Dr. Sunil Thomas Chandy, Professor of Cardiology is appointed Director- Designate and will take over as Director on September 23, 2012.

Sunil and his wife Gigi are well known to the friends of Vellore in South Australia as they spent quite a few years in  Adelaide during their post graduate training. We are looking forward to meeting them when they visit us, hopefully, next year for the AGM.

Dr. Kenny Samuel David, Professor of Orthopaedics is appointed Associate Director (Missions) for four years with effect from January 23, 2012.

Dr. D. J. Christopher, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine is appointed Associate Director (Human Resource Development) for four years with effect from February 1, 2012.

Dr. Nihal Thomas, Professor of Endocrinology is appointed Additional Vice Principal (Research) for four years with effect from February 1, 2012.

Nihal is quite well known to the NSW Friends as he spent a few years in Sydney during his post graduate training.

Mrs. Sundari Edwin, Professor of Nursing is appointed Deputy Director (Hospitality and International Relations) for four years with effect from February 1, 2012.

Dr. Regi Oommen, Professor of Nuclear Medicine is appointed Deputy Registrar, Medical College, for four years with effect from February 1, 2012.

A Special Cover on CMC was released on January 06, 2012 by the Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, Mr. M.S. Ramanujan, IPS and received by the Director, Dr. Suranjan Bhattacharji. The Cover was released at the Philately exhibition to commemorate 112 years of service by CMC to the nation. Copies of the Special Cover (without the stamp) are available at the Development Office and Public Relations Office for Rs.10/-. Covers with cancelled stamp fix to them are also available for Rs.15/-. All proceeds go to the PTP Fund.

The Director of CMC, Suranjan Battacharji sends his New Year wishes to the Australian friends of Vellore.

My dear friends,

As we look ahead to the unfolding of a new year, I would like to convey to each one of you my deepest gratitude for all that has been and my joyous acceptance of all that is to be.

Throughout the past year we, as a community, have experienced the presence of the Divine in our midst, not only in our daily life and work but also in the fulfilment of long cherished dreams such as the sanctioning of the new medical, nursing and allied health courses and increase in seats; the opportunity to influence national medical education policy; the NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) final assessment, the growth in our research – in particular the Department of Biotechnology support of the Centre for Stem Cell Research and our work in Vellore and Chittoor. And so our journey and our struggle to be faithful to the calling of our Master and the vision of our founder, Dr. Ida Scudder, and the many leaders after her, continues.

C. S. Lewis, in his book “A Grief Observed” writes: “Images, I must suppose, have their use or they would not have been popular. (It makes little difference whether they are pictures and statues outside the mind or imaginative constructions within it). To me, however, their danger is more obvious. Images of the Holy easily become holy images – sacrosanct. My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered time after time. He shatters it Himself. He is the great iconoclast. Could we not almost say that this shattering is a mark of His presence? The incarnation is the supreme example; it leaves all previous ideas of the Messiah in ruins. And most are ‘offended’ by the iconoclasm; and blessed are those who are not.” Let us stay sensitive to the shattering of our idea of God and the other marks of His presence in our midst.

One hundred years ago, in the summer of 1912, at the Kodaikanal Missionary Medical Conference, the committee responded to Dr. Ida’s request and resolved to approve the founding of a Union Medical College for Women in South India. After overcoming innumerable hurdles, the Medical School for Women was started, six years later, in August 1918. August 2018 will mark the centenary of our medical education – how shall we celebrate this milestone? What new risks are we willing to take in order to serve Him as we continue into the next hundred years of medical education? How shall we deal with the constant danger of forgetting to acknowledge God as the supreme authority in our lives and not our possessions, our position, our profession and not even our preferences for how and where we spend our time and with whom? How shall we remain faithful to our calling to love others by serving them – feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, treating the sick and visiting those in prison – how shall we continue to keep integrity, sensitivity, humility and courage at the heart of our life together? May we experience God’s grace to see our community as God sees it and in the New Year may this be our prayer: ‘Be Thou my vision oh Lord of my Heart’.

Yours in Christ,

Suranjan Bhattacharji

Director

Dr. George Mathew

 After thirty years of dedicated service to the institution, Dr. George Mathew, Principal, Christian Medical College, retired on September 20, 2011 . Dr. George Mathew joined CMC in 1969 for his undergraduate medical studies. He did his MS degree in CMC and during 1994 – 1997,  George worked in the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he specialized in Upper GI Surgery, working with Professor Gyn Jamieson, a doyen in the field. He has the distinction of being the first Indian to be awarded the Doctorate in Surgery (M.D.) by the University of Adelaide, South Australia.

