Sunil Pandya - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Uploads
Papers by Sunil Pandya
The National Medical Journal of India, 2024
This 'Letter from Mumbai' features the father of Ms. Sunita Williams. Dr. Deepak Pandya - a nativ... more This 'Letter from Mumbai' features the father of Ms. Sunita Williams. Dr. Deepak Pandya - a native of India - had settled in the USA and rose to eminence as an neuro-anatomist. The letter also emphasises the need for study of classical European Languages (and English) by Indians. The letter shows difficulties in determining the provenance of specimens in Indian medical museums as dictated by many modern ethicists. As in some earlier Letters, the need for family physicians is emphasised. The last item features the first woman doctor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and provides a historical nugget. She had delivered Mr. Satyajit Ray, the famed Bengali film maker and author.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2024
This obituary note discusses briefly the life and work of Dr. M. S. Valiathan - cardiac surgeon, ... more This obituary note discusses briefly the life and work of Dr. M. S. Valiathan - cardiac surgeon, biomedical engineer, medical historian, champion of Ayurveda and medical ethicist.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2020
Dr Pernkopf's Topographische anatomie des menschen (Topographical anatomy of man), in four volume... more Dr Pernkopf's Topographische anatomie des menschen (Topographical anatomy of man), in four volumes, was originally published in German. It had taken the author and his colleagues over twenty years to produce it, the first volume being published in 1937. It was translated into English in 1964. The atlas was received with uniform acclaim in Europe and America and praised for its accuracy and the quality of its illustrations. A recent study compared its utility with that of Dr Frank Netter's Atlas of human anatomy, first published in 1989, with its 7th edition out in 2018. "The respondents (nerve surgeons) found Pernkopf 's atlas having both greater anatomical detail (range 79%-91%) and greater utility for surgery (range 66%-82%) when compared with Netter's (P < .001) in all plate comparisons." (1) Internationally renowned and respected neurosurgeon, Dr M Gazi Yasargil-not given to handing out praise lightly-said in 2004 of this atlas, "Pernkopf's work, in particular … Vol. 4 (800 pages, 218 figures) is of fantastic quality and is appreciated worldwide." (2) Surgeons continue to use Dr. Pernkopf's atlas to plan their operations (3). A recent example is its use in the treatment of a 13-year-old Israeli schoolboy (4). This essay discusses whether it is rational to refuse to use data and publications that are accurate and likely to help in treating patients. Since such information can save lives, should we spurn it because it was based on information obtained unethically?
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2019
The principle of confidentiality dictates that what is discussed by doctor and patient remains be... more The principle of confidentiality dictates that what is discussed by doctor and patient remains between them and should not be divulged to anyone else without the patient's express consent. A major exception to this diktat is harm to another if confidentiality is maintained. In the US case that is now referred to worldwide when this issue is being discussed, Vitaly Tarasoff et al, Plaintiffs and Appellants, vs Regents of the University of California et al, Defendants and Respondents (2), the judge's decision on July 1,1976 was clear. Prosenjit Poddar, a student from Bengal, had confided to Dr. Moore, his psychologist, his intent to kill Tatiana Tarasoff for having jilted him. The head of the department of Psychology overruled Dr. Moore's suggestion that Poddar be committed to a psychiatry clinic. Poddar killed Tatiana. In the ensuing trial, the California Supreme Court found that a medical professional has a duty not only to a patient, but also to individuals who are in danger consequent to the acts of that patient.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2005
Her recent visit to Mumbai evoked considerable enthusiasm among the few working in the field here.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2008
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2010
Gurcharan Das. The difficulty of being good: on the subtle art of dharma. New Delhi: Allen Lane; ... more Gurcharan Das. The difficulty of being good: on the subtle art of dharma. New Delhi: Allen Lane; 2009. 434 pp. ISBN 9780670083497 in 2002, Mr Das "decided to take an academic holiday". His purpose was not to visit destinations frequented by tourists, howsoever enlightened they may be. instead he travelled to the University of Chicago, where he and his wife spent the next two years. He delved into the rich collection of books and other texts on the Mahabharata in the Regenstein Library and interacted with scholars such as
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2008
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2012
Indian journal of medical ethics
On March 8, 2016, the 92nd report on the functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) (1) wa... more On March 8, 2016, the 92nd report on the functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) (1) was placed before both Houses of Parliament by Professor Ram Gopal Yadav, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Health and Family Welfare.
