NEWSLETTER 2019 Dear Friends, In this Alumni Newsletter we summarize key events involving alumni in 2019. Many departments in CMC, as well as its extramural and intramural alumni, made notable achievements in 2019. At the end of the year, it is good to review these accolades and celebrate our successes. This newsletter also lists alumni who passed away in 2019 and whose lives, work, and friendship we honour and cherish. We will be grateful if alumni could provide write-ups, pictures, reflections, or obituaries for inclusion in the website: (http://cmcvellorealumni.org/). Our new Editor has revived the Alumni Journal so kindly give of your literary talents.

Christmas is a season of hope, peace and goodwill. We wish you all happiness and fulfilment. As we are at the brink of another new year, let us renew and rededicate ourselves to uphold the motto of our Alma Mater: “Not to be ministered unto but to minister”. We have an important role in today’s world of greed, deception and superficiality to committed service, promoting peace, upholding values and alleviating suffering. Three cheers for the “Silver and Blue”. With warm regards and best wishes, Abraham Peedicayil

(1975) Vaibhav Londhe

(1992)

President Secretary

On behalf of the Office Bearers and staff at the Alumni Office

The following CMC faculty retired in 2019 after years of dedicated service to the institution:

Geethanjali PG alumnus – Biochemistry December 2018

Noel Malcolm Walter MBBS batch of 1975 December 2018

K.S. Jacob MBBS batch of 1976 February 2019

Anuradha Bose MBBS batch of 1976 June 2019

Sunil Jonathan Holla MBBS batch of 1977 June 2019

Sunil Thomas Chandy MBBS batch of 1978 November 2019

Renu George PG alumnus – Dermatology December 2019

CONGRATULATIONS

Dr. Anjali Mohapatra (PG Alumnus, Nephrology) won the second prize for the paper presentation "Does Platelet Function; as measured by Platelet Function Analyser-200 (PFA 200) Predict Risk of Post Renal Biopsy Bleed in CKD Stage G 4 and 5 Patients? - A Prospective; Observational Cohort Study" at the International Society of Nephrology Conference 2018 held at Bhuvaneswar.

Dr. Ashok Dyal Chand (1965) received the World’s Children’s Prize for his 40-year-long fight for girls’ rights in India and his campaign to abolish child marriage.

Dr. Mammen Chandy (1967) awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award, one of the highest civilian awards of the country.

Dr. Divyan Samson (PG Alumnus, Otorhinolaryngology) won the first prize in Dr. P.A. Shah Junior Consultant award in the 14th Asia Oceania ORL-HNS Congress held at Hyderabad.

Dr. Abraham Peedicayil (1975) delivered the 51st Subodh Mitra Oration of the Bengal Obstetric and Gynaecological Society, Kolkata on Human Papilloma Virus.

Dr. Suraj S (2004) won the third prize for the best oral presentation in the Indian

Association of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons 2019, annual conference held at Bhubaneswar.

Dr. Samson Daniel (MBBS batch of 1970) received a lifetime achievement award from the Honourable Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Gagandeep Kang (1981) was elected as Fellow of the Royal Society, London. She is the first Indian woman scientist from India getting elected as Fellow of the Royal Society in 360 years of history of Royal Society.

Dr. Vinotha (1997) received Gold Medal for M.Ch. for Gynaecology Oncology from Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.

Dr. Ananth P. Abraham (2006) won the II Prize in Quiz competition at Narayana Paediatric Neurosurgery Course held at Bengaluru.

Dr. Franklin Irwin (2002) won the Prof.G. Shivanna Shetty prize paper award at the 71st state IRIA (Indian Society of Radiology and Imaging) conference held at Chennai.

Dr. Shyjumon George (PG Alumnus, Radiodiagnosis) won the 1st prize in quiz competition at 71st state IRIA (Indian Society of Radiology and Imaging) conference held at Chennai.

Drs. Muniya Thokchom (2004), Siva Vyasam (PG Alumnus, Paediatrics), Priyanka M (2008) & Mrs. Mary Juliana has won the Second Prize at the highly competitive National level SIMWAR held at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Dr. Deepak Thomas Abraham (PG alumnus, General Surgery) achieved the following: Delivered the Dr. Santok Singh Award Endowment lecture 2018 on “Challenges in Practicing State of the Art Endocrine Surgery in a Resource Limited Setting" at the ASICON 2018 held at Chennai on 28th December 2018.

Invited as “Distinguished Visitor” to the Endocrine section of the Annual Meeting of The Royal Australian College of Surgeons.

