In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern medicine, few individuals bridge the gap between complex surgery and corporate leadership as seamlessly as Dr. Sumana Talakokkula. A Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospitals and a “Doctorpreneur” with a vision that spans from the operating theater to pharmaceutical innovation, she is redefining the blueprint for women’s healthcare in India.
In this exclusive sit-down with TheCconnects, Dr. Sumana discusses the intersection of robotics, reproductive wellness, and the future of healthcare management.
TheCconnects: Dr. Sumana, thank you for joining us. Let’s ease into this: tell our readers about your journey – how a medical student became a surgeon, leader, and health entrepreneur?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: Thank you – it’s a pleasure. My medical path began at Gandhi Medical College where I completed my MBBS. From there I pursued anaesthesiology, then specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology. A fellowship in laparoscopic gynaecology and continuous training shaped my surgical craft. Alongside clinical practice, I developed a strong interest in systems – hospital management, quality, and patient safety – which led me to an executive programme at Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli. Over two decades, I balanced operating theatres with boardrooms: delivering babies, performing minimally invasive surgeries, and later, building education and pharma initiatives that scale women’s health beyond a single clinic.
TheCconnects: You have a unique academic background in both Anaesthesiology and OBGYN. How does that dual expertise change the way you approach surgery and patient comfort?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: It’s a significant advantage. My early training in Anaesthesiology gave me a profound understanding of patient physiology and pain management. In Gynaecology, fear of pain is often a barrier to treatment. Whether it’s advocating for painless labor (epidural analgesia) or ensuring a smooth recovery after a complex Robotic Surgery, my goal is to make the “patient journey” as stress-free as possible. I don’t just see the surgery; I see the patient’s entire recovery arc.
TheCconnects: You specialize in Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic surgery. For a patient who might be nervous, how do you explain the benefit of “Robotics” in women’s health?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: I tell my patients that technology is an extension of the surgeon’s hands, but with more precision. Robotics allows us to perform complex procedures-like removing large fibroids or treating endometriosis-through tiny “keyhole” incisions. For the patient, this means minimal blood loss, almost no scarring, and a much faster return to their daily life. It’s about achieving maximum results with minimum trauma to the body.
TheCconnects: You are the CEO of Yellareddy Speciality Hospital and a Director at Revola Pharmaceuticals. What is the biggest challenge you face when switching from a clinical mindset to a corporate leadership mindset?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: The biggest challenge is balancing “individual care” with “systemic impact.” In the clinic, my focus is the one patient in front of me. In the boardroom at Revola Pharma or Yellareddy Hospital, I have to think about quality protocols, supply chains, and pharmacovigilance for thousands. However, my clinical background is my “North Star.” Every business decision I make is rooted in the question: “Does this ultimately improve patient safety and outcomes?”
TheCconnects: Let’s talk about OBG GURU International. You’ve built an education platform for medical graduates. Why is “bridge training” so vital for young doctors today?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: Textbooks provide the foundation, but the “operating room” provides the reality. There is a critical gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical confidence. At OBG GURU, we provide hands-on workshops that prepare post-graduates for real-world scenarios-from high-risk pregnancy management to using AI in diagnosis. We are essentially grooming future-ready doctors who are as comfortable with technology as they are with clinical diagnosis.
TheCconnects: You are a strong advocate for AI in healthcare. How is ChatGPT and AI actually helping a practicing Gynaecologist in 2026?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: AI is a powerful co-pilot. I use it for streamlining Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and staying updated with the latest global research. In diagnostics, AI helps us analyze patterns in maternal health data to predict complications like pre-eclampsia earlier than ever before. It allows me to spend less time on paperwork and more time on compassionate care. AI handles the data; I handle the human connection.
TheCconnects: You also specialize in Cosmetic Gynaecology-a field that is gaining traction. How do you address the stigma or misconceptions around this area of intimate wellness?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: It’s about empowerment and functional health, not just aesthetics. Many women suffer in silence after childbirth or during menopause with issues like laxity or dryness that affect their quality of life and confidence. Cosmetic and regenerative gynaecology offers non-invasive, safe solutions that restore intimate health. It’s a vital part of holistic care-helping women feel confident and “whole” at every stage of life.
TheCconnects: You have received numerous awards, including “Outstanding Leadership” in Dubai and “Women Face of the Year.” What does “leadership” mean to you in the context of Indian healthcare?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: Leadership is about mentorship and quality. It’s about creating a culture where excellence is the standard, not the exception. Whether I am mentoring a junior surgeon at Apollo or leading a quality audit at Revola, my goal is to leave the healthcare system better than I found it. True leadership is measured by the successes of those you’ve helped grow.
TheCconnects: With such a demanding schedule, how do you find time for yourself, and what do you do to “recharge” your batteries?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: I’m a firm believer in continuous self-improvement. I’ve invested time in learning public speaking to better advocate for women’s health. To truly unplug, I focus on visual storytelling and mentoring. But mostly, I find energy in my work-nothing recharges me more than a successful high-risk delivery or a patient finally finding relief after a long struggle.
TheCconnects: What is your message to the young “Doctorpreneurs” who want to follow in your footsteps?
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: Master your craft first. You cannot be a great healthcare leader if you aren’t a grounded clinician. Once you have that foundation, don’t be afraid of the “business” of medicine. Learn about management, AI, and pharmaceuticals. Be a lifelong student, but always keep your empathy at the center of everything you do.
TheCconnects: Dr. Sumana, thank you – this conversation blends practical clinical wisdom with leadership lessons that many professionals will find invaluable.
Dr. Sumana Talakokkula: Thank you. If this piece helps a young clinician or reassures a patient, it’s served its purpose.