 George Mathew was appointed head of Surgery Unit I in 2001, and following the development of specialty oriented general surgery, he headed the Unit of Gastro Oesophageo-Gastro-duodenal Surgery. In the area of research, one of his most recent projects has been the development of an indigenous robotic arm for laparoscopic surgery in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

George has held several administrative posts. He has been Vice Principal (PG) from 1997 to 2001, Council Secretary from 2003 to 2006, Associate Director (Missions) in 2008-2009 and Principal from February 2009 until his retirement. One lasting legacy of his tenure as Principal has been the introduction of thirteen new medical postgraduate courses and ten allied health courses. Under his leadership, there has also been an increase in the existing number of seats for almost all the postgraduate courses, and the increase in the number of undergraduate seats, which is currently underway.

Dr. George Mathew’s wife, Dr. Alice George is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. CMC salutes Dr. George Mathew for his exemplary and illustrious services.

Dr. Ninan Chacko

Dr. Ninan Chacko, Professor of Urology retired on October 10, 2011 after twenty four years of service to the institution. He joined CMC in 1970 for his undergraduate medical studies.
During his college days he was well known as a sportsman. He did his MS degree followed by MCH in Urology at CMC. During his study leave at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, he was awarded the FRCS (Urology) degree.

Ninan was a gifted surgeon, particularly in Endoscopic Urology, and a generation of Urology trainees have learnt from him. His innovative endoscopic contribution to Hepatobiliary Surgery integrated the Urological expertise in minimal access surgery and fostered the spirit of interdepartmental co-operation.

He was head of Computerised Hospital Information Processing System (CHIPS) and Chairman of the Computer Committee for a number of years. He has been instrumental in development of various aspects IT in the CMC campus.

His wife, Dr. Sarah Ninan is Professor and Head of the Department of Anaesthesia. The institution thanks Dr. Ninan Chacko for his committed and dedicated services to CMC and wishes him all God’s blessings for the future.

Dr. Lakshmi Seshadri

 Dr. Lakshmi Seshadri, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology retired on October 20, 2011 after over three decades of committed service to the institution. Dr. Lakshmi completed her undergraduate medical studies from the Coimbatore Medical College in 1975.

 Lakshmi joined the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in CMC for her M.D. in 1977, following which she has been on the faculty of the department. She was head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit II between 1993 and 2004. Lakshmi had a special interest in gynaecological cancer for which she received specialised training from some of the best centres in the world, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre (New York), Johns Hopkins University Hospital (Baltimore) and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital (London).

Lakshmi developed protocols and organised gynaecologic oncology clinics and the weekly gynae cancer conferences with the departments of Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pathology. Her text book ‘Essentials of Gynaecology’ and numerous publications injournals and textbooks speak volumes of her academic and clinical abilities.

Her husband, Dr. M.S.Seshadri recently retired as Professor and Head of the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism The institution expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lakshmi Seshadri for all these years of dedicated service and wishes her God’s abundant blessings for the future.

Dr. Ravi Jacob Korula

Dr. Ravi Jacob Korula, Professor and Head of Orthopaedics Unit II, retired on December 28, 2011 after nearly three decades of committed service to the institution.

Dr. Ravi Korula joined CMC Vellore as an undergraduate medical student in 1969. In 1985, he was appointed Acting Head of the Department of Orthopaedics. He spent three years on study leave in the United Kingdom, training in arthroplasty and arthroscopy at Middlesborough, Stockton-on-Tees and Newmarket. He returned to Vellore in 1991 and was appointed Head of Orthopaedics Unit II.

Over the past twenty years, Dr. Ravi Korula has held several administrative posts in CMC, having been the Principal, Vice Principal (PG), Chairman of the Research Committee and Associate Director (Finance). While he was Principal, the NAAC Committee evaluated and gave the college a five star rating; the India Today magazine also rated CMC as the top medical college in the country.

Dr. Ravi Korula has been an excellent teacher and exemplary mentor. Through teaching, supporting and generously providing professional opportunities to younger colleagues, he has enabled others to excel. His wife, Dr. Grace Korula, is Professor of Anaesthesia. CMC thanks Dr. Ravi Korula for his stellar contributions to the institution and wishes him God’s blessings in all his future endeavours.

