“When women lead with purpose, they inspire a world of change.”
This quote resounds deeply, especially in the healthcare space, where women are not only playing a role, but leading with innovation and compassion. Female leaders are changing this space, mixing professional expertise with empathy, strength, and foresight.
Dr. Shilpi Mohan, the Owner of Ashvattha Cardiac Care, represents this transformative spirit. A cardiologist and entrepreneur at the core, Dr. Shilpi stands as a testimony to how personal values and professional success can coexist. Her journey, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to wellness, is an inspiration to aspiring leaders everywhere.
Emerging from Strong Roots
Dr. Shilpi’s journey began in a middle-class family, where she inherited profound lessons of spirituality from her mother and the values of honesty, integrity, and a drive for excellence from her father, a national award recipient honored by Gyani Zail Singhji, the erstwhile President of India.
Her education at Kendriya Vidyalaya laid the groundwork for her academic achievements, which included clearing both pre-medical and pre-engineering entrance exams on her first attempt.
Motivated by an unwavering passion to become a heart specialist, she pursued her medical studies at Government Medical College, Jabalpur, and later achieved super-specialization in Cardiology from the prestigious Army Hospital, Research & Referral, New Delhi.
Balancing her aspirations with personal challenges, Dr. Shilpi spent eight years of her early marriage living apart from her husband, an army officer, as she pursued her education. “It was his unwavering support and sacrifice during those initial days that brought me to this stage,” she reflects, showcasing the resilience and determination that define her inspiring journey.
Redefining Wellness
Dr. Shilpi Mohan always envisioned establishing a holistic healing center that would shift the focus from illness to wellness. Guided by this vision, she Dreamed of creating a space that prioritizes preventive care and addresses the root causes of diseases. Initially, she sought support from venture capitalists to fund this ambitious project. However, recognizing the value of steady growth, she decided to start small and expand organically.
Dr. Shilpi firmly believes that diseases stem from mental and physical imbalances or disharmony. “We cannot just treat a disease per se and leave the root cause unattended,” she explains.
For her, effective care requires addressing deeper issues such as unhappiness or psychological distress. This philosophy inspired her to design a comprehensive model of care that integrates physical, spiritual, and psychic healing—all under one roof.
A Healer Beyond Boundaries
Dr. Shilpi does not view her work merely as a profession but as a heartfelt passion with the goal of bringing positivity to every life she touches. She humbly describes herself as a medium between the “Ultimate Healer” and those she serves, manifesting His will to heal and transform lives.
Her multifaceted role as a cardiologist, yoga trainer, psychic healer, tarot card reader, and chakra and crystal healer exemplifies her holistic approach to wellness. Dr. Shilpi believes in extending beyond traditional labels, emphasizing that the true force driving her forward is the ability to bring meaningful change to others.
The COVID-19 pandemic strengthened her connection with patients through the adoption of telemedicine. Many individuals, who initially met her virtually, are now integral to the extended “Ashvattha Cardiac Care” family. This adaptability highlights her commitment to innovation while maintaining a personal touch.
Dr. Shilpi’s contributions to society extend beyond individual care. She sees wellness as a cornerstone for economic growth. “A healthy mind and body contribute positively to a nation’s economy,” she explains. Her mission to shift the collective focus from illness to wellness aims to pave the way for India to emerge as a global superpower.
Her humility is reflected in her perspective on opportunities, as she values every experience—whether working in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir or renowned cardiac centers in Delhi and Hyderabad. She believes in the ripple effect of helping even a single individual, as the impact resonates across families and communities.
While her heart was initially drawn to preventive cardiology, she briefly explored interventional cardiology before realizing her true passion lay in creating a preventive model. Her belief that dreams must manifest, regardless of scale, inspires her ongoing journey.
With an unwavering belief in her life’s mission, Dr. Shilpi shares, “I don’t dream big or small; I dream—and then turn those dreams into reality.” Her story is a reminder to break away from conventional molds and strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Navigating Challenges with Grace and Resilience
Dr. Shilpi’s journey has been defined by her remarkable ability to navigate challenges with unwavering determination. Balancing her aspirations as a cardiologist with her responsibilities as a wife and mother has required immense adaptability.
During the early years of her marriage, she focused on completing her education without interruption, even as her role as an army officer’s wife brought unique challenges. Frequent postings and relocations introduced a sense of instability, yet she embraced these changes with grace.
