Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN Chandrasekaran

Dr. AN Chandrasekaran is a pioneering figure in Indian medicine whose contributions have profoundly shaped the field of rheumatology. Born in 1938 in Ramayapet, Nizam State, his early life was influenced by a family rooted in education and public service. After excelling academically, he pursued an...

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Main Authors: Purna Bansal, Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-04-01
Series:Current Medical Issues
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Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/cmi.cmi_137_24
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author Purna Bansal
Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur
author_facet Purna Bansal
Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur
author_sort Purna Bansal
collection DOAJ
description Dr. AN Chandrasekaran is a pioneering figure in Indian medicine whose contributions have profoundly shaped the field of rheumatology. Born in 1938 in Ramayapet, Nizam State, his early life was influenced by a family rooted in education and public service. After excelling academically, he pursued an MBBS and MD at Madras Medical College and later specialized in rheumatology, receiving advanced training in the UK. Upon his return, he founded the first Department of Rheumatology in India at Madras Medical College in 1972, transforming it into a nationally recognized center for rheumatology treatment and research. Dr. Chandrasekaran’s work bridged the gap between Indian and Western medical approaches, and his pioneering research led to advancements in diagnostic tools and treatments for rheumatic diseases. In addition to his medical practice, he was instrumental in starting the DM Rheumatology program in 1991, training over 50 rheumatologists who continued his legacy across India. Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Chandrasekaran’s humanitarian efforts have been far reaching. He has built schools, libraries, hospitals, and community infrastructure in rural Tamil Nadu, providing vital services to underserved populations. His ongoing free medical camps and efforts to improve maternal health have impacted thousands of lives. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Dr. BC Roy National Award and the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) Master Award, Dr. Chandrasekaran’s contributions to medicine and society have earned him a reputation as a leader, educator, and humanitarian. His legacy inspires future generations of physicians and healthcare professionals, making him a deserving candidate for India’s prestigious Padma Bhushan Award.
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spelling doaj-art-2a0046e431b941479b4740fe86b73f712025-08-20T02:15:59ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsCurrent Medical Issues0973-46512666-40542025-04-0123213814110.4103/cmi.cmi_137_24Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN ChandrasekaranPurna BansalMahabaleshwar MamadapurDr. AN Chandrasekaran is a pioneering figure in Indian medicine whose contributions have profoundly shaped the field of rheumatology. Born in 1938 in Ramayapet, Nizam State, his early life was influenced by a family rooted in education and public service. After excelling academically, he pursued an MBBS and MD at Madras Medical College and later specialized in rheumatology, receiving advanced training in the UK. Upon his return, he founded the first Department of Rheumatology in India at Madras Medical College in 1972, transforming it into a nationally recognized center for rheumatology treatment and research. Dr. Chandrasekaran’s work bridged the gap between Indian and Western medical approaches, and his pioneering research led to advancements in diagnostic tools and treatments for rheumatic diseases. In addition to his medical practice, he was instrumental in starting the DM Rheumatology program in 1991, training over 50 rheumatologists who continued his legacy across India. Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Chandrasekaran’s humanitarian efforts have been far reaching. He has built schools, libraries, hospitals, and community infrastructure in rural Tamil Nadu, providing vital services to underserved populations. His ongoing free medical camps and efforts to improve maternal health have impacted thousands of lives. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Dr. BC Roy National Award and the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) Master Award, Dr. Chandrasekaran’s contributions to medicine and society have earned him a reputation as a leader, educator, and humanitarian. His legacy inspires future generations of physicians and healthcare professionals, making him a deserving candidate for India’s prestigious Padma Bhushan Award.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/cmi.cmi_137_24community health servicesmedical educationrheumatology
spellingShingle Purna Bansal
Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur
Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN Chandrasekaran
Current Medical Issues
community health services
medical education
rheumatology
title Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN Chandrasekaran
title_full Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN Chandrasekaran
title_fullStr Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN Chandrasekaran
title_full_unstemmed Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN Chandrasekaran
title_short Healing Hands, Inspiring Hearts: The Legacy of Dr. AN Chandrasekaran
title_sort healing hands inspiring hearts the legacy of dr an chandrasekaran
topic community health services
medical education
rheumatology
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/cmi.cmi_137_24
work_keys_str_mv AT purnabansal healinghandsinspiringheartsthelegacyofdranchandrasekaran
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