Dr. Roy John Korula

Dr. Roy John Korula, Professor and Head, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery retired on December 28, 2011, after 27 years of dedicated service to the institution.

He completed his undergraduate studies from the Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, and then went on to obtain the MS (General Surgery) degree from the same college in 1979. He joined Christian Medical College, Vellore for his training in cardiothoracic surgery in September 1980, and has been a member of the faculty since 1984.

He spent three years on study leave in Australia and New Zealand, training in the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney and Green Lane Hospital, Auckland under famous surgeons like Dr. Roger Mee and Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes. In all these places, he left a mark of high quality work, academic brilliance and professional dedication.  He has been instrumental in securing training opportunities for cardiothoracic trainees from Vellore in various centres around the world.

In 1993 he was appointed Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and of Unit II. It was as a result of his persistent efforts that the new state of the art Cardiothoracic ICU and step-down ICU were expanded and renovated. He never missed an opportunity

His wife, Dr. Anila, is Professor of General Pathology. CMC thanks Dr. Roy Korula for his invaluable contributions to the institution and wishes him God’s abundant blessings

Dr. Ashok Chacko

Dr. Ashok Chacko, Professor and Head of the Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences retired on January 26, 2012 after 37 years of service to the institution. Professor Chacko completed his undergraduate medical studies from the Stanley Medical College, Chennai and joined CMC for his postgraduate training in General Medicine in 1975. After completing his MD in 1978, he joined Medicine Unit III as a Lecturer. A year later, he decided to specialize in gastroenterology and joined the Wellcome Research Unit, then headed by Professor V.I. Mathan. He completed both the MNAMS and DM in Gastroenterology.

In 1984, Professor Chacko spent two years on a Wellcome Trust Fellowship at the Dunn Clinical Nutrition Unit in Cambridge, United Kingdom, working with Professor John Cummings, a pioneer in human nutrition. In 1993, under the auspices of a Rockefeller-WHO training grant to the Department, he spent time in several state-of the- art endoscopy centres in the US (Boston and Milwaukee) and Germany (Hamburg) for training in hepatobiliary and pancreatic endoscopy. This was to set the tone for his further career, which has been spent in the development of therapeutic hepatobiliary and pancreatic endoscopy in the institution.

In 1997, he took charge as Head of the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit. He designed and supervised the construction of the Endoscopy Services area in the second floor of the OT Building. He was responsible for the selection and purchase of endoscopy equipment from the early 1990s until now, and has ensured that adequate funds were available to obtain the latest technology, thus ensuring that CMC kept pace with the rapid developments in the field.  He has also been responsible for the relatively recent introduction of endoscopic ultrasound, which is changing the practice of gastroenterology considerably.

Professor Chacko’s wife, Mrs. Geetha, is the Manager of Big Bungalow. The institution thanks Professor Ashok Chacko for his dedicated and committed services to CMC and wishes him all God’s blessings for the future.

Dr. Dilip Mathai

Dr. Dilip Mathai, Professor of Medicine retired on April 17, 2012 after over 35 years of distinguished service to the institution. He is an alumnus of the MBBS batch of 1969 and MD (General Medicine) batch of 1978. Dr. Mathai joined the Department of Medicine in 1981, and went on to head various departments of medicine.

Dr. Mathai trained in infectious diseases (ID) and medical microbiology at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Sciences, Los Angeles, California (1987-88) and at the College of Medicine, University of Iowa (1998 to 2000). He has been awarded several fellowships, including the prestigious Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA) in 2003 and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) in 2010. He was awarded PhD in 2009.

During his tenure as Head of the Department of Medicine, an ‘Acute Medical Care Unit’ was set up in 2008, which has been instrumental in providing prompt and high quality care to patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department.

It was under his astute leadership that the growth and development of the Infectious Diseases division took place within Medicine Unit I. The Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre (IDTRC) and the Benjamin M. Pulimood Laboratory for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (BMPLIII) were established in 2006 to provide space and support for training programmes and research activities.