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India, 2015
Purpose To determine the risk factors and associated comorbidities with a relaparotomy after prim... more Purpose To determine the risk factors and associated comorbidities with a relaparotomy after primary surgery in pregnant mothers and to identify preventable causes. Methods A retrospective observational study was done at a tertiary care centre from January 2009 till August 2014. All records of exploratory laparotomy following primary surgery in the obstetric population during this period were retrieved from the hospital database and analysed. Results The incidence of relaparotomy was 0.22 %. In 94 % cases, the primary surgery was caesarean section. The commonest indication for relaparotomy was due to haemorrhagic complications like bleeding and haematoma (66.8 %). Sepsis was seen in 36.1 % cases with the predominant organism isolated being E coli (54 %). Most common comorbidity was hypertensive disorders (58 %) followed by liver disorders (19 %). 33.3 % needed ventilatory support, 30.5 % needed massive blood transfusion, 16.6 % were on total parenteral nutrition and 2.7 % needed renal replacement therapy. Maternal mortality was 2.8 %. Conclusion Relaparotomy following caesarean section is considered a near-miss mortality. Care must be taken in primary surgery with meticulous attention to haemostasis.
Indian journal of medical ethics
Journal of postgraduate medicine, 2005
The main objective of drug delivery systems is to deliver a drug effectively, specifically to the... more The main objective of drug delivery systems is to deliver a drug effectively, specifically to the site of action and to achieve greater efficacy and minimise the toxic effects compared to conventional drugs. Amongst various carrier systems, liposomes have generated a great interest because of their versatility. Liposomes are vesicular concentric bilayered structures, which are biocompatible, biodegradable and nonimmumnogenic. They can control the delivery of drugs by targeting the drug to the site of action or by site avoidance drug delivery or by prolonged circulation of drugs. Amphotericin B (Amp B) remains the drug of choice in most systemic mycoses and also as a second line treatment for Kala azar. However, its toxic effects often limit its use. Although the liposome delivery system has been tried for several drugs, only a few have been used in patients due to the slow development of necessary large-scale pharmaceutical procedures. This paper reviews the development of the techn...
The National Medical Journal of India, Mar 1, 2010
The National Medical Journal of India, 2023
This letter from Mumbai includes a short biography of Dr. Vijayprasad Gopichand, a note on the ne... more This letter from Mumbai includes a short biography of Dr. Vijayprasad Gopichand, a note on the need for physically handicapped physicians and medical personnel to be treated with dignity, pleads for respect to be paid to nurses by physicians, and asks why the search through the literature by authors of medical papers is so superficial. Dr. Gopichand's papers are especially worthy of study by physicians in India.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare, 2024
Medical education in ancient India was by a teacher (guru) housing and teaching students (shishya... more Medical education in ancient India was by a teacher (guru) housing and teaching students (shishyas). Strict criteria were used to identify good teachers. Students were selected after assessing aptitude, humanity and concern for the sick. Close interaction ensured periodic assessment of the student's progress.
At present merit is often not the deciding criterion for selection of teachers. There is no aptitude test before a student is admitted to medical college. The students concentrate on obtaining high scores in terms of marks at examinations as taught in commercial tuition classes. Learning is sacrificed at the altar of sharpening short-term memory. We need drastic changes in our system of medical education.
Complications in Neurosurgery, 2023
Medicine and surgery carry inherent risks of inadvertent and unintended harm to the patient. Trai... more Medicine and surgery carry inherent risks of inadvertent
and unintended harm to the patient. Training, experience,
and skill help ensure smooth recovery in most cases.
