From Medical Mastery to Aviation Ambitions: Anubhav Jain’s Path to the Skies
From working as an ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon, at leading hospitals in India to pursuing his childhood passion as a pilot in one of the biggest airlines in the country, Birch Court resident Anubhav Jain has made an extraordinary career shift, turning a lifelong dream into reality.
His interest in aeroplanes began as a young child, nurtured through participation in aeronautics workshops at Bal Bhawan. A gifted student, Anubhav successfully cracked the National Talent Search examination when he was in the 10th grade, and got through both medical and engineering entrance tests.
Despite his early fascination with flight, his father encouraged him to pursue a career in medicine. Anubhav studied and worked at Maulana Azad Medical College and Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi. After acquiring his MBBS, MS
and DNB degrees, Anubhav received job offers from both India and abroad. He chose to spend over half a decade working as an ENT surgeon with one of India’s premier hospital chains in New Delhi. During his medical career, Anubhav published several research articles in international peer-reviewed journals.
At the age of 32, Anubhav decided to return to his original dream of aviation, marking a new chapter in his professional life. He has since forged a successful path in the aviation industry, earning his Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and his Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Today, he flies commercial airplanes while also training other pilots, in his role as a flight instructor.
Despite his full-time commitment to aviation, he continues to practice as an ENT surgeon, balancing both careers with exceptional skill.
In a conversation with Shilpa Sonal, Anubhav shares his unique journey from qualifying for both medical and engineering colleges to navigating family expectations and career transitions. He offers insights and advice for parents & children facing the challenges of today’s complex world.
Was ENT your choice?
Initially, ENT wasn’t my chosen field, but I grew to love it over time. I believe that the more you practice something, the more proficient and passionate you become. As I delved deeper into the various aspects of ENT, especially the challenges of head and neck surgery, I found it incredibly rewarding. It’s ironic; I went from someone who couldn’t handle dissections to someone who felt incomplete on days I didn’t perform a surgery. The transformation was profound and fueled by the constant challenge and satisfaction I found in my work.
Did you often undertake surgeries that were very difficult?
Yes, many were technically challenging, but more challenging for me was when the patients were unable to afford these surgeries. To the best of my ability, I tried to ensure that patients were treated even if they couldn’t afford it. That led to quite a few difficult moments with my corporate superiors. Mostly, I would get my way though (satisfied grin).
So why did you decide to switch careers?
Multiple reasons. I always wanted to build planes, and the corporatization of medicine was not aligning with my values. I decided to take on this new challenge, being closer to my original dream. Within just 20 days of making my decision, I had applied for my I-20 visa for the U.S., submitted my one-month notice at work, and left behind my 15-year career in medicine. It was a bold move, especially considering I had a three-year-old son at the time.
How did you manage the finances?
I took out a substantial loan to fund my flight training in the United States. With no financial safety net and limited funds, I was extremely motivated to complete the course as quickly as possible. Driven by the need to start earning quickly, I managed to land a job in aviation within 13 months of quitting my previous career. Since 2007, I have been working with country’s leading airlines. Currently, I serve as an instructor pilot, training other pilots.
Do you teach your children?
Yes, I am very hands-on with my children. I’ve always been actively involved in their education, and fortunately, they recognize the value of the opportunities they have. They are driven and understand that hard work is irreplaceable. Education, to me, is about learning how to make sound decisions within any given set of constraints. If you can do that, then your education has served its purpose. Otherwise, even the most impressive degrees in the world mean little.
So the youngsters today are often confused and face different struggles. Do you have a message for them?
Yes, today’s young people do face unique challenges. When I was growing up, the path was determined- doctor, engineer, or nothing. But today’s youth grapple with much greater uncertainty. Many students commit to a profession, only to realise later that it’s not for them—often after significant devotion of time and financial investment. One issue I’ve observed in Indian society is the pressure to have everything figured out by the age of 18. My advice is to take a break if you’re unsure about your future direction. A gap year spent exploring various fields can be a valuable investment in your long-term happiness and success. It’s better to take the time to discover what truly suits you, rather than rushing into a decision that might not be right for you. Even in your chosen field, do not expect your path to be without hurdles.
Do you believe we should let children explore, rather than impose our own choices on them?
True potential is reached only when one’s mind is open to exploration. Our role as parents should be to guide and support our children without imposing rigid expectations. We need to create a nurturing environment that allows them to explore their interests and passions. Often, as parents, we project our own aspirations and traumas onto our children, preventing them from discovering what they truly want. Encouraging children to explore, providing positive reinforcement, and maintaining a supportive environment is crucial.
It’s a tough job to find a balance between dreams and practical realities of life. Understanding the child’s goals, splitting goals into micro targets, making & following timetables are some ways in which parents can help their children.
You mentioned that you still do charity. How do you manage both flying and being a doctor now?
Yes, I’m practising as an ENT surgeon. My practice involves a lot of charity work for our community workers and the underprivileged.
To stay on top of my tasks, I plan my medical work after taking into consideration my flight schedule and the necessary rest required.
I believe that one can only concentrate on one task at a time. I’m not multitasking but shifting from one to the other. Time has a beautiful way of expanding and allowing you to finish all your work if you are driven and committed.