Raising two young children alongside her demanding professional life added another layer of complexity, especially when many of her peers had already moved into a different phase of parenting.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Shilpi finds strength in balancing both personal and professional fronts. “I take things as they come and try to do the best I can at that point in time,” she reflects. This pragmatic approach has allowed her to grow through adversity, bringing out the best in her as a leader, healer, and mother.
The way she faced these challenges head-on is a testament to resilience, demonstrating how embracing life’s unpredictability can lead to personal growth and professional success.
A Legacy of Inspiration
For a successful leader, a journey adorned with accolades and achievements reflects their commitment to excellence in every facet of their life. So has it been for Dr. Shilpi. As a distinguished cardiologist, she has been honored with prestigious titles, including “Most Prominent Cardiologist of the Year 2019” in Secunderabad and “Enterprise Woman of the Year 2022 – Health and Wellness.” These recognitions underscore her profound impact on the field of medicine and holistic wellness.
Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Shilpi wears many hats with remarkable finesse. She is a yoga trainer, psychic healer, painter, and a regular guest columnist for The Hitavada newspaper. Her ability to inspire extends to public forums, where she has been invited as a guest speaker at esteemed national and international platforms, sharing her insights and experiences with audiences worldwide.
Her achievements reflect her belief in continuous growth and the ripple effect of meaningful change. Whether through her pioneering work at Ashvattha Cardiac Care or her creative pursuits, Dr. Shilpi’s accomplishments serve as a beacon of inspiration for those striving to leave their mark on the world.
Bridging Technology and Healthcare
When asked about her opinion on the developments in the AI and technology space and how she thinks these developments will impact businesses in the future, Dr. Shilpi said she views AI as an inevitable and revolutionary force reshaping education, business, and healthcare.
In cardiology, the integration of AI and machine learning holds immense potential, enabling physicians to leverage vast amounts of health data from sources like wearables, genetic testing, and routine check-ups.
These advancements will empower cardiologists to predict cardiovascular risks with greater accuracy, flagging issues before they become clinically significant. With data-driven insights, personalized prevention plans tailored to genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors can significantly enhance patient outcomes.
However, Dr. Shilpi emphasizes that technology should complement, not replace, the human connection in medicine. She underscores the irreplaceable value of empathy, trust, and meaningful communication between doctors and patients. This personal touch is particularly vital in preventive cardiology, where lifestyle changes require sustained motivation and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shilpi envisions a hybrid model of care that combines the convenience of remote consultations and monitoring with the nuanced understanding gained through in-person interactions. Such a balance will preserve the human essence of healthcare while harnessing the efficiency of technology, creating a future where innovation and empathy coexist seamlessly.
Moving Forward with Gratitude
For Dr. Shilpi, leadership is more than just a position—it is a responsibility to inspire others to unlock their potential, overcome limitations, and chart their own paths to success.
True leadership, she believes, lies in guiding others to strive for their best while moving beyond fears and challenges. Her philosophy extends beyond personal success, focusing on leaving a lasting impact on others’ lives.
Her personal mantra encapsulates this outlook: “Lead a life, not just a successful one but a significant one.” This belief drives her to pursue not just professional excellence but also meaningful contributions to society, shaping her legacy as a compassionate and purpose-driven leader.
Being featured as the cover story for Her Vision, Her Legacy: A Tribute to Women Business Leaders holds profound significance for Dr. Shilpi. She sees this recognition as not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the collective progress of women in breaking barriers and inspiring transformative change in workplaces and businesses worldwide.
“This recognition acknowledges the hard work and resilience that have been constants in the ever-changing landscape of my life,” she reflects.
This accomplishment is both a milestone and a reminder for Dr. Shilpi to keep moving forward. Her life’s purpose is clear: “I want to be a billionaire by touching a billion hearts, helping them by bringing about a change in their lives.” It is this vision that continues to shape her journey, as she strives to leave an indelible mark on the world through her leadership, empathy, and unwavering resolve.
Dr. Shilpi Mohan’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than success; it’s about creating significance. Through her work at Ashvattha Cardiac Care and her holistic approach to wellness, she exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose.
For aspiring leaders and dreamers, Dr. Shilpi’s story is a call to action: to dream boldly, act compassionately, and strive for a life that leaves an indelible mark on the world.