Dr. Anne Jennifer Prabhu (1991) won the 1st place for her poster titled, 'BCOR

Overexpression In Sarcomas - A Morphologic Continuum of Mixed Round and Spindle Cell Tumours' at the NUHS Surgical Pathology Course 2019 held at National University Hospital, Singapore.

Dr. Prema Dhanraj (PG Alumnus, General Surgery) was awarded the title of “Doctor of Divinity” (Honoris Causa) by the Academy of Ecumenical Indian Theology and church Administration on 11th May, 2019 at Chennai.

Dr. Nitin S. Kekre (PG Alumnus, Urology) elected as President of Association of Southern Urologist of the South Zone branch of Urological Society of India for a period of one year.

Dr. Tina George (2004) won the first prize for the paper presentation at the Tamil Nadu, Association of Physicians of India Conference (TAPICON) held on 29.07.2019 and 30.07.2019 at Madurai - for the paper title "Vaginal Lactobacillus in Women with Urinary Tract Infection in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India - A Case Series".

Dr. Nihal Thomas (1982) was awarded “The Dr. Henry N. Rajaratnam Oration on "Forays in to the Pathogenesis and Differential Diagnosis of Young Onset Diabetes in India - Insights from Vellore" at the International Society for Endocrinology and South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Dr. Riddhi Das Gupta (PG Alumnus, Endocrinology) achieved the following: Awarded the 3rd prize for the best oral paper presentation entitled - "Elucidating the Metabolic Role of the Incretin Axis and Extra Pancreatic Glucagon Secretion in

Indian subjects with Fibrocalcific Pancreatic Diabetes" and received the Young Investigator Award – 2019 at the International Society for Endocrinology and the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies at Colombo, Sri Lanka. Won the Novartis Young Researcher Award 2019 by the Research Society Study for Diabetes in India, awarded at the 47th RSDDI national conference, Jaipur, November 2019 and the AR Seth Award in Basic Endocrinology 2019 by the Endocrine Society of India awarded at 49th ESICON2019, Nagpur.

Dr. Nitin Kapoor (PG Alumnus, Endocrinology) achieved the following:

Received the 1st prize for the best oral paper presentation entitled - "Bone Health in Morbidly Obese Postmenopausal Women-A Paradox", 2nd prize for the best poster presentation entitled -"The Manifestations of Wilson's Disease with Respect to Renal Tubular Dysfunction, Bone Health and Body Composition", 3rd prize for the best oral presentation entitled - "Obesity Indicators and Their Role in Identifying Metabolic Disorders in the South Asian Population" at the International Society for Endocrinology and the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Awarded the 1st prize for the best oral paper presentation - Faculty category for the paper entitled - “Impact of Curative Treatment in Symptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism on Bone Mineral Density, Trabecular Bone Score and Bone Turnover Markers - A Prospective Study from India at the 15th Annual Conference of the ISBMR (Indian Society of Bone and Mineral Research) 2019 held at Bangalore on 19th and 20th October, 2019.

Dr. Pansuriya Himanshu Gangdasbhai (PG alumnus, Neurology) won the special prize

in platform presentation at the "NEUROPEDICON 2019" held at Hyderabad on the topic "Clinical Course and Outcome after Bone Marrow Transplantation in Childhood Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy : A Single Centre Experience".

Dr. D.J. Christopher (1979-80) achieved the following: Awarded the CME Excellence and Dronacharya Award for exceptional CME contributions in the field of Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases at the 'CME Excellence Summit and Awards', organized by the Integrated Health and Wellness Council with support from omnicuris, India's largest CME platform and CNN News 18 and others.

Awarded the Professor Dr. M. Viswanathan Oration in the Anuual Conference of the Research Society for the study of Diabetes in India at Dindigul.

Dr. Riya Jose (2000) won the Best Paper Presentation Award in ISACON, Tamil Nadu

2019 held in Chennai.

Dr. M.J. Paul (1987) has been Elected to the post of President of the Indian Association of Endocrine Surgeons for the term 2020 - 2021 at the 20th Annual Conference held at Indore.

Dr. Ruth Anna Stephen (2010) was awarded the 1st prize for paper presentation at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ISGAR 2019) held at Cochin.

Dr. A.W. Niranjan Thomas (1984) won the first prize under Hospital Innovation Awards for his presentation on the topic "Translating Research in Low Resource Settings and Transforming Tiny Lives" at the 4th International Healthcare Technology Conference (CAHOTECH 2019) held in Chennai.

