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Achievers
Express Healthcare highlights achievements of doctors and
other professionals and contributors to the healthcare industry. To nominate
your employees/colleagues for Achievers, mail healthcare@expressindia.com
and we will get in touch with you!
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 Dr
S Natrajan (50), Chairman and Managing Director, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital
Private Limited, Mumbai is the one of the first ophthalmologists in the
world, and the first in India, to initiate clinical trials for treating
dry AMD(Age-related Macular Degeneration). This is done with a device
named as 'micro-current neuro-modulation' manufactured by the US - based
company, ScyFIX which employs microcurrent stimulation (MCS) technology.
This device applies precise minute amounts of electrical
current to specific locations over the closed eyelid. 'ScyFIX MCS Devicem'
is approved by regulators in Australia, Canada, and Europe. Over 1000
patients have used this treatment all over the world and field results
indicate safety and efficacy, with no observed side effects.
Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital started using the ScyFIX 650
in February 2007 in patients with dry AMD. This disease is found predominantly
in the age group of 50 and above. “This is a fantastic new way of
treatment of dry AMD," says Dr S Natarajan.
Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital in Mumbai is one of the leading
eye hospitals headed by Dr S Natrajan and is dedicated to the treatment
of AMD. It boasts of the latest technology and clinical expertise in retinal
diseases and caters to patients from all over the world. “As there
is no treatment for dry macular degeneration, this device gives a ray
of hope for those suffering from this disease,” says Dr Natrajan.
The ScyFIX 650 micro-current stimulation product is intended
to treat patients by periodic administration of very precise amounts of
tightly controlled electrical current through electrodes applied to the
skin at specific areas around and over the eye. The electrical current
is used to stimulate cellular interaction within the eye in order to delay
the progession of disease symptoms. Once the device is activated a controlled
electrical current flows through the eyes for up to 20 minutes per session
through four specific electrical frequency ranges.
As the device is still at clinical research stage,
this course of treatment is accessible to patients only after seeking
their consent. So the entire process is explained to the patients and
they treated with this device only if they are comfortable with it. The
objective behind keeping the patients aware about this process is to maintain
complete transparency and help them gain confidence and trust.
Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital is also venturing into pre clinical
studies (animal trials) for Retinal Stem Cell Transplantation and Artificial
Retina Implantation to find a more definitive cure for this disease.
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 Well
known cardiologist and physician, Dr KK Aggarwal (49), received
the BC Roy National Award for outstanding service in the category of 'Socio-medical
Relief', from President Pratibha Patil at a special ceremony in Rashtrapati
Bhavan. This is the highest national recognition of a medical professional
by the Government after the Padma awards. Dr KK Aggarwal is Senior Cardiologist,
Chief Physician and Dean, Board of Medical Education, Moolchand Medcity,
Delhi. He is also the President of the Heart Care Foundation of India,
New Delhi. "I view it as recognition for my overall performance and
commitment to public health," says Dr Aggarwal.
An alumnus of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,
Vidharbha, Maharashtra, Dr Aggarwal started his career by serving the
rural communities of Vidharbha. From humble beginnings, Dr Aggarwal has
made a mark in medicine, especially cardiology. Dr Aggarwal was instrumental
in starting the clot dissolving streptokinase therapy for acute heart
attacks in 1984 and started the technique of colour doppler echocardiography
in North India in the year 1988. "There is no greater act of compassion
and benevolence than to save a life," says he.
To create health awareness amongst the masses,
Dr Aggarwal conceptualised and organised the first ever 'perfect health
mela' in 1993 and 'run for your heart' in 1991. Both popular events continue
till date. And interestingly, on both these occasions, the Government
of India released National Postal Commemorative Stamps.
He is frequently seen making demonstrations in schools,
colleges and professional forums with a missionary zeal. "I see God
in the ailing humanity. Everything that I have achieved in life, I attribute
it to the benevolence of God, the blessings of my parents, friends and
patients, my legendary teachers and to my friend and guide Dr Deepak Chopra,"
Dr Aggarwal concludes.
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 Dr
Ashok Hemal (50) winner of this years's Wake Forest University Baptist
Medical Center's 'Innovator Award' receives the award in recognition for
his work towards the development of robotic urology surgery. "The
award for sure holds significance for me as it reflects that the talent
has been recognised and that too in a foreign land which indeed is a big
achievement," enthuses Dr Hemal.
Dr Hemal is Director of the Robotic and Minimally Invasive
Urologic Surgery Program at Wake Forest Baptist. Wake Forest is an academic
health system which operates from the University's School of Medicine
and Piedmont Triad Research Park. It is ranked as America's best hospital
by US media reports since 1993. He is the first Indian to receive this
award and is proud about achieving such recognition and appreciation for
his work in the medical field. Dr Hemal is widely recognised worldwide
for his pioneering work in the field of minimally invasive surgery, including
robotic assisted surgery. He helped develop the initial protocols for
these procedures that are currently used by most urologists in the US
for surgeries of the prostate, bladder, ureter and kidney.
He received his medical degrees and completed residencies
in surgery and urology from medical college, Gwalior, India, and the Post
Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India.
He studied robotics at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He is
a Fellow in the International College of Surgeons, the American College
of Surgeons and the National Academy of Medical Sciences.
Since this award was not expected at all, it was a delightful
surprise for Dr Hemal. He performed the first robotic surgery in India
in urology in April, 2005. He was invited to develop and establish the
Robotic Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Wake Forest
University Health Sciences, Medical Centre Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC,
USA based on his credentials and experience in the field of laparoscopic
and robotic surgery. He has the unique distinction of using his expertise
to help urologic centres in different countries set up their their robotic
programs. The countries range from India, USA, UK, Malaysia, Singapore,
Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and China.
This is a very well deserved award, going by the
fact that he was able to establish robotic urology surgery quite early
in India in less than six months. This surgery encompasses treatments
for various urologic disorders ranging from prostate cancer, bladder cancer
and so on. Dr Hemal also expanded his expertise to female urology and
pediatric urology. Dr Hemal mentions that he would like to share the credit
for this award with his team and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
without whom this achievement would not have been possible. He is now
striving towards his goal of passing out the benefits of minimally invasive
surgery to all patients, irrespective of their status and surgical disease
and cutting down the cost of these procedures thus making it affordable
for everyone.
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