Surbhi Bansal, MD, is a physician, writer, and lifelong learner who has built a career defined by dedication, precision, and a deep appreciation for listening, reading, and storytelling. As an Associate Professor and Medical Director in the Department of Ophthalmology at Virginia Commonwealth University, she has spent over a decade advancing eye care, mentoring future doctors, and contributing to impactful research. Her work has been published in leading journals such as Clinical Ophthalmology and the American Journal of Ophthalmology, and she has co-authored chapters in The History of Glaucoma and A New History of Cataract Surgery.

Born in India and raised in the United States, Surbhi’s journey has been one of blending cultures and navigating the complexities of identity. She moved to the U.S. at the age of thirteen, bringing with her a love for Indian cinema and its rich, emotional stories. Her passion for reading eventually inspired her to write, and she has since self-published a fiction novel, Sugar Mill Seasons, and children’s books including When Stamps Delivered Magic, Name Place Animal Thing, and My Magic Wand. Her latest work, Do Not Follow, is a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and the immigrant experience, drawing from her own experiences and the universal challenges of reconciling the past with the present.

Outside of her professional life, Surbhi is a wife and mother of two, roles that have taught her the fine art of balancing priorities and embracing life’s unpredictability. Her ability to manage a busy career, family life, and creative pursuits is a testament to her time management and organizational skills, though she admits that some days feel more like a juggling act than a perfectly choreographed routine.

In her free time, Surbhi enjoys painting in various mediums, dancing to Indian folk music, and traveling with her family. She is fluent in Hindi and conversational in Spanish. Whether she’s mentoring students, performing surgery, or crafting stories, Surbhi approaches every endeavor with passion and a deep sense of purpose.

She believes that it’s possible to pursue multiple passions while staying grounded in the things that matter most. Surbhi’s work, both in medicine and writing, continues to inspire and connect with those around her.