Dr H.S. Asha, (PG Alumnus, Endocrinology) was awarded the “1st Prize for the Best Poster presentation” for the paper entitled - “25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Health and Disease - A Tertiary Care Experience at the 15th Annual Conference of the ISBMR (Indian Society of Bone and Mineral Research) 2019 held at Bangalore on 19th and 20th October, 2019.

Dr. Beena Koshy (1994) delivered the Fourth Air Vice-Marshall B Krishnaswamy Memorial Oration, on the topic, "Reduction in Disability and Beyond". During the 6th International Conference at Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children in Chennai.

Dr. Ebenezer Daniel (1973) received the Achievement award at the Scheie Eye Institute Alumni Reception at AAO, W San Francisco, Workroom 3; 181 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Dr. Philip Kuruvilla (1966) was awarded Outstanding Teacher Award from ISMSICS (International Society of Manual Small incision Cataract Surgeons) which met in Kolkata.

Dr. Priya Abraham (1981) has been appointed as Director, ICMR - National Institute of Virology (GOI), Pune with effect from 18th November, 2019.

Dr. Anand Sharma, (PG alumnus, Hepatology) participated and won the second prize for his plenary presentation titled "Plasma Exchange (PLEX) to Treat Patients with Rat Killer Induced Hepatotoxicity who Met Listing Criteria for Urgent Liver Transplantation", at the Second Annual Conference of Liver Transplantation Society of India; held at Kochi.

ANNUAL ALUMNI REUNION 2019 The Medical Alumni Reunion was held from August 8 to 10, 2019. Over 200 alumni from various parts of the world gathered in Vellore to take part in the celebrations. The special batches were 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959-60, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1984, 1989 and 1994. On August 9, 2019, the celebrations commenced with the representatives of the special reunion batches sharing their experiences with the medical students. The alumni who spoke included Dr. G.M. Jeyabalan (1959-60), Dr. P.S. Varughese (1964), Dr. George Mathew (1969), Dr. Sanjay Kalra (1974), Dr. Balla Christina Patricia (1984), Drs. Esther Manoharam & Shirin Gergan (1989) and Dr. Ajit Mammen (1994). This was followed by a CME session. The speakers included Dr. Sunil Nadar (1984), Dr. John S.K. Murala (1989) and Dr. Pradipta Ghosh (1994). The 8th Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration was delivered by Dr. Harsh Mander in the evening.

The General Reunion on August 10, 2019 began with traditional tree planting and the Alumni meeting in Scudder Auditorium. The Director, Dr. J.V. Peter and the Principal, Dr. Anna Pulimood presented some of the newer developments in CMC to the alumni. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Prasad Mathews offered his felicitations. The President of the Student’s Association Mr. Jerry Dominic John welcomed the alumni on behalf of the student body. The Alumni Association presented the Alumni Award of Distinction to Mrs. Anu Mammen, in recognition of her immense contribution to CMC. This was followed by the General Body Meeting of the Alumni Association. The Sliver Lining – Alumni Journal was released during the General Body meeting. This initiative was taken by Dr. Gahukamble Abhay Deodas, Editor of the Alumni Association and a few copies were give the senior alumni which was followed by the special batch introductions and photographs. At the General Body Meeting of the Alumni Association, the office bearers who were nominated and elected were:

Editor – Dr. Abhay Deodas Gahukamble (1995) who completed the unfinished 1 year of Dr.Kishore Pichamuthu (1994) (from 2018-2019) as Editor for a full three year term (from 2019-2022).

Entertainment Secretary – Dr. Benjamin Jeyanth Ross (1994) as Entertainment Secretary for a term of 1 year (from 2019 – 2020).

Secretary – Dr. Vaibhav Londhe (1992) as Secretary of the Alumni Association for a term of 3 years (2019-2022)

Appreciation was recorded for the outgoing members of the Executive Committee:

Secretary Dr. Vinod Abraham Entertainment Secretary - Dr. Pritish John Korula

The alumni proceeded to the Men’s and Women’s Hostels, where the current students, along with the alumni, entertained the crowd. At the Thanksgiving Service in the Scudder Auditorium, Dr. Varghese Philip (1974) gave the message. The newest batch of alumni (the present interns), were given the charge to serve and not to seek to be served. Dr. P. Zachariah (1949) and Dr. Sara Varghese (1954) passed on the torch of light to Dr. Noella Sase and Dr. John Pradeep, the representatives of the batch of 2014. Later that evening, Dr. Helen Samuel (1994) was honoured with the College Motto Award (in absentia) for her life of faith and commitment, effectively translated to one of service in the spirit of our alma mater. Dr. Mammen Chandy (1967) who was awarded the Padma Shri earlier this year was felicitated. This was followed by the informal entertainment, which had the packed Scudder auditorium in splits of laughter. The alumni left with loads of photographs and memories of happy times spent in Vellore.

