Prominent gastroenterologist and Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, inaugurated the new Academic Session of PGIMER as the Chief Guest on Monday. The ceremony was attended by key functionaries, department heads, and newly joined resident doctors at the Bhargava Auditorium of the Institute.
In his keynote address titled “What PGI taught me and what it didn’t teach me,” Dr. Reddy reminisced about his time at PGI and recounted how his teacher Dr. J. B. Dilawari inspired him to choose endoscopy as his specialty. After completing his training, he started a solo practice and quickly gained prominence as a gastroenterologist. His hard work, dedication, and compassionate patient care led to the establishment of AIG, Hyderabad – a world-renowned gastroenterology hospital. Dr. Reddy’s hospital has been awarded the Best Hospital in the World-2022 by The News Week.
Dr. Reddy emphasized the importance of values like hard work, a patient-centric approach, a peer group, and responsible independence in his professional life. He advised the new entrants to be disciplined, determined, and have a positive attitude towards their work. He motivated the young doctors to acquire good communication skills, which are useful in administrative work. Dr. Reddy also emphasized the importance of empathy, detachment, and avoiding arrogance in the medical profession.
Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, while welcoming the Chief Guest, acknowledged PGI’s founders’ contribution to its success. He mentioned that the institute offers the best academics in the world and stands for compassion, commitment, and services. Prof. Lal mentioned the former directors and called them “iconic standalone colossi in their field.”
The newly joined residents were congratulated by Prof. N K Panda, Dean (Academic), who conducted the pinning-up ceremony of the resident doctors who joined the Institute in the July 2023 and January 2024 sessions. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Former Director, Dr. Jagat Ram, Dr. Yogesh Chawla, former HODs & faculty members of the Institute, Sh. Pankaj Rai Deputy Director Administration, Sh. Varun Ahluwalia, Financial Advisor, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, Heads of the Departments, senior faculty, and resident doctors of the Institute.