It is only fair to say that the growth, development and recognition of the speciality of clinical Infectious Diseases in India is largely due to his untiring efforts. He was recognized for his contributions when he was elected unopposed as the founding President of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society. He is also the Editor-in Chief of the Journal of Global Infectious Diseases. The main theme of his research has been antimicrobial resistance, especially among Gram-negative bacteria. He is a pioneer in this field in India, having done several multi-centric trials, and has published and lectured extensively on this topic. He has authored or co-authored over 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals, books and manuals on hospital infection control and antibiotic use. He is a consultant to several organizations, including the ICMR, NACO, WHO and UNAIDS.

His energy, enthusiasm and wit are legendary, and there was never a dull moment with Dr. Mathai around, whether it was ward rounds, bed-side clinics, lectures, departmental meetings or social gatherings. For the excellent standards of patient care, teaching and research that he has set and so excellently maintained the institution in general and the Department of Medicine in particular, owe him a big debt of gratitude.

His wife, Dr. Gita Mathai, also belongs to the MBBS batch of 1969, and is a paediatrician. CMC thanks Dr. Dilip Mathai for his selfless services and wishes him God’s abundant blessings in his future endeavours.

The meeting was chaired by the President, Prof. Ian Olver. The special guest of the Board was Professor Lionel Gnanaraj, who was representing the Director of CMC Vellore. Lionel is the professor of urology and medical superintendent of CMC and was accompanied by his wife Jessie, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CMC,  during their visit to various branches of FOV around the country.

The meeting opened with devotions by Rev. Brian Lee. This was followed by a report presented by Lionel Gnanaraj on recent developments and future plans for CMC. (See the separate article for a summary of his speech).

Prof Ian Olver presented his Report. The President reported that it is proposed to update the website. The current website has been in place for many years and needs a fresh look. The new website could also provide for on-line donations to CMCH Vellore. The quote for this update is $1,800.  This proposal was accepted unanimously.

A new Director will be appointed for CMCH in 2012. It was agreed that the new Director should be invited to attend the 2013 AGM of the Australian Vellore Board. It was suggested that a member of the faculty, who has recently arrived in Australia, should be invited to attend and speak to the 2012 AGM.

Richard Caitens, the treasurer of the Board attended the recent CMC council meeting in January 2011. In his report he reiterated most of the things which were mentioned by Lionel in his speech and also gave his personal observation of how he perceived the institution and its functioning from an outsider’s point of view; which was very informative.

The various state representatives presented their annual reports on their activities and financial balance sheets. Richard Caitens presented the treasurers report. During the year 2010/11, the Board sent a total of $120,635.00  to CMC Vellore. Publicity officer Stephen Aseervatham in his report mentioned about the need for upgrading the website with the help of a professional and also suggested about producing a new information brochure to reflect the changes and advances  which has taken place in CMC since the last one was published in 1995.

All Office Bearers agreed to stand for re-election – they were all elected unopposed.

President                   Prof Ian Olver

Vice President            Dr Bella George

Secretary                   Mr John Rothwell

Treasurer                   Mr Richard Caitens

Publicity Officer          Dr Stephen Aseervatham

The next AGM is planned to be held in Hobart, Tasmania on Saturday 18th August 2012. The Tasmanin Friends of  Vellore will be consulted on these arrangements.

The President, Prof Ian Olver, thanked all those present for taking part in the 2011   Annual General Meeting, in particular he thanked Prof Lionel Gnanaraj for coming to  Australia at this time and or contributing to the Meeting with such an interesting and informative address. He also thanked the Queensland branch of the FOV and The Gap Uniting Church for their hospitality.

The communication between CMC and us has been regular and helpful. We are now receiving regular lists of visitors rom Australia to CMC to enable us to follow up and engage with the medical students who do elective terms in Vellore. It was wonderful to be able to have our treasurer Richard Caitens represent us at the January Board meeting in Vellore and gain first-hand knowledge of both the main campus and the new Chittoor development.

A further 1000 copies of the CMC DVD were made and we have already distributed 500 of these. I have enquired about Person to Person brochures from Vellore and am awaiting a reply.

I have obtained a quote for developing the capability of the Australian FOV website so that potential donors can donate on line. I have also asked for a quote on upgrading and refreshing the website along with this to attract more business and make it easier to find on search engines.

