Inside the Life of Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips: A Compassionate Advocate for Liver Health
The waiting area outside the hepatology clinic at Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi is a place filled with mixed emotions. Some patients sit quietly, filled with hope, while others grapple with despair. One man, visibly frail from severe liver disease, desperately needs treatment. Nearby, a family clutches a stack of medical reports, praying that their loved one can be saved.
Inside the clinic, Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips takes his time with each patient. He leans in, asking thoughtful questions and genuinely listening to their concerns. When he speaks, he is honest but always kind. He doesn’t simply outline the next steps; he guides families through what lies ahead with empathy.
Dr. Philips is a well-known figure in India, especially on social media, where he has over 300,000 followers as the “Liver Doc.” He openly criticizes alternative medicine, labeling practices like homeopathy as “false medicine,” and has gained both supporters who admire his straightforwardness and critics who view him as divisive. His online presence consists of health information coupled with fierce debates, often leading to conflicts with celebrities and alternative practitioners.
The Indian Ayush Ministry, which oversees traditional medicine, has even convened to discuss his statements. Over his career, he has faced numerous legal challenges, with 16 cases against him at various stages, some still pending.
Despite his confrontational online persona, those who know Dr. Philips find him a thoughtful and respectful individual. He admits that his public persona is a shield to draw attention to significant health issues. “Sometimes, you need to raise your voice to be heard,” he explains. “People may label me as rude, but I stand by the facts I present.”
Dr. Philips’s critiques largely focus on Ayurveda and alcohol abuse, both deeply entrenched in Indian culture. But why has he chosen this path of confrontation? The answer, he reveals, stems from his own journey.
Growing up as the son of a famous gastroenterologist in Kerala, Dr. Philips never envisioned a career in medicine. His initial passion was writing, and films captivated his interest. After struggling to pass medical entrance exams, he finally succeeded on his second attempt. His experiences during his medical training in Kolkata opened his eyes to the harsh realities of healthcare in India, as he witnessed frontline doctors working miracles with minimal resources.
After honing his skills in hepatology in Delhi, he returned to assist in his father’s practice after it was taken over by a corporate group. During this time, he encountered heartbreaking cases, such as a six-year-old girl who suffered severe liver failure after consuming a homemade herbal remedy.
This pivotal experience ignited his mission to expose the dangers of unregulated herbal treatments and alcohol misuse. Dr. Philips began sharing his findings on social media to bring awareness to these issues, but instead faced backlash from advocates of traditional medicine, who accused him of belittling their beliefs.
Undeterred, he has published many studies showcasing the risks associated with alternative therapies and has spearheaded investigations into various health products. However, this commitment has come at a price—financially and emotionally. The stress of his day job can be overwhelming, and he has signed countless death certificates for patients lost to liver disease.
To cope with the demands of his profession, Dr. Philips reduced his patient load and made significant lifestyle changes, including quitting alcohol. He strives to maintain a balance by engaging in his hobbies, including gaming, while also dedicating time to his family.
His wife, Teena, describes him as patient and nurturing, contrasting with his online persona. “He takes the time to explain things,” she shares, emphasizing his loving nature.
Despite facing legal battles and threats, Dr. Philips remains steadfast in his mission. “I believe in sharing the truth, even when it’s difficult,” he states. However, when he talks about his family, he shows vulnerability. The thought of harm coming to them due to his work weighs heavily on his heart.
“I want my children to remember me as someone who stood up for what’s right,” he declares, showing his resolve to continue making a difference, no matter the challenges ahead.
