At ASHA, we understand the unique challenges that doctors encounter in their profession. Serving the public tirelessly, we doctors often neglect our own well-being. This is where our community of doctors come together to seek help, to find information and to understand how to support each other. Explore our website
Who We Are
Mission
Strategy
Strategy
ASHA (Accept Support Help Another) is a voluntary organisation that aims to address professional stress in doctors in India. We aim to raise awareness, foster discussions on the theme of professional stress and help doctors develop strategies to address them.
Strategy
Strategy
Strategy
We hope to develop reflective spaces for this over social media, online and in person. We visualise the development of confidential services to help doctors facing professional stress in future as well as training doctors to care for doctors.
Trust
Strategy
Trust
Confidentiality is at the center of ASHA. We will ensure that no personally identifiable information be used during our communication, such as names of patients, doctors, departments or hospitals.
The team
Dr Arun Kishore
Dr Ashoka Valsala
Dr Arun Kishore
Consultant Psychiatrist in the UK with over 35 years of experience teaching psychiatry in India and the UK.
Dr. Kishore specialized in group work at the Institute of Group Analysis, UK, where he earned a Diploma in Reflective Practice. As an accredited Balint group leader, he has led Balint groups in the UK and India and is a founding
Consultant Psychiatrist in the UK with over 35 years of experience teaching psychiatry in India and the UK.
Dr. Kishore specialized in group work at the Institute of Group Analysis, UK, where he earned a Diploma in Reflective Practice. As an accredited Balint group leader, he has led Balint groups in the UK and India and is a founding member of the Balint India Foundation. His career is marked by his dedication to supporting and mentoring doctors and his work with NHS Practitioner Health, UK, which addresses mental health issues and stress in doctors.
Dr K.S. Shaji
Dr Ashoka Valsala
Dr Arun Kishore
Dean (Research) at Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur and has been a medical teacher since 1987. Dr. Shaji's research focuses on dementia and geriatric mental health, and he has contributed valuable insights through numerous publications. His dedication to advancing medical science has earned him several prestigious awards
Dean (Research) at Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur and has been a medical teacher since 1987. Dr. Shaji's research focuses on dementia and geriatric mental health, and he has contributed valuable insights through numerous publications. His dedication to advancing medical science has earned him several prestigious awards
, including the Dr. Vimla Virmani Award (2009), the Prof Surinder Mohan Marwah Award (2011), and an ICMR International Fellowship (2011-2012).
His contributions continue to shape psychiatry's future and improve the well-being of countless individuals.
Dr Ashoka Valsala
Dr Ashoka Valsala
Dr Ashoka Valsala
Ophthalmic Surgeon and the Medical Director of Nu Vision Eye Care in Manjeri. She also serves as the Chairperson of the Women’s Indian Medical Association (WIMA), Kerala State Branch. Dr. Valsala's support for ASHA stems from her observation of the increasing stress within the medical fraternity during their studies and work.
Witness
Ophthalmic Surgeon and the Medical Director of Nu Vision Eye Care in Manjeri. She also serves as the Chairperson of the Women’s Indian Medical Association (WIMA), Kerala State Branch. Dr. Valsala's support for ASHA stems from her observation of the increasing stress within the medical fraternity during their studies and work.
Witnessing the rising incidence of suicide among medical students and doctors, Dr. Valsala felt a strong desire to help. Her involvement in ASHA reflects her dedication to creating a supportive environment where medical professionals can address their challenges and receive the support they need.
THE TEAM
Dr Alfred V. Samuel
Dr Varghese P. Punnoose
Dr Varghese P. Punnoose
Consultant Psychiatrist at Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam, Kollam, India. A native of Kollam, Dr. Samuel has dedicated his life to psychiatry with unwavering commitment and leadership.
Dr. Samuel has served as Past State President of the ESI Doctors Association and the Indian Psychiatric Society Kerala State Branch. He is currently the
Consultant Psychiatrist at Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam, Kollam, India. A native of Kollam, Dr. Samuel has dedicated his life to psychiatry with unwavering commitment and leadership.
Dr. Samuel has served as Past State President of the ESI Doctors Association and the Indian Psychiatric Society Kerala State Branch. He is currently the Treasurer of the IMA National Health Scheme and Secretary of the IMA Kollam Branch.
His dedication to mental health care and supporting colleagues makes him a key member of ASHA, significantly contributing to its mission of addressing doctors' stresses and promoting well-being.
Dr Varghese P. Punnoose
Dr Varghese P. Punnoose
Dr Varghese P. Punnoose
Professor of Psychiatry and Principal of Government Medical College, Kottayam.
Dr. Varghese has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the World Psychiatric Society, from the KGMCTA, the Indian Psychiatric Society, and the World Federation of Mental Health.
He serves as the National Vice President of the Indian Associa
Professor of Psychiatry and Principal of Government Medical College, Kottayam.
Dr. Varghese has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the World Psychiatric Society, from the KGMCTA, the Indian Psychiatric Society, and the World Federation of Mental Health.
He serves as the National Vice President of the Indian Association for Social Psychiatry and the General Secretary of the National Alliance for Mental Health. His areas of interest include Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Public Mental Health, Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, and Transgender Mental Health.
Dr. Varghese's expertise and dedication to mental health advocacy make him a vital contributor to ASHA.
