“When I was in 6th grade, my grandfather’s sudden passing due to brain malaria left an indelible mark on my life. My grandfather, Pulyala. Bhoom Reddy, a farmer, politician, philanthropist and sarpanch of Burhanmiyapet village in Karimnagar, was a pillar of strength and inspiration to me. His death left a huge void in my life, but his legacy and dreams for me continued to motivate me. He was intelligent, compassionate, helpful, and was loved and looked upto by everyone in the village. As his only granddaughter, he always said I would become a doctor someday. That dream stayed with me, fueled by our close bond.
Growing up, I was very sensitive and empathetic towards sickness and health issues. My family supported my aspirations wholeheartedly. I completed my primary education in Karimnagar and then moved to Vijayawada for better schooling. It offered more exposure to extracurricular activities, education, and sports. After finishing my intermediate education, I went on to study MBBS at Mediciti Medical College in Hyderabad.
Dermatology was my dream branch. To achieve it, I took a year and a half break to prepare for my post-graduation. Those days were filled with intense study and perseverance. I earned my MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Chalmeda Ananda Rao Institute of Medical Sciences in Karimnagar. Another motivating factor was a close family member’s autoimmune skin condition. This made me even more empathetic and determined to help people with skin and hair health issues. After completing my MD, I had an opportunity to work with few of the esteemed and senior dermatologists in Hyderabad learning skills pertaining to medical dermatology, aesthetic Dermatology, dermato surgery and paediatric dermatology. I currently work at Kaya skin clinics, Banjara Hills and Rainbow Hospitals, Karkhana, Secunderabad specializing in medical, aesthetic,pediatric dermatology, dermatosurgery.
In my practice as a dermatologist, I focus on patient counseling, explaining their conditions and treatment plans with empathy. My patients feel comfortable and often return for follow-ups, overcoming their anxiety and trusting in the treatment, together we work on bringing good results.
My journey in dermatology is not just about treating skin & hair conditions but also about spreading awareness, promoting realistic beauty standards, and making a positive impact on my patient’s lives. I started my page to educate people about proper skin care and dispel myths. Many people, influenced by family, friends, or unqualified sources, misuse treatments like steroids for skin whitening, causing significant damage. I aim to provide accurate information, discouraging colorism and promoting realistic expectations about skin health.
Growing up, I had confidence issues because of my brownish skin tone. I’ve seen my relative’s & friend’s discriminating me and people around based on the skin colour. These experiences stuck with me and motivated me to promote more awareness on acceptance and having a positive outlook towards their own skin tone.
To aspiring medicos, I stress the importance of focusing on their health—physical, mental, and dietary—amidst the stress of their studies. It’s a long journey, but maintaining well-being is crucial. Additionally, I caution local public against unqualified practitioners in aesthetic dermatology. It’s essential to verify the credentials of anyone providing treatments, ensuring they are legitimate dermatologists with proper qualifications.”
- Dr. Himaja Reddy Pulyala