However, there are circumstances beyond the control of
the neurosurgeon that may predispose to complications.
This review discusses steps that may help to diminish
risks to the patient and can be taken before their admis-
sion to hospital, in the operating theater, and after surgery.
When a complication does occur despite all care, it is
essential to maintain total transparency with the patient
and his or her family. It is important that they are active
witnesses to the care and treatment being lavished on the
individual to minimize the harm from the mishap. Should
legal action follow despite such efforts, the neurosurgeon
must be prepared to defend with the help of a wise, expe-
rienced lawyer and to provide evidence of his or her pro-
fessional competence and the appropriateness of care
offered to the patient. In any case, it is counterproductive
to view every patient as a potential legal threat or indulge
in defensive medical practice.
Parsiana, 2023
Dr. Billimoria trained in radiology in London and other European centres. On return to Bombay he ... more Dr. Billimoria trained in radiology in London and other European centres. On return to Bombay he was appointed Professor of Radiology at the Grant Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals. Soon after we joined the medical college as students, he would regularly come to the anatomy dissection hall and show us anatomy in the living by fluoroscopy. Movements of the diaphragm, lung, heart were demonstrated. He used barium swallows to show us the anatomy and functions of oesophagus, stomach, small bowel. He introduced cineradiology in Bombay and enabled us to study craniovertebral anomalies in vivid detail. He was an extraordinary clinician and to my knowledge described the first hemistenosis of the lumbar spinal canal. He used tomography to demonstrate early disease in renal papillae. He was one of the first in Bombay to do catheter angiography studies. He studied the epididymis in tuberculosis. On retirement from Bombay he settled in California, working and teaching at the Loma Linda University.
Parsiana, 2024
Dr. Sidhva trained in neuroradiology with Professor James Bull in London, England. On returning t... more Dr. Sidhva trained in neuroradiology with Professor James Bull in London, England. On returning to Bombay, he was Professor of Radiology and the first neuroradiologist at the Grant Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals. He was the pioneer who introduced computerised tomography in Bombay. Besides medicine, he excelled in dramatics and took part in several successful plays characterised by hilarity. After retirement, he has studied his Parsi scriptures and written scholarly works on them.
The National Medical Journal of India, 2024
This 'Letter from Mumbai' features the father of Ms. Sunita Williams. Dr. Deepak Pandya - a nativ... more This 'Letter from Mumbai' features the father of Ms. Sunita Williams. Dr. Deepak Pandya - a native of India - had settled in the USA and rose to eminence as an neuro-anatomist. The letter also emphasises the need for study of classical European Languages (and English) by Indians. The letter shows difficulties in determining the provenance of specimens in Indian medical museums as dictated by many modern ethicists. As in some earlier Letters, the need for family physicians is emphasised. The last item features the first woman doctor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and provides a historical nugget. She had delivered Mr. Satyajit Ray, the famed Bengali film maker and author.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2024
This obituary note discusses briefly the life and work of Dr. M. S. Valiathan - cardiac surgeon, ... more This obituary note discusses briefly the life and work of Dr. M. S. Valiathan - cardiac surgeon, biomedical engineer, medical historian, champion of Ayurveda and medical ethicist.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2020
Dr Pernkopf's Topographische anatomie des menschen (Topographical anatomy of man), in four volume... more Dr Pernkopf's Topographische anatomie des menschen (Topographical anatomy of man), in four volumes, was originally published in German. It had taken the author and his colleagues over twenty years to produce it, the first volume being published in 1937. It was translated into English in 1964. The atlas was received with uniform acclaim in Europe and America and praised for its accuracy and the quality of its illustrations. A recent study compared its utility with that of Dr Frank Netter's Atlas of human anatomy, first published in 1989, with its 7th edition out in 2018. "The respondents (nerve surgeons) found Pernkopf 's atlas having both greater anatomical detail (range 79%-91%) and greater utility for surgery (range 66%-82%) when compared with Netter's (P < .001) in all plate comparisons." (1) Internationally renowned and respected neurosurgeon, Dr M Gazi Yasargil-not given to handing out praise lightly-said in 2004 of this atlas, "Pernkopf's work, in particular … Vol. 4 (800 pages, 218 figures) is of fantastic quality and is appreciated worldwide." (2) Surgeons continue to use Dr. Pernkopf's atlas to plan their operations (3). A recent example is its use in the treatment of a 13-year-old Israeli schoolboy (4). This essay discusses whether it is rational to refuse to use data and publications that are accurate and likely to help in treating patients. Since such information can save lives, should we spurn it because it was based on information obtained unethically?