Dr Sheeja Rajan
Dr Varghese P. Punnoose
Dr Sheeja Rajan
Professor and Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala. She holds multiple leadership roles in national medical associations and has received several prestigious awards. With an extensive academic and professional background, Dr. Rajan has numerous publication
Professor and Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala. She holds multiple leadership roles in national medical associations and has received several prestigious awards. With an extensive academic and professional background, Dr. Rajan has numerous publications.
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Rajan has developed a deep interest in the psychological motivations of patients seeking transformative procedures. These experiences have inspired her to contribute to a supportive environment where doctors can openly discuss and address the unique stresses of the profession.
THE TEAM
Dr Jimmy Mathew
Dr Smitha Santhosh
Dr Jimmy Mathew
Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the prestigious Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. His exceptional blend of medical and psychological expertise, combined with his master’s degree in psychology, further enriches his compassionate approach to patient care and medical education.
Dr. Mathew boasts an impressive
Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the prestigious Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. His exceptional blend of medical and psychological expertise, combined with his master’s degree in psychology, further enriches his compassionate approach to patient care and medical education.
Dr. Mathew boasts an impressive academic portfolio, with over 50 scholarly publications. He is a celebrated blogger, captivating speaker, and prolific author of seven published books.
Through ASHA, he aspires to contribute meaningfully to society and the medical profession, advocating for the holistic well-being of healthcare providers.
Dr Biju Nelson
Dr Smitha Santhosh
Dr Jimmy Mathew
Superintendent of Government Hospital, Tiruvalla, a past President of IMA Kollam, and a State leader of the Indian Medical Association and the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association. Biju uses his leadership skills to contribute to ASHA.
Dr Smitha Santhosh
Dr Smitha Santhosh
Dr Srikumar Vasudevan
She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, where she brings over a decade of clinical expertise and academic leadership to the field. A passionate advocate for maternal and reproductive health, she has played an instrumental role in advancing evidence-based pra
She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, where she brings over a decade of clinical expertise and academic leadership to the field. A passionate advocate for maternal and reproductive health, she has played an instrumental role in advancing evidence-based practices in women's healthcare across Kerala.
In addition to her clinical and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Smiha Santhosh is an active faculty member at the Regional Centre for Medical Education, where she contributes to the continuous development of competency-based medical education. Her areas of focus include curriculum design, student mentorship, and faculty development—particularly in promoting patient-centered care and ethical clinical decision-making.
She has participated in multiple public health initiatives, professional development workshops, and interdisciplinary training programs, strengthening the bridge between community health needs and institutional care.
Dr Srikumar Vasudevan
Dr Srikumar Vasudevan
Dr Srikumar Vasudevan
With a foundational medical background in Otorhinolaryngology and a growing academic focus on bioethics, he brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and ethical insight to healthcare. He holds a Diploma in Bioethics, Human Rights, and Health Law from the University of Porto, Portugal, where he is pursuing an MSc in the same field.
H
With a foundational medical background in Otorhinolaryngology and a growing academic focus on bioethics, he brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and ethical insight to healthcare. He holds a Diploma in Bioethics, Human Rights, and Health Law from the University of Porto, Portugal, where he is pursuing an MSc in the same field.
His passion lies in teaching and advocating for ethical medical practice. Dr. Srilumar regularly lectures on topics including clinical ethics, medicolegal challenges, and communication skills and has conducted nationwide training sessions for medical educators and students.
Key roles and contributions include:
- National Trainer and Faculty, International Chair in Bioethics
- Guest Faculty, Bioethics, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT)
- Chairman, Institutional Ethics Committee, Malabar Cancer Centre, Kerala
- Master Trainer, Healthcare Communication
Dr Saju P.J.
Dr Srikumar Vasudevan
Dr Saju P.J.
A Consultant Medical Psychotherapist in the NHS, he specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and brings a wealth of clinical and teaching experience to his practice. Since 2009, he has served as a psychotherapy tutor, playing a key role in training psychiatrists in psychological approaches through reflective practice groups an
A Consultant Medical Psychotherapist in the NHS, he specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and brings a wealth of clinical and teaching experience to his practice. Since 2009, he has served as a psychotherapy tutor, playing a key role in training psychiatrists in psychological approaches through reflective practice groups and case-based supervision.
In addition to his psychotherapy work, he holds a part-time role as a Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist in a general hospital, where he provides integrated care at the interface of physical and mental health.
He is also an author, having published a self-help book in Malayalam focused on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). A second book, exploring depression, is due for publication in 2025.
HOW COULD WE HELP YOU TODAY?
I would like help for myself
I would like to know more about professional stress
I would like to help another doctor in distress
List of resources
We are in the process of developing self help resources. We would suggest visiting these sites at present:
1. https://www.cma.ca/physician-wellness-hub. This source at the Canadian Medical Association Wellness Hub has several useful resources.
2. Access IMA Helpline at 7065568258 (Toll free within India)
3. A good resource to deal with professional stress is through Balint Groups for doctors. You could enquire at balintindia@gmail.com
I would like to help another doctor in distress
I would like to know more about professional stress
I would like to help another doctor in distress
Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in your community. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few hours a month, your time and skills are appreciated. Attend our events to understand more. To join or contact us please join our whatsapp group. You will find the button above. You can also email us by using the text box to the right. We aim to develop a peer support group in future.
I would like to know more about professional stress
I would like to know more about professional stress
I would like to know more about professional stress
Explore this site for a variety of resources, links to resources around professional stress. Please look at our social media presence below.
1. https://www.cma.ca/physician-wellness-hub. This source at the Canadian Medical Association Wellness Hub has several useful resources.
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I would like to know more about professional stress
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