Professor and Head
Christian Medical College
Ludhiana, India
My professional and personal journey is deeply interwoven with the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Ludhiana, a place of significant importance to my family. My family's longstanding ties to CMC had a significant impact on my decision to pursue a career in medicine. In 1928, my grandmother embarked on a journey from Kerala to Ludhiana to study under Dame Edith Mary Brown at CMC, a decision made before entering a child marriage at the age of 15. My grandfather, in a similar vein, chose to study MBBS at Miraj medical school in Maharashtra, deviating from the expected path of farming in his village. Together, they committed their lives to serving as missionary doctors in Balapur, Maharashtra, dedicating themselves to medical care in a rural setting.
These familial stories, coupled with the influence of my mother, a CMC Ludhiana graduate and practicing physician, naturally inclined me towards a career in medicine. It was a continuation of a legacy when I found myself studying at the same institution.
Confronted with the choice of supporting CMC either financially from a distance or through direct involvement, I felt a strong calling to make a substantial impact by staying and contributing to the institution. My initial interest in neurology shifted as I recognized the urgent need for a specialized haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation program at CMC. Establishing this program from the ground up, especially in a community not familiar with such advanced medical treatments, was a significant challenge, but one that was met with perseverance and dedication.
In my current role, I have taken on administrative responsibilities and have developedan interest in health economics and data analysis.I hope to contribute to the advancing healthcare services and making a meaningful difference in the community and the field of medicine at large.