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2019
The principle of confidentiality dictates that what is discussed by doctor and patient remains be... more The principle of confidentiality dictates that what is discussed by doctor and patient remains between them and should not be divulged to anyone else without the patient's express consent. A major exception to this diktat is harm to another if confidentiality is maintained. In the US case that is now referred to worldwide when this issue is being discussed, Vitaly Tarasoff et al, Plaintiffs and Appellants, vs Regents of the University of California et al, Defendants and Respondents (2), the judge's decision on July 1,1976 was clear. Prosenjit Poddar, a student from Bengal, had confided to Dr. Moore, his psychologist, his intent to kill Tatiana Tarasoff for having jilted him. The head of the department of Psychology overruled Dr. Moore's suggestion that Poddar be committed to a psychiatry clinic. Poddar killed Tatiana. In the ensuing trial, the California Supreme Court found that a medical professional has a duty not only to a patient, but also to individuals who are in danger consequent to the acts of that patient.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2005
Her recent visit to Mumbai evoked considerable enthusiasm among the few working in the field here.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2008
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2010
Gurcharan Das. The difficulty of being good: on the subtle art of dharma. New Delhi: Allen Lane; ... more Gurcharan Das. The difficulty of being good: on the subtle art of dharma. New Delhi: Allen Lane; 2009. 434 pp. ISBN 9780670083497 in 2002, Mr Das "decided to take an academic holiday". His purpose was not to visit destinations frequented by tourists, howsoever enlightened they may be. instead he travelled to the University of Chicago, where he and his wife spent the next two years. He delved into the rich collection of books and other texts on the Mahabharata in the Regenstein Library and interacted with scholars such as
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2008
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2012
Indian journal of medical ethics
On March 8, 2016, the 92nd report on the functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) (1) wa... more On March 8, 2016, the 92nd report on the functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) (1) was placed before both Houses of Parliament by Professor Ram Gopal Yadav, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Health and Family Welfare.
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India, 2015
Purpose To determine the risk factors and associated comorbidities with a relaparotomy after prim... more Purpose To determine the risk factors and associated comorbidities with a relaparotomy after primary surgery in pregnant mothers and to identify preventable causes. Methods A retrospective observational study was done at a tertiary care centre from January 2009 till August 2014. All records of exploratory laparotomy following primary surgery in the obstetric population during this period were retrieved from the hospital database and analysed. Results The incidence of relaparotomy was 0.22 %. In 94 % cases, the primary surgery was caesarean section. The commonest indication for relaparotomy was due to haemorrhagic complications like bleeding and haematoma (66.8 %). Sepsis was seen in 36.1 % cases with the predominant organism isolated being E coli (54 %). Most common comorbidity was hypertensive disorders (58 %) followed by liver disorders (19 %). 33.3 % needed ventilatory support, 30.5 % needed massive blood transfusion, 16.6 % were on total parenteral nutrition and 2.7 % needed renal replacement therapy. Maternal mortality was 2.8 %. Conclusion Relaparotomy following caesarean section is considered a near-miss mortality. Care must be taken in primary surgery with meticulous attention to haemostasis.
