Shattering Myths, Building Bridges
For Dr Sanjeev Gulati, nephrology has always been a mission of public enlightenment as much as medical treatment. His career is defined by an unprecedented commitment to translating complex kidney science into actionable knowledge for millions. This is the story of a physician whose prescription for change begins with empowering every individual with the facts.
Dr Sanjeev Gulati’s commitment to patient and public education extends far beyond the hospital walls, driven by a lifelong mission to combat kidney disease through awareness, access, and evidence-based information. To date, he has delivered more than 400 public education lectures at medical conferences, community forums, and public seminars across India and internationally, translating complex nephrology into actionable knowledge for diverse audiences.
Understanding that true healthcare access begins at the community level, Dr Gulati has personally organized and led more than 100 free health screening camps, bringing essential diagnostic services directly to underserved populations. Even during the isolating height of the COVID-19 pandemic, his educational outreach did not cease. Over the last two years, he pivoted to the digital sphere, conducting more than 100 webinars to provide continuous guidance and support to patients and families navigating kidney health in uncertain times.
Public writing has been another cornerstone of his advocacy. Dr Gulati has authored more than 200 articles published in prominent newspapers and magazines across multiple states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Assam, Bihar, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir. These articles consistently focus on demystifying kidney health, explaining chronic kidney disease (CKD), and, crucially, championing the life-saving importance of organ donation. Every year, leading up to and on August 13th—Organ Donation Day—he actively partners with dedicated NGOs like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and the Deh Dan Samiti to conduct targeted public awareness programs that encourage pledges for organ donation and dispel common myths surrounding the process.
His efforts to amplify this message leverage multiple media platforms. He has delivered numerous educational talks on national and regional television channels and has been a frequent guest on radio broadcasts, using these mediums to reach millions in their homes with vital information about kidney disease prevention and management.
In recent years, recognising the profound therapeutic benefits of holistic wellness, Dr Gulati has actively worked to popularise Yoga among kidney patients. He has written extensively on the subject in newspapers and blogs, given community talks, and created dedicated content on his YouTube channel to demonstrate safe, adapted yoga practices that can support overall well-being alongside medical treatment.
Digital Outreach and Global Collaboration
To extend the reach of this critical education globally, Dr Gulati launched the “Dr Sanjeev Gulati Kidney Clinic” YouTube channel. This platform aims to democratize kidney health knowledge for a worldwide audience and has garnered over 35 million views to date. Through detailed, accessible videos, he educates the public on all aspects of kidney disease—from early symptoms and dietary management to advanced treatment options. This channel also serves as a vital platform to confront dangerous misinformation; he actively uses it to challenge quacks and alternative therapy practitioners who promote unscientific and unvalidated “cures” for kidney ailments, thereby protecting vulnerable patients from exploitation.
His work extends into significant global collaborations. Dr Gulati serves as the Liaison Officer for the Asia Region and Lead Language Leader for the Kidney Education Foundation. In this capacity, he led a pioneering collaboration with nephrologists from around the world to co-author and compile the book “Save Your Kidney.” This landmark publication is recognised as the world’s largest multilingual educational resource for kidney patients, a testament to its global scope and accessibility.
This initiative is complemented by the award-winning patient portal, www.kidneyeducation.com. Developed by a global team of over 100 nephrologists, this comprehensive website provides authoritative, easy-to-understand information about kidney diseases in an astounding 37 languages. A 200-page kidney health book is available free for download or via WhatsApp from this platform, which has rightly earned a World Record Award for its scale and impact in patient education.
Driving Systemic Change Through Partnerships
Finally, Dr Gulati believes in forging strategic alliances to create systemic impact. In his role within the leadership of the Indian Society of Nephrology (ISN), and in collaboration with AstraZeneca Pharma, he helped launch a nationwide community screening program for the general public. This initiative is part of a unique “Pharma-Physician Partnership” model designed to improve early detection of kidney disease on a massive scale, moving us closer to the goal of prevention and early intervention for all.
Through these multifaceted efforts—spanning direct community engagement, digital innovation, global publishing, and strategic partnerships—Dr. Gulati’s work continues to be guided by a single objective: to empower every individual with the knowledge they need to protect their kidney health and to build a more informed, supportive ecosystem for those living with kidney disease.
(The author is Chairman of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, and Immediate Past President of the Indian Society of Nephrology.)