — a Facebook channel called Project Pelvis. What began as an effort to provide free and accessible medical training has become a vital platform for over 23,000 gynecologists across India, covering 80-85% of the country’s gynecology community.
“The initial spark for Project Pelvis came from a desire to offer accessible training,” he explains and adds, “Recognising the shades of nepotism in medicine, I couldn’t stand by as deserving talents went unnoticed.”
The journey was not without its hurdles. Medical jousting and even police complaints were hurdles along the way. Yet, for Dr Mehta, these challenges only reinforced his commitment.
“We began with live surgeries on Facebook,” he recalls and adds, “and from there, Project Pelvis took flight. It stands tall today as a continual source of free medical education.”
Dr Mehta’s dedication has created a legacy that serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Reminiscing about his medical student days, he speaks fondly of his group of three close friends. “Our conversations over coffee at Café Coffee Day were often unrealistic, but they’re memories I cherish,” he says.
Such moments remind him of the camaraderie and drive that comes from learning medicine together, forming the foundation of a lifelong pursuit.
For Dr Mehta, the essence of a medical career lies in one guiding principle: integrity. “The most important thing in medicine is to be honest and to never commercialise your medical advice,” he insists. His commitment to this ideal is evident not only in his practice but also in the way he has extended mentorship and training through Project Pelvis.
As he continues to serve both patients and the medical community, Dr Jay Mehta remains an example of how authenticity and a commitment to service can create an enduring legacy in medicine.
(This article was curated by the content and digital team at Humans of Medicare: Aditi Gawit, Ria Maheshwari, Varuni Vats, & Siddhant Kashyap)
