Let me tell you about Dr. Sandhya Agarwal, one of the most inspiring figures from my days as a medical student. I’m Dr. PK Gupta, and back in the halls of SN Medical College in Agra, she was our guiding light in Gynecology—or “Gynae,” as we fondly called it. She wasn’t just a professor; she was a force of nature, teaching us not only the intricacies of obstetrics but also the sheer grit required to thrive in medicine.

I remember one grueling night during our rotations. We’d been on our feet for hours, assisting in deliveries, when fatigue started creeping in. Dr. Sandhya, with her sharp eyes and unflinching energy, noticed a few of us slumping. She pulled us aside in the dimly lit corridor, her voice firm but kind: “Listen, young doctors, stamina is needed for being a doctor. It’s not just about knowledge—it’s about enduring the long hours, the unexpected emergencies, and still giving your best to every patient. If you tire easily, the profession will chew you up. Build that inner strength, or find another path.” Her words hit like a shot of adrenaline. From that day, I pushed myself harder, and I’ve never seen a more hardworking woman in my life. She embodied what she preached, often staying late to mentor us or handle cases herself, all while balancing her roles as a department head and a family woman.

Speaking of family, she was married to Dr. B.M. Agarwal, a renowned pathologist who made history as the youngest Reader in Pathology at SN Medical College, Agra. I can picture them as a power couple in the medical world—her in OBG, him in pathology, both pioneering in their fields. Once, during a casual chat after class, she shared a light-hearted story: “You know, when B.M. and I first met, he was buried in slides and reports, the youngest to reach Reader status. I told him, ‘If you can spot anomalies under a microscope, surely you can see how perfect we are together!’ And here we are, supporting each other’s crazy schedules.” It humanized her, showing that even icons like her navigated love and career with humor and dedication.

Beyond the personal anecdotes, Dr. Sandhya’s career was legendary. With over 33 years in healthcare, she held an MBBS and DGO, rising to Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at SN Medical College before retiring. 2 She spent 30 years teaching, shaping generations like mine, and even served as warden for a doctors’ hostel with 200 female residents—all while raising her two daughters. Her practice continues at Dr. Sandhya Agarwal Nursing Home in Jaipur House and another clinic in Kamla Nagar, where patients flock for her expertise. 14 0

But she wasn’t all work; Dr. Sandhya had a passion for community impact. Imagine her organizing the All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2016, rallying experts from across the country. Or leading an osteoporosis awareness program in 2018, educating crowds with her no-nonsense style: “Ladies, bones don’t strengthen themselves—eat right, move more, or you’ll regret it later!” 2 In 2020, she distributed blankets to health workers in Fatehpur Sikri, saying, “These Arogya Sevikas are the unsung heroes; a little warmth goes a long way.” Even recently, in October 2025, she was felicitating participants at an endorobotic conference, still at the forefront of innovation.

Through her work with the Indian Menopause Society, she contributed to magazines like Poise, sharing wisdom on work-life balance and ethical practice. She even ran a WhatsApp group called “Club 35+” to debunk health myths and empower women. Her philosophy? Discipline, lifelong learning, transparency, and strong relationships. As she once