Introduction
In a small town like Kolhapur, Maharashtra, where there was once no qualified urologist, a determined doctor decided to take the plunge and build a legacy in healthcare. Meet Dr. Narendra Basarge — a urologist with over 30 years of experience, a pioneer in his city, a teacher, a golfer, and now a digital entrepreneur in the making.
1. Humble Beginnings: The First Doctor in the Family
Dr. Basarge comes from a non-medical background. His love for biology in school and his dream to become a doctor motivated him to pursue MBBS and MS from Baroda Medical College. Although he cleared his 12th early, he had to wait a year before entering medical school due to age restrictions. But instead of wasting time, he self-studied anatomy and used this year to build a strong foundation — a decision that paid off with top marks.
2. Training, Mentorship, and Inspiration
After completing his MS, Dr. Basarge developed a strong interest in Urology, especially in the rapidly advancing field of endoscopic surgery. He gained extensive experience in kidney transplantation and further honed his skills through rigorous super-specialty training. His journey across diverse medical institutions provided him with a solid surgical foundation and exposure to high standards of clinical practice.
3. Choosing Kolhapur: A Bold Move
Despite multiple job opportunities, Dr. Basarge chose Kolhapur — his native town — where there was no M.Ch. urologist. He believed in going where he was most needed, not where life was most convenient. He started a small 5-bed setup near the central railway station and began operating in the surrounding areas.
4. Building Trust Brick by Brick
The early days were tough. There were barely any patients, and each call was a big deal. He recalls carrying instruments and driving 30+ km to perform even minor procedures, just to gain trust. His consistent service and willingness to go the extra mile eventually made him a well-known name, even across districts and states like Goa and North Karnataka.
5. No Leaves, Only Dedication
For the first 5 years, he didn’t take a single day off. Sundays meant traveling to nearby districts for surgeries. He focused on quantity and quality, building a reputation based on hard work and consistent results.
6. The Power of Communication and Decision-Making
Dr. Basarge emphasized that success in surgery isn’t just about doing the surgery well — it’s also about deciding when not to operate. According to him, 10% of a doctor’s success depends on clinical skills and 90% on communication, empathy, and managing patients and their families.
7. Physical Fitness, Golf, and Work-Life Balance
At 61, Dr. Basarge remains physically fit and disease-free. He attributes this to his daily golf sessions, which help improve hand-eye coordination and offer relaxation. His upcoming book, “Golfing the Surgeon’s Way”, connects surgery skills to golfing — showing how one can apply medical precision to sports.
8. Legacy Building: Teaching the Next Generation
Though both his children are settled in the US, Dr. Basarge is creating a legacy by mentoring medical students, starting programs in medical colleges, and building a future-ready hospital. His facility now has 30 registered beds, modular OTs, and is awaiting final approval for its kidney transplant program.
9. Never Stop Learning: A Course in Hospital Management
Even after two decades in practice, he enrolled in a hospital and healthcare management course from BITS Pilani & University of Pennsylvania. Learning with senior professionals helped broaden his understanding of modern hospital administration and leadership.
10. Advice for Young Doctors
Dr. Basarge advises young surgeons to spend at least five years gaining solid experience post-specialization before entering private practice. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, upgrading surgical skills, and adopting new technologies like laparoscopy and digital tools.
11. Challenges in Urology and Why It’s Worth It
Urology, though requiring significant capital investment, is a rewarding branch. It offers predictable results, less emergency pressure, and high patient satisfaction. For example, a kidney stone removal gives immediate relief — an experience both emotionally and clinically satisfying for doctor and patient.
12. Embracing Digital Transformation with Doctorpreneur Academy
Dr. Basarge’s journey took a new turn after joining Doctorpreneur Academy. Despite being a successful clinician, he realized the power of digital presence, online visibility, and entrepreneurship. Through the academy, he learned about Google reviews, branding, digital marketing, and how to communicate his value online.
Now, he is building a stronger online brand, focusing on legacy creation, and planning how to scale his hospital sustainably. He credits the academy for inspiring him to take bolder steps, including exploring public company models and digital teaching.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Healing and Innovation
Dr. Narendra Basarge is not just a doctor — he’s a symbol of perseverance, vision, and transformation. From setting up Kolhapur’s first urology unit to planning kidney transplants and writing a book, he continues to grow and inspire. His story reminds us that success is not just about being the best surgeon but about becoming a complete doctor who serves, adapts, and uplifts.
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