Slew of events planned in memory of K.V. Thiruvengadam in centenary year
The celebrations, in memory of the renowned physician’s extraordinary impact on medicine both in Chennai and beyond, will focus on restoring the art of listening to the patient, examining at the bedside, thinking before ordering a test, and finally, and dwelling on the fundamental question of what it means to be a good physician in an age of extraordinary technology
A year-long tribute to the late K.V. Thiruvengadam, a distinguished clinician, educator, and humanitarian, is set to commence on Sunday, October 11, 2026, marking his centenary year. The events will honor Prof. Thiruvengadam's profound influence on medicine, both in Chennai and globally, with a focus on the importance of listening to patients, bedside examination, thoughtful decision-making, and the essence of being a compassionate physician in the age of advanced technology.
Born in 1926, K.Vardachari Thiruvengadam, affectionately known as KVT, graduated from Government Stanley Medical College in 1950 and devoted 31 years to teaching at his alma mater, Madras Medical College, and private institutions. His specialty areas included chest medicine, allergies, and infectious diseases. Despite the rapid advancement of medicine, Prof. Thiruvengadam emphasized that teaching bedside examination was not merely a ritual, but a means of developing critical thinking, active listening, and the ability to ask pertinent questions.
Besides being a skilled clinician, Prof. KVT was also a scientist, who pursued postgraduate studies in chest diseases in the United Kingdom under the Colombo Plan. He authored nearly 100 research papers in reputable national and international journals, covering subjects like chikungunya fever, neurological complications from influenza and amoebiasis, and traditional medicines for allergic lung and skin conditions.
Throughout his career, he served in the government system in underserved communities, believing that medical service could achieve remarkable outcomes when doctors were dedicated to serving. KVT's numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Dr. B.C. Roy Award for Eminent Medical Teacher, are overshadowed by his lasting impact on countless students who later became teachers and leaders, committed to his philosophy of passing on knowledge to the next generation.
The primary objective of the centenary year celebration is not just to commemorate KVT, but to translate his principles into medical education. The events aim to impart the significance of history-taking, clinical examination, clinical reasoning, and the role of these skills in diagnosis, management, and medical research to medical students and postgraduate doctors.
On October 31, renowned physician S.R. Chandra will deliver a memorial oration at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, followed by a national conference on movement disorders. For further information, contact Dr. Ramachandran at 9443238315 or Dr. Basheer at 9840217486.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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