Upasana's Lens

In oncology, we often talk about the  Warburg effect —the observation that cancer cells, even in the presence of oxygen, preferentially choose glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation. It’s an inefficient pathway, yet cancer cells commit to it because it allows one thing:  rapid growth at all costs . I’ve always found the Warburg effect more than a metabolic curiosity. It feels like a metaphor for how humans chase desire. 1. The Biology: What the Warburg Effect Really Means Otto Warburg observed that cancer cells behave differently from normal cells. Instead of using the high-yield, slow, oxygen-dependent pathway of energy production, they shift to a faster but weaker source. Why? Because cancer cells aren’t aiming for efficiency. They’re aiming for  expansion, survival, and dominance —even if the cost is instability. This metabolic shortcut becomes their identity: Grow now, survive later. 2. The Philosophy: How We Mirror Cancer’s Choices Many of our life choices resembl...

We often celebrate what we see—achievements, milestones, success. But every visible outcome has an invisible beginning. Before the bloom comes the roots: Late-night practice Quiet learning Patient consistency Habits no one notices Growth happens beneath the surface. It’s slow. It’s unseen. It’s the work no one applauds. But the deeper the roots, the taller the tree. So if you feel stuck or unseen, remember:  you are building the foundation . One day, the growth will appear—and people will call it talent or luck. You’ll know it was the roots that made it possible. - Upasana 

One thing that keeps grounding me—both in medicine and in life—is this simple truth:  every person we meet knows something we don’t. It could be a colleague who approaches a case differently, a junior who asks a question that makes you think, a patient who teaches you resilience, or even a stranger whose perspective shifts your own. Learning doesn’t always come from textbooks or senior experts; often, it comes from everyday interactions we overlook. When we stay open, curious, and humble, the world becomes a classroom. And everyone becomes a teacher. In a field like radiology—where technology evolves, interpretations differ, and each case tells a story—this mindset has helped me grow, stay grounded, and keep improving. Here’s to learning from everyone. Here’s to staying teachable. 🙏

  As a radiology resident, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years is how to manage expectations — both mine and the patient’s. In the beginning, I believed every scan should reveal a clear answer. I wanted each image to provide certainty. But with time, I realized that radiology, much like medicine, thrives not on absolutes — but on balance, context, and communication. Being realistic in imaging isn’t about lowering standards — it’s about understanding the boundaries of what we can truly see, and having the humility to acknowledge them. 1.Knowing your limitations -Understand the strengths and blind spots of each modality — every technique has limits. -Correlate imaging with clinical findings and follow-up results; that’s where true learning happens. -Don’t over-interpret ambiguous findings just to “complete the report.” -Even if there’s just a 1% chance of another differential, I make sure to include it in my thought process — because somet...