One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Why Senior Doctors’ Money Moves Aren’t for You
What worked for them might derail you today
Every hospital has one.
The senior doctor who commands respect in the OT and the stock market corridor.
He knows the “right” mutual funds, the “best” land deals, the “next big IPO.”
Colleagues admire him. Juniors copy him.
But here’s the truth:
What built their wealth may not build yours today.
Real Stories From Across India
- Ahmedabad → A young surgeon invested all his savings into real estate after hearing his senior’s success stories. Today, rental yields are barely 2%, and liquidity is near zero.
- Bangalore → A junior bought multiple ULIPs because his professor swore by them. Returns? Far lower than equity SIPs.
- Mumbai → A pediatrician followed a senior into aggressive stock trading. The senior had time, capital, and nerves. The junior didn’t — and quit after heavy losses.
DocWealth Insights: Why Copying Fails
- Different Life Stages → Seniors invest surplus money after building assets; juniors may still be repaying loans or saving for children.
- Risk Capacity Mismatch → Seniors can absorb volatility; juniors with EMIs and school fees often cannot.
- Changing Market Cycles → Real estate doubled every 3–4 years in the 90s/2000s. Today, growth is muted. Stocks that worked a decade ago may not repeat.
- Access Advantage → Seniors often get priority deals — pre-IPO allocations, land at throwaway rates, hospital tie-ups. Juniors rarely do.
- Experience Bias → Seniors showcase wins and forget failures, making their track record look cleaner than reality.
Questions to Ask Before Following a Senior’s Advice
- Is my financial situation the same as theirs?
- Am I clear about my goals — retirement, clinic expansion, children’s education?
- Do I understand the risks behind their success story?
- If the investment fails, can I still manage EMIs and expenses?
Smarter Paths Forward
- Learn, Don’t Copy → Take inspiration, but customise based on your stage of life and income pattern.
- Separate Admiration From Advice → A great surgeon ≠ great financial planner.
- Focus on Fundamentals → Build an emergency fund, secure adequate insurance, and start SIPs for long-term goals.
- Seek Independent Advice → Get a planner who looks at your goals, not your senior’s portfolio.
- Review Regularly → What worked then may not work now.
Takeaway
Respect your seniors’ wisdom in medicine.
But when it comes to money, context matters.
Learn from their journey — but walk your own financial path.
Connect with us today to build a personalised wealth plan designed for your goals →
