
07/09/2025
My Mentor Who Shaped My Career – Prof. Louis Keith, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago
Some encounters change the course of your life forever. For me, that moment came in 1997 — a chance meeting that turned into a lifelong mentorship and friendship.
I still remember the day vividly. I had been asked to pick up Prof. Louis Keith, a renowned figure in obstetrics from Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, from Goa airport and drive him to my hometown, Belgaum, in India. It was a three-hour journey, and by then, I had already studied his extraordinary work and admired his contributions deeply.
During that car ride, our conversation flowed effortlessly. I told him about my dream — to one day publish a textbook, just like he had. Prof. Keith listened, encouraged me, and planted a seed of belief that day: that this dream was not only possible, but achievable. That drive marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship, one that would profoundly shape my career.
Years passed, and with Prof. Keith’s inspiration and guidance always in my heart, I pursued that dream relentlessly. In 2005, it became a reality — I published the first standalone textbook on Postpartum Haemorrhage, a project made possible through the generosity of David Bloomer, the publisher who believed in making knowledge freely available to everyone.
From there, the journey took on a life of its own. Today, over 30,000 free copies of the book have been shared worldwide, and it continues to be freely available for download and reading. The contents have formed the backbone of numerous international workshops on preventing and managing postpartum haemorrhage, helping specialists across the globe improve care and save lives.
Even today, the book remains a gold-standard reference in the field. But beyond the statistics and global impact, it represents something deeply personal — a dream fulfilled, a promise kept, and above all, the power of mentorship.
I owe an enduring debt of gratitude to Prof. Louis Keith, whose guidance, generosity, and belief in me lit the path I continue to walk. His influence is woven into every chapter of my career and every life touched through this work.