Coimbatore, March 30
Dr S Raja Sabapathy, chairman of the Department of Plastic, Hand, and Microsurgery and Director of Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, took over the Presidency of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) on 28 March. He took over at the closing ceremony of the Federation's triennial congress in Washington, DC, USA.
IFSSH is a Federation of 62 member nations and is the world's largest body of hand surgeons. It was formed in 1966 to coordinate the activities of the various Societies for Surgery of the Hand across the globe and, in this way, to increase and spread knowledge of hand surgery.
It holds congresses once every three years to discuss the latest advances and lay out the best practices. In its 59-year history, this is the first time an Indian surgeon has taken over the Presidency of the organisation.
In his address to the delegates on taking over as President, Dr Raja Sabapathy accepted the honour and said that the theme of the term would be to help 'Provide Quality Hand Surgery care to the millions who are less privileged.'
In his role, he is responsible for steering the organisation toward achieving its goals. An executive committee of representatives from the USA, UK, China, Japan, Belgium, Columbia, and Ecuador will assist him.
Dr S Raja Sabapathy was the President of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand and has been the President of the Indian Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Microsurgery, Burns, Brachial Plexus Association.
The Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery department of Ganga Hospital is considered one of the preferred centres for teaching and training across the world. Formed in 1991, over the years, it has attracted 3,300 surgeons from 83 countries, which is a record for any surgical unit in the country.
Dr Raja Sabapathy had earlier been conferred the Honorary fellowships of the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow and England and the American College of Surgeons.
The recognition by the American College of Surgeons is a singular honour since only about 15 Plastic Surgeons from around the world have been so recognized in the college's 135-year history. In addition, he has been conferred Honorary Membership of the British and South African Societies for Surgery of the Hand and the Serbian Microsurgery Society.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What an incredible achievement! Dr. Sabapathy's dedication to making hand surgery accessible to underprivileged communities is truly inspiring. India is shining on the global stage! 🇮🇳ðŸ‘
First Indian to hold this position in 59 years - that's a huge milestone. Makes me wonder why it took so long though. The medical community should work on better global representation.
As a medical student, this gives me so much hope! Dr. Sabapathy's work at Ganga Hospital is legendary. The fact that they've trained surgeons from 83 countries is mind-blowing!
While this is certainly an achievement to celebrate, I hope this presidency translates to tangible improvements in hand surgery accessibility in rural India. The real test will be seeing how this position benefits patients at the grassroots level.
My uncle had his hand reconstruction done at Ganga Hospital last year. The level of care was exceptional. No surprise their director is getting global recognition! Wishing Dr. Sabapathy all the best in his new role.
The honorary fellowships mentioned here are no small feat - especially the American College of Surgeons recognition. Only 15 plastic surgeons worldwide in 135 years? That puts Dr. Sabapathy in truly elite company.
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