12/29/2025

Meet KPMA President, Dr. Ruchita Agrawal

Can you please let us know about yourself? 

Dr. Ruchita Agrawal: I am currently working as an Associate Chief Medical Officer for Seven Counties Services. I am board certified in psychiatry and obesity medicine. My present work involves clinical work, teaching and research work with the University of Louisville and Dartmouth School of Medicine. Along with clinical and research work, I do interventional psychiatry where I provide Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment to patients with treatment resistant depression. 

What inspired you to choose psychiatry as a career, and what continues to motivate you in this field today?

 I have always been fascinated by the complexity and functionality of the human brain, which sparked my interest in neuroscience early in life. During medical school, my psychiatric rotations stood out because every patient presented unique challenges, requiring thoughtful and individualized care. Psychiatry continues to motivate me because it is a dynamic and evolving field with significant opportunities for research and innovation. Each day brings new challenges and learning experiences, and I find deep fulfillment in being part of my patients’ journey toward mental well-being.

What do you find most fulfilling about working as a psychiatrist, both professionally and personally?

Dr. Ruchita Agrawal: What I find most fulfilling about working as a psychiatrist is the profound impact this specialty allows me to have on people’s lives. Professionally, nothing compares to witnessing a patient’s progress, their improved functioning, restored relationships, and renewed sense of purpose. Each success story reinforces the importance of mental health care and motivates me to keep learning and refining my skills. Personally, psychiatry gives me a deep sense of meaning because I know that my work can change the trajectory of someone’s life. Helping patients navigate their struggles and regain stability is not just a clinical achievement; it is a privilege that inspires me every day. This combination of intellectual challenge, emotional connection, and tangible impact makes psychiatry uniquely rewarding and continues to fuel my passion for this field.

What are some common misconceptions people have about psychiatry, and how do you address them in your work?

Dr. Ruchita Agrawal: One of the most common misconceptions about mental health is the belief that mental illness is a personal weakness or something people should simply “snap out of.” This harmful perception stems from the stigma that still surrounds mental health in society. Mental illness is a medical condition, like diabetes or heart disease, and it deserves the same care and compassion. Mental illnesses are brain disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior just like physical illnesses affect other parts of the body. It’s easy to see a broken bone on X-ray and empathize with that person, but it’s hard to see a “broken brain”!

To help people understand this, I often use the example of diabetes. You cannot see what is happening inside the pancreas with insulin resistance, yet its effects are real on blood sugar and requires treatment. Similarly, with depression or anxiety, you may not see the underlying changes in brain chemistry, but they significantly impact a person’s ability to function and live well. Mental illness is not a choice, and recovery often requires professional care, just like any other health condition.

By educating patients, families, and communities, we can reduce self-blame and encourage individuals to seek help without fear or shame. Mental health is health. It deserves the same compassion, understanding, and treatment as any physical illness.

What challenges have you faced in your psychiatric career, and how have they shaped your perspective or practice?

Dr. Ruchita Agrawal: One of the biggest challenges I encounter in psychiatry is working with patients who struggle with alexithymia, which is the difficulty of recognizing or acknowledging their mental illness. Often, their families see the symptoms clearly, but the patients themselves remain in denial, which leads to resistance to treatment. This prolonged period without care can result in repeated hospitalizations and significant decompensation before recovery begins. It is heartbreaking to witness the impact of untreated illness, including strained family relationships, which adds another layer of complexity to their mental health journey. Helping these patients accept their condition and engage in treatment requires patience, persistence, and empathy.

What advice or message would you like to share with medical students or upcoming psychiatrists who are considering this path?

Dr. Ruchita Agrawal: To all medical students still deciding on a specialty, I strongly encourage you to consider psychiatry. This specialty has been both professionally and personally rewarding for me, offering the unique privilege of helping patients improve their mental health and quality of life. Beyond the deep sense of purpose, psychiatry provides a healthier work-life balance compared to many other specialties which is a benefit I truly value as both a mother and a full-time physician. If you are looking for a career that combines science, empathy, and flexibility, psychiatry is an excellent choice.

 

Dr. Ruchita Agrawal, President, KPMA