Doctors' Day 2026: Doctors reveal the 5 health mistakes they still make

Doctors spend much of their careers reminding patients to eat better, sleep enough, exercise regularly and never ignore warning signs. But when it comes to their own lives, many admit they do not always follow the same advice.

On National Doctors' Day, several senior doctors across specialities spoke candidly about the health mistakes they continue to make. Despite their medical knowledge, they said long working hours, stress and the demands of the profession often push their own wellbeing to the sidelines. Here is what they shared.

Health mistakes even doctors admit they make

1. Putting off health check-ups

One of the most common admissions was delaying personal health check-ups.

Dr Rajan B, Director of Clinical Services at KIMSHEALTH Thiruvanthapuram, said many healthcare professionals are generous with advice but tend to give "scant attention" to their own health. He pointed out that doctors often ignore symptoms or attempt to self-diagnose, delaying care that may be necessary.

Dr Arif Akhtar, Principal Consultant for Urology, Robotics and Renal Transplant at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, acknowledged that while doctors advocate discipline, they often neglect their own routines, including postponing routine check-ups.

Dr Rajiva Gupta, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine and Diabetes, practising in Gurugram at CK Birla Hospital and Upchar Wellness, admitted he fell into the same pattern. "For a long time, I kept postponing my own preventive health check-ups," he said, describing how work commitments kept pushing them further down the list.

A moment of reflection changed that. He recalled asking himself, "When I advise my patients to get regular health check-ups, why am I not doing the same?" That question, he said, became a turning point.

Dr Gupta emphasised that doctors are not immune to illness. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiac issues can affect them just as easily, yet they often remain "too busy looking after others to look after ourselves." Since then, he has made a conscious effort to prioritise his own health assessments, stressing that prevention begins with practising what one preaches.

2. Ignoring sleep and running on stress

Lack of sleep emerged as another recurring issue.

Dr Harshavardhan Rao B, HOD and Consultant in the Department of Gastroenterology at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, admitted that doctors often fall into the same traps they warn patients about, including not making sleep a priority and relying heavily on caffeine while accepting irregular routines.

He noted that the toll of chronic stress "cannot be overstated", especially in a profession defined by long hours and high stakes. Finding ways to decompress, he said, is essential but often overlooked.

Dr Akhtar reflected on how doctors tend to blur the line between endurance and resilience, effectively normalising sleep deprivation as part of the job.

Dr Rajan B added that extended working hours and constant pressure frequently lead to sleep deprivation, which can impair reasoning and decision-making.

3. Skipping exercise and neglecting healthy routines

Many doctors admitted that regular exercise, balanced



meals and even basic hydration often take a back seat.

Dr Rao pointed out that doctors frequently miss out on exercise, depend on coffee and accept irregular meal timings as routine.

Dr Rajan B said lifestyle habits such as physical activity and structured diets are often ignored, with some doctors also displaying overconfidence in self-treatment.

Dr Akhtar acknowledged another overlooked habit, noting that even something as simple as staying hydrated during long surgical hours is often neglected.

Dr Vivek Mahajan, Chief of Joint Replacement and HOD of Orthopedics at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, said doctors, like everyone else, get caught up in busy schedules and end up skipping stretches, delaying check-ups or ignoring minor discomfort.

He highlighted prolonged sitting as a common issue and stressed that even brief breaks to stretch or walk can make a meaningful difference. Regular exercise, he added, does not require hours in the gym. A daily 30-minute walk, basic strength training and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in preserving joint health and mobility.

4. Ignoring pain and trying to self-manage problems

Knowing the science behind illnesses does not always translate into timely action.

Dr Rajan B said many doctors either ignore symptoms or attempt to manage them on their own, delaying appropriate care.

Dr Mahajan said a common mistake is assuming pain will resolve on its own. While minor aches may settle with rest, persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness or restricted movement should not be dismissed. Addressing issues early, he said, can prevent them from escalating into more serious problems.

5. Looking after everyone except themselves

Several doctors said perhaps the most ingrained habit is putting themselves last.

Dr Akhtar pointed out that work often spills beyond hospital hours, with technology continuing to interrupt recovery time. He also noted that while successful outcomes are celebrated, the emotional strain of difficult cases is rarely processed.

Dr Rajan B said doctors are at high risk of burnout, anxiety and depression, yet remain among the least likely to seek mental health support due to stigma.

Reflecting on this gap, Dr Rao said, "Medicine teaches us to diagnose and treat, but it rarely teaches us to apply that same care to ourselves." He added that doctors often become so focused on treating others that their own health quietly slips down the priority list, even though they are "not immune to bad habits."

Dr Akhtar observed that in India, prolonged working hours have made self-neglect less of a personal choice and more of a professional culture. He stressed that a healthier doctor ultimately delivers safer and more effective care, adding that "healing must begin with the healer."

Dr Rajan B concluded that medical knowledge alone does not guarantee healthy behaviour. He said it is time doctors recognise these gaps and consciously adopt the simple health practices they routinely recommend to others.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice