Mumbai: Neurosurgeon Dr Mazda Turel captivates audience with 'Bheja Fry' talk in Fort

Dr Mazda Turel during the presentation

Like a doctor's overcrowded waiting room, the hall at the KR Cama Oriental Institute, opposite Lion's Gate in Fort, South Mumbai, was packed to the rafters for neurosurgeon Dr Mazda Turel's talk - Bhejas Fry: Why Every Symptom Matters.

The talk was headlined ‘Bheja Fry,' as Dr Turel has written a book by the same name. His talk late Friday evening (July 10) was about writing, neurosurgery, finding mirth in medicine, and medicine in mirth.

The doctor was aided in his witty and wise one hour with a slide presentation as the hall oscillated between applause and exclamations, the former especially when Dr Turel cited a miraculous medical recovery and the latter when a patient may have ‘lost' the fight but always left life lessons and even some laughter on his journey.

Neurosurgeon Dr Mazda Turel during the talks

Dr Turel's humour and humility stood out through his address. "There are not enough chairs; we did not expect so many people. Those who do yoga can sit on the floor," he joked. He also cautioned in jest that his book ‘Bheja Fry' may be found in the culinary section at some bookstores.

Why write?

Dr Turel had some humorous observations. He said, "Writing a book is easy; getting people to read it is tough." When elderly people ask me how to maximize my brain. I say, "Eat less processed food, have less stress, sleep well, and... come to events like these!" On brain food, he said, "Diet for the brain? Nuts, green leafy veggies, berries, dark chocolate for some sweets, and eggs, up to two a day with yolk, are safe."

Write bright

The slide shows how the doctor writes to rescue. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

To a recurring question Dr Turel answered, "I write to give clarity, bust myths, and even inspire patients. Several patients told me that they wished they had read this book when they were going through things. The book is intended to be funny but not frivolous in any way. Sometimes, I write to fathom my failures."

The belief

Dr Turel spoke about beliefs about doctors: "Often, people think the doctor barely looked at them. He took '2000 as a charge and went away. Believe me, we are always thinking about the patient, and the best possible outcome for them."

Laugh, live, and light

Dr Turel signed off with the profound words as he said, "Life is meant to travel light and while on the journey, shine our light on the lives of others." As a postscript, he added, "Life is meaningful since it is a story, and in all stories, endings matter."