Indian journal of medical ethics
Journal of postgraduate medicine, 2005
The main objective of drug delivery systems is to deliver a drug effectively, specifically to the... more The main objective of drug delivery systems is to deliver a drug effectively, specifically to the site of action and to achieve greater efficacy and minimise the toxic effects compared to conventional drugs. Amongst various carrier systems, liposomes have generated a great interest because of their versatility. Liposomes are vesicular concentric bilayered structures, which are biocompatible, biodegradable and nonimmumnogenic. They can control the delivery of drugs by targeting the drug to the site of action or by site avoidance drug delivery or by prolonged circulation of drugs. Amphotericin B (Amp B) remains the drug of choice in most systemic mycoses and also as a second line treatment for Kala azar. However, its toxic effects often limit its use. Although the liposome delivery system has been tried for several drugs, only a few have been used in patients due to the slow development of necessary large-scale pharmaceutical procedures. This paper reviews the development of the techn...
The National Medical Journal of India, Mar 1, 2010
The National Medical Journal of India, 2023
This letter from Mumbai includes a short biography of Dr. Vijayprasad Gopichand, a note on the ne... more This letter from Mumbai includes a short biography of Dr. Vijayprasad Gopichand, a note on the need for physically handicapped physicians and medical personnel to be treated with dignity, pleads for respect to be paid to nurses by physicians, and asks why the search through the literature by authors of medical papers is so superficial. Dr. Gopichand's papers are especially worthy of study by physicians in India.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare, 2024
Medical education in ancient India was by a teacher (guru) housing and teaching students (shishya... more Medical education in ancient India was by a teacher (guru) housing and teaching students (shishyas). Strict criteria were used to identify good teachers. Students were selected after assessing aptitude, humanity and concern for the sick. Close interaction ensured periodic assessment of the student's progress.
At present merit is often not the deciding criterion for selection of teachers. There is no aptitude test before a student is admitted to medical college. The students concentrate on obtaining high scores in terms of marks at examinations as taught in commercial tuition classes. Learning is sacrificed at the altar of sharpening short-term memory. We need drastic changes in our system of medical education.
Complications in Neurosurgery, 2023
Medicine and surgery carry inherent risks of inadvertent and unintended harm to the patient. Trai... more Medicine and surgery carry inherent risks of inadvertent
and unintended harm to the patient. Training, experience,
and skill help ensure smooth recovery in most cases.
However, there are circumstances beyond the control of
the neurosurgeon that may predispose to complications.
This review discusses steps that may help to diminish
risks to the patient and can be taken before their admis-
sion to hospital, in the operating theater, and after surgery.
When a complication does occur despite all care, it is
essential to maintain total transparency with the patient
and his or her family. It is important that they are active
witnesses to the care and treatment being lavished on the
individual to minimize the harm from the mishap. Should
legal action follow despite such efforts, the neurosurgeon
must be prepared to defend with the help of a wise, expe-
rienced lawyer and to provide evidence of his or her pro-
fessional competence and the appropriateness of care
offered to the patient. In any case, it is counterproductive
to view every patient as a potential legal threat or indulge
in defensive medical practice.
Parsiana, 2023
Dr. Billimoria trained in radiology in London and other European centres. On return to Bombay he ... more Dr. Billimoria trained in radiology in London and other European centres. On return to Bombay he was appointed Professor of Radiology at the Grant Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals. Soon after we joined the medical college as students, he would regularly come to the anatomy dissection hall and show us anatomy in the living by fluoroscopy. Movements of the diaphragm, lung, heart were demonstrated. He used barium swallows to show us the anatomy and functions of oesophagus, stomach, small bowel. He introduced cineradiology in Bombay and enabled us to study craniovertebral anomalies in vivid detail. He was an extraordinary clinician and to my knowledge described the first hemistenosis of the lumbar spinal canal. He used tomography to demonstrate early disease in renal papillae. He was one of the first in Bombay to do catheter angiography studies. He studied the epididymis in tuberculosis. On retirement from Bombay he settled in California, working and teaching at the Loma Linda University.
