Dr P Venugopal, eminent Cardiothoracic Surgeon, a legend in himself expired on 8th October 2024. While there is no dispute about greatness of Sri Ratan Tata- a down to earth humble person who never indulged in naked display of wealth and remained a simpleton always, two great persons can not be compared and should not be compared, it is interesting, if not strange, to find that nobody is mentioning it, what to say of writing an obituary or eulogising someone, even in doctor’s whatsapp groups. He was a pioneering figure in the field of cardiac surgery in India, widely recognized for performing India’s first heart transplant and over 50,000 heart surgeries throughout his illustrious career. Here are some key points about his life and contributions:

• Early Life and Career: Born on July 6, 1942, in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Venugopal started his medical journey at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) as an MBBS student at the remarkably young age of 16. His career at AIIMS saw him rise through the ranks, eventually becoming the Director.
• Major Achievements:
• Firsts in Cardiac Surgery: He was responsible for India’s first pacemaker implantation and the country’s first heart transplant in 1994. This transplant was not just a national first but also marked a significant advancement in medical capabilities in India.
• Volume of Surgeries: Over his career, Dr. Venugopal performed more than 50,000 heart surgeries, showcasing his dedication and contribution to cardiac care.
• Institutional Contributions: At AIIMS, he was instrumental in establishing the Cardiothoracic Sciences Centre. His leadership and innovations there, including the first Left Ventricular Assist Device implantation in Asia, highlighted his commitment to pushing the boundaries of cardiac surgery.
• Humanitarian Efforts: Beyond his surgical prowess, Dr. Venugopal was known for his humanitarian work, often providing free medical advice and surgeries to underprivileged individuals. His efforts extended to contributing to the establishment of super-specialty hospitals where treatment was provided free of cost.
• Awards and Recognition: In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1998, India’s third-highest civilian award.
• Personal and Professional Challenges: Dr. Venugopal faced controversies, notably around the administrative decisions at AIIMS, which led to conflicts with faculty and legal battles regarding his tenure as Director. However, these events underscored his firm stance on maintaining the autonomy and dignity of medical institutions.
• Legacy: His memoir, “Heartfelt,” co-authored with his wife Priya Sarkar in 2023, provided insights into his life, his surgical journey, and his reflections on the development of cardiac surgery in India.
• Passing: Dr. Venugopal passed away on October 8, 2024, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that transformed cardiac care in India and inspired numerous medical professionals.

Dr. Venugopal’s life was a testament to his dedication to medicine, his pioneering spirit, and his commitment to making advanced cardiac care accessible in India. His contributions continue to influence the field of cardiac surgery globally.

Dr. P. Venugopal’s career, marked by groundbreaking achievements and a life dedicated to medicine, is rich with anecdotes that reveal not just his surgical prowess but also his personality, compassion, and approach to life. Here are a few anecdotes that capture different facets of his character:

1. The First Heart Transplant:

• Before conducting India’s first heart transplant, Dr. Venugopal faced immense pressure and skepticism. He reportedly reassured his team by saying, “We have prepared for this day for years. Every possible scenario has been thought through. Let’s do this for the patient.” His calm demeanor helped navigate through the 17-hour surgery, which was a success but unfortunately, the patient lived only for 36 days due to complications and rejection issues, which were not uncommon in the early days of transplant surgery.

2. The Pacemaker Implantation:

• During one of the early pacemaker implantations, when pacemakers were not readily available in India, Dr. Venugopal had to personally import the device. The story goes that when the pacemaker was delivered, it arrived just hours before the scheduled surgery, adding to the drama and urgency of the operation. His ability to coordinate such logistics highlighted his dedication.

3. Teaching and Mentoring:

• Known for his rigorous standards in teaching, there’s an anecdote where he once found a junior doctor asleep during a night shift. Instead of waking him up, Dr. Venugopal sat beside him, ensuring he got some rest, but also left a note saying, “Rest is important, but remember, our patients need us vigilant.” This reflected his understanding of the harsh demands of medical life while setting expectations for diligence