Mrs. Anu Mammen received the Alumni Award of Distinction

Dr. Helen Samuel (1994) received the College Motto Award – 2019.

Photos – Reunion 2019

Various batches of alumni

1949

1954

1959-60

1964

1969

1974

1984

1989

1994

COLLEGE DAY AND GRADUATION 2019 The Medical Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony for the year 2019 was held on the 4th November 2019 at the Scudder Auditorium. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr. Rakesh Aggarwal, Director, JIPMER, Puducherry. A solemn, dignified and celebratory ceremony marked the Medical Graduation for undergraduates held at Scudder Auditorium on November 11, 2019. The Chief Guest for this august function was Prof. Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi. The following alumni / faculty received awards during the College Day and Graduation Ceremonies: Paul Harrison Award Dr. David Paul (1979-80) and Dr. Anuradha Paul (PG alumnus) 25 Years Meritorious Service Award Dr. Rajiv Choudhrie (1982) Dr. Kennedy Donald Christian (1984) Dr. Emmanuel Sunder Raj Memorial Award: Dr. Pradeep Joseph Ninan (1994) Drs. Molly Thomas and Thomas Bhanu award for the best teacher: Dr. O.C. Abraham

UPCOMING ANNUAL ALUMNI REUNION MEETINGS- 2020

1. India: August 6, 7 & 8 Special Batches: 1945, ’50, ’55, ’60, ’65, ’70, ’75, ’79-80, ’85, ‘90, ’95 For further details, contact: CMC Alumni Association: email: alumni@cmcvellore.ac.in 2. North America-USA and Canada (GOTC): Venue: Minneapolis, USA For further details, contact: vellorealumni@doctor.com Dates: June 11, 12, 13 & 14 3. United Kingdom Venue: Holiday Inn, Coventry October 2, 3 and 4 For further details, contact: das_susan@hotmail.com

Condolences and Remembrances

Our prayers and condolences to the families of the following alumni / former faculty who passed away in 2018-19:

Dr. Lessel H. David (1951) on 24 November 2017.

Dr. Shanta Noble (nee Modak) (1954) on 21 December 2018.

Dr. Thomas John (1952) on 28 December 2018.

Dr. Arvind Dayal (1971) on 1 January 2019.

Dr. Joyce Siromoni (nee Kamalini) (1948) on January 2, 2019.

Dr. Mariamma Jacob (nee Kurien) (1961) on 11th January 2019.

Dr. Jeyalakshmi R. Adiga (nee Govinda Rao) (1963) on 12 January 2019.

Dr. Dhyan Chand V. Charles (1981) on 27 January 2019.

Dr. Edwards Alfred Samuel (1973) on 28 January 2019.

Dr. G Sridharan, Professor and former head of Clinical Virology on 24 February 2019.

Dr. Chetty Baktaviziam on 9 March 2019.

Dr. Ernest Lall (1949) on 13 March 2019.

Dr. Ranjit Mathew Oommen (1965) on May 3, 2019.

Dr. Rachel John (1944) on May 18, 2019.

Dr. John Kenneth Philip (1988) on 23 May 2019.

Dr. Eunice G. John (1958-59) on 3 June 2019.

Dr. Ruby Jyoti Charles (1965) on 5 June 2019.

Dr. Premalatha Naomi Abraham (1959-60) on 22 June 2019.

Dr. M.R. Krishnamurthy (1961) on 27 June 2019.

Dr. Annie Mathai (nee Jacob) (1979-80) on 23 July 2019.

Dr. Philip Zachariah (1954) on 18 July 2019.

Dr. (Major) Vinod Kumar Shetty (1958-59) on 18 August 2019.

Dr. Edward A. Ratnam (1965) on 27 August 2019.

Dr. Geoffrey Louis Allen (1947) on 14 October 2019.

Dr. Constance Kamalabai (Paul) Gemson (1961) on 23 October 2019.

Dr. Rachel Chacko (MBBS batch of 1942) on 28 October 2019.

Dr. John Arthur Thomas (1956) on 11 November 2019.

Dr. Lalitha Chikkala (1955) on 24 November 2019.

Dr. Selwyn Baker on 26 November 2019.

All of us here in the Alumni Office

trust that you WILL have a

Joyous Christmas

and take this opportunity to

wish you a blessed and hope-filled

New Year 2020!

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