Medical teacher in Tamil Nadu government sector: A role model for youngsters in India

Abstract

Introduction: Government hospitals in India generally have a negative opinion among pubic due to lack of sanitation and facilities but in Institute of orthopaedics and traumatology, Coimbatore government medical college hospital headed by Prof. Dr. S. Vetrivel Cherian is having facilities and patient care in par with corporate hospitals. Aim of the article is to teach and inspire young doctors about the methods and innovations adopted by him for the welfare of patients.Materials and Methods: As a retrospective study from 2000–2022, the efforts of Dr. S. Vetrivel Chezian in the public sector and how he expanded the orthopaedic medical services at Coimbatore Medical College are covered in detail.Discussion: He revolutionized trauma care services by leg bone surgery fracture fixation within 6 hours of admission even during covid 19 pandemic. He established modern lightweight artificial limb centre during covid-19 pandemic for the welfare of differently abled people without direct expenditure to the government under AB PMJAY thus making Coimbatore the first district in India with no waiting list for artificial limbs. He improved new born and children care by prevention and surgical correction of foot deformities (Clubfoot) every Thursday even during covid-19 pandemic and established ward for no attender destitute patients for the first time in India. He upgraded department of orthopaedics to Institute of orthopaedics and traumatology and improved patient care by providing various amenities. He also had passion for teaching which enabled him to publish books and encouraging post graduates by giving medals.Conclusion: Various initiatives taken by Prof. Dr. S. Vetrivel Chezian not only improved the patient care but also changed the perception about government hospitals among public and also his actions serve as a role model for young doctors.