Our practice of having national teleconferences between AGM’s to conduct business has enabled us to be responsive to the issues that arise. One point of discussion was around the tax deductible donations through the national body. Our tax deductibility status depends on the donated monies that attract this go through the national account. This does not preclude individuals donating to Vellore without claiming a deduction or donating through other charities which attract tax deductible status. Another issue was the use of the money sent form Australia. The default option is that it goes to the Endowment fund or it can be designated to go to special funds which have been established at CMC as well as allocations for Fellowships.

Occasionally the Australian FOV will respond to a special request from the Director for a particular project to be funded and this will be considered by the Board (as was the case with producing the DVD). In previous years the Australian Board has referred direct requests for funds from individuals or programs in Vellore back through the Directorate so that the Director can inform us of the priorities for utilizing donated funds. A final issue of fundraising was brought to our attention by a long term donor. It is clear that we are now supporting a highly sophisticated hospital with many tertiary specialties and this is quite different from the situation when the Australian FOV was first formed. Marketing the current needs and best use of donated funds for Vellore will require a change of traditional message.

We are pleased to have Professors Lionel Gnanaraj and Jessie with us as guests representing Vellore. It adds greatly to our engagement with members across the country to have such experienced faculty available to update us on the progress at CMC and rekindle our enthusiasm.

I met with Raju Titus Chacko at an oncology meeting in Chicago in June, and finally shared some perceptions on structural change to maximize patient communication and senior staff usage in the oncology clinic at Vellore. He shared the news of his appointment as an Associate Director of the new Chittoor campus.

I attended part of the Vellore alumni meeting in Adelaide in 2010 and have been invited to attend the upcoming meeting in Sydney. It is inspiring to see their continued support of CMC while they make considerable contributions to medical progress in Australia. Close relationships between the FOV and alumni are essential for providing the most effective support for CMC Vellore.

I note with sadness the death of one of the Founders of the Australian FOV Reg Walker and am grateful for his ongoing legacy. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times over my last few years in Sydney at various FOV functions which he was still keenly supporting.

Finally I wish to pay tribute to the Executive officers of the Board. Stephen Aseervatham provides invaluable support because of his long experience and knowledge of how CMC and FOV operate and he is always most generous with his support and advice. He also does an invaluable job keeping the website current and fresh. I thank John Rothwell for his secretarial work and the insights he shares with me, Richard Caitens for his long serving role as treasurer and Bella George in her role as Vice President.

I hope to visit CMC Vellore in January and look forward to working with the Australian FOV to discern and pursue the best methods of best supporting CMC and the it service to those in medical need in India.

CMCH Vellore is still in the top 3 Medial Colleges in India. CMCH has the largest output within the various medical societies and forums in research and education and maintains freedom for academic innovation and growth.

Recently the State Government has unconditionally granted permission for the enrolment of 100 MBBS students per year (previously 60) from 2012. As well as, Post graduate seats in medical, surgical and allied health services are to be increased from 112 to 324 and BSc Nursing from 80 to 150. The CMC fee for undergraduate medical students remains at $60/student/year; this makes the education accessible to students from many different backgrounds and gives protection from government interference (currently there is 1 government seat for a medical student).

Drs. Jessie & Lionel Gnanaraj

CMCH needs more space to meet the new needs of this increase in student numbers and 9 new allied Health courses!  Some of these requirements are being met.  At Kagithapattarai, about 2 km from the main hospital, the new College of Nursing and Student Nurses Hostel have been built. This includes a new large library building. A new OPD has been built on Arcot Rd opposite the hospital.  A new Research Facility is established near Bagayam and at the new Chittor Campus (45mins from Vellore), the OPD building has been started and there are future plans for obstetrics and A&E Departments. The local people welcome this development. A property at Kannigapuram has been purchased for resident and research facilities. Education & Training programmes continue with partners with 42 mission hospitals.

The workload in the existing facilities has increase during the past year – each day there are now 6,183 Outpatients and 2,166 Inpatients as well as increases in the work of the allied health services.

All areas of the CMC&H are expanding with outreach continuing in CHAD, RUSHA, LCECU, CONCH and MAHE.   Distance Education now trains 600 Post-graduate students in Family Medicine; 150 General Practice’s are assisted with training and 35 other courses are provided.   There are now 8,475 members of staff and study leave is encouraged for faculty members and sabbatical leave is available
for medical, nursing, allied health and general administration staff as well as some Training Fellowships.   The Development Office provides publicity for all Departments of CMCH.   Although the patients pay 99% of their costs, the finances are assisted by endowments for education, research, and the care of poor patients