Parsiana, 2024
Dr. Sidhva trained in neuroradiology with Professor James Bull in London, England. On returning t... more Dr. Sidhva trained in neuroradiology with Professor James Bull in London, England. On returning to Bombay, he was Professor of Radiology and the first neuroradiologist at the Grant Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals. He was the pioneer who introduced computerised tomography in Bombay. Besides medicine, he excelled in dramatics and took part in several successful plays characterised by hilarity. After retirement, he has studied his Parsi scriptures and written scholarly works on them.
The National Medical Journal of India, 2022
Dr Nambisan has gained well-deserved fame from her work as a surgeon in rural clinics in Bihar, U... more Dr Nambisan has gained well-deserved fame from her work as a surgeon in rural clinics in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka and in her present clinic in Kodagu-the district from which she derives her origin. Her ethics, concern for her patients (most of whom are poor), surgical skills and the manner in which she successfully overcame the many handicaps in a series of rural public sector clinics make her a role model. The other equally admirable person who comes to mind at once is Dr Taru Jindal who worked in Motihari in East Champaran and Masarhi, both in Bihar. Dr Nambisan has another and equally prominent feather in her cap. She is a reputed author of fiction with several acclaimed novels to her credit. The volume under review has two facets. The principal title suggests a commentary on health-which remains a luxury for the vast majority of our countryfolk. The second is an autobiographical account of her personal experiences as she moved from her parental homes in Kodagu and Delhi to St John's Medical College in Bengaluru as a medical student, travelled to Britain to obtain her Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons and then returned to serve patients desperately in need in neglected parts of our country.
Journal Of Medical Evidence, 2022
This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Comm... more This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.
National Medical Journal of India, 2020
The Indian Journal of Medical Research has published a supplement containing papers pertaining to... more The Indian Journal of Medical Research has published a supplement containing papers pertaining to the medical aspects of the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. The contents are reviewed here.
SGPGI Neurosurgery: The Operative Atlas of Neurosurgery. A Compendium of 120 Neuro-Oncological, Case-Based, Surgical Approaches, 2021
This is a review of two-volume atlas of neurosurgical operations. It has been published from Luck... more This is a review of two-volume atlas of neurosurgical operations. It has been published from Lucknow, India.
CURRENT SCIENCE, 2020
Dr. Taru Jindal is an extraordinary young doctor who, after her studies in Mumbai India, instead ... more Dr. Taru Jindal is an extraordinary young doctor who, after her studies in Mumbai India, instead of entering academia or private practice, decided to work in a ramshackle clinic in one of India's poorest states - Bihar.
This book is her account of her experiences in that state. I found it inspiring.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2020
The book 'Healing hands' describes the life and work of a surgeon in a public-sector hospital in ... more The book 'Healing hands' describes the life and work of a surgeon in a public-sector hospital in Chennai (earlier Madras). Arduous effort resulted in the creation of a plastic surgery department that grew into an institute for the care of injuries to the hand. Professor R. Vankataswami and his disciple, author Dr. Swami Subramanian deserve applause.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 2020
Sabine Hildebrandt, The anatomy of murder: Ethical transgressions and anatomical science during t... more Sabine Hildebrandt, The anatomy of murder: Ethical transgressions and anatomical science during the Third Reich. New York: Berghahn Books; 2017, 390 pgs, 34.95(paperback)ISBN978−1−78533−732−1,e−book34.95 (paperback) ISBN 978-1-78533-732-1, e-book 34.95(paperback)ISBN978−1−78533−732−1,e−book 34.95 eISBN 978-1-78533-068-1
Pathology of modern Indian science, 2019
This book reviews the development of science in independent India and analyses factors that have ... more This book reviews the development of science in independent India and analyses factors that have retarded growth.
