Dr MS Valiyathan: Unparalleled Medical Eminence (image: x.com/KeralaPMC)
Dr Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan, an acclaimed cardiac surgeon and founder director the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, died on Wednesday. He was 90.
Known as Dr MS Valiathan, his significant contributions not just limited to his remarkable career in cardiac surgery but extended to medical innovation and technology. The indigenous development of the first-ever mechanical heart valve prosthesis, the TTK-Chitra Heart valve – is his unparallel achievement in his long-serving career as well as a bestowal to the nation. Till date, this indigenous artificial heart valve remains as cost-effective and resource-intensive device and it is a product of 12 years of Valiathan’s effort. Besides, his work in advancing medical devices such as the disposable blood bag and the tilting disc heart valve played a great role in laying the foundation for India’s medical devices industry.
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During Valiathan’s tenure as first Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), his academic excellence and noteworthy research endeavours came to be known to the world. It was under his helm, MAHE has grown as a leader in higher education, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and international academic partnerships and thereby attracting students and faculties all over the world. During this period, he indulged in research focusing on Ayurvedic medicine. Though a practitioner in modern medicine, he was fascinated by the Ayurvedic legacy and wanted to foster a co-existence between traditional medicinal practices and modern scientific approaches. His prolific studies on Ayurvedic Science is seen in translations of ancient texts into Malayalam, scholarly works on Ayurvedic principles, and in three important books, Legacy of Charaka, Legacy of Sushruta, and Legacy of Vagbhata.
His educational achievements also needs special mention. After completing studies at the University College, he pursued MBBS degree from the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram – an alumnus of its first batch. Following he attained his MS degree from the University of Liverpool, and an FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) of Edinburgh and England. After working for a brief period at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, he again went abroad to undergo advanced studies in cardiac surgery.
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Dr Valiathan is recipient of numerous honours and awards. In 2002, the nation honoured him with Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian award) and in 2005 with Padma Vibhushan (India’s second highest civilian award), for his contributions to the Indian medical field. Dr BC Roy National Award, Chevalier of the Order of Palmes Académiques from French Government, Dr Samuel P Asper Award for International Medical Education from Hopkins University, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Medical Association, are some other honours he received.