Neurology India, 2019
The book is yet another tribute paid to his partner, Dr. Oliver Sacks, by Bill Hayes. It provides... more The book is yet another tribute paid to his partner, Dr. Oliver Sacks, by Bill Hayes. It provides us intimate glimpses into the life and work of Dr. Sacks not to be found elsewhere.
It also incorporates some examples that display Hayes' expertise with the camera.
National Medical Journal of India, 2018
The book on new directions in literature and medicine is a compendium of interesting essays that ... more The book on new directions in literature and medicine is a compendium of interesting essays that will interest all those working in the medical humanities.
NMJI, 2018
Review of a book containing narratives by students of St. John's Institute of Medicine, Bangalore
National Medical Journal of India, 2018
Mankell's last work is at once thought-provoking and inspiring.
The National Medical Journal of India, 2018
Review of the book 'Under the Knife: The history of surgery in 28 remarkable operations'. Arnold ... more Review of the book 'Under the Knife: The history of surgery in 28 remarkable operations'. Arnold van de Laar. John Murray, London, 2018
Neurology India, 2019
This is a historical review of the classic by Santiago Ramon y Cajal, offering his precepts and c... more This is a historical review of the classic by Santiago Ramon y Cajal, offering his precepts and counsels on scientific investigation.
Neurology India, 2019
This is a review of Lois Magner and Oliver Kim's book entitled 'A history of medicine'.
This is a review of Mr. Dittrich's book on Henry Molaison and his surgeon, Mr. Dittrich's grandfa... more This is a review of Mr. Dittrich's book on Henry Molaison and his surgeon, Mr. Dittrich's grandfather, Dr. Scoville.
It includes details on frontal lobotomy and temporal lobe surgery for curing epilepsy.
The prologue sets the stage in contemporary Grant Medical College, Mumbai and introduces us at on... more The prologue sets the stage in contemporary Grant Medical College, Mumbai and introduces us at once to the turreted Gothic building that was, in 1845, the college and the younger building to its left, the Petit Laboratory. Ratna (our duo use the first person singular throughout their books) shows us the plaque to the right of the entrance of the laboratory from which the book derives its title. The inscription in lead on the marble tells us that it marks the site where Waldemar Haffkine (1860-1930) created the first successful vaccine against the bubonic plague. It specifies the actual room (No. 000) where Haffkine worked. Ratna points out an error when the plaque was sculpted. 'Mankind' was spelt 'mainkind' by the sculptor. As a last minute correction, the lead was scraped out of the first 'i'. We now see 'ma nkind'. Although I have passed by this plaque many times, this remained unobserved by me. In passing let me add that the plaque followed the efforts of a determined acolyte of Dr. Haffkine. Ms. Edythe Lutzker (1904-1987), a historian from New York who went to college at the age of 46, after her family was well-settled, collected the funds for the plaque, got the various permissions for its installations and even arranged for President V. V. Giri to unveil it! Ratna rightly bemoans the dilapidated state of the crumbling historic college building – the only structure on the campus that dates back to 1845 – and the fact that
Autobiography of an unusual Indian doctor and her work in India, Africa and USA
Review of Dr. Abraham Verghese's book
Review of a book about an outstanding architect and his work in the fields of leprosy in particul... more Review of a book about an outstanding architect and his work in the fields of leprosy in particular and medicine in general.
In 1826, Dr John McLennan was asked by Governor Mounstuart Elphinstone of Bombay to set up the fi... more In 1826, Dr John McLennan was asked by Governor Mounstuart Elphinstone of Bombay to set up the first school to teach modern medicine to Indian citizens. He was expected to create textbooks on a variety of subjects in local languages and teach medicine to poorly educated students in their native tongues. Despite his valiant efforts, the school was deemed a failure and was abolished by the Government in 1832. Sir Robert Grant, appointed Governor of Bombay in 1835, analysed records pertaining to this medical school and concluded that the school failed since Dr McLennan was not provided the assistance he needed and as his suggestions for access to a hospital to teach medicine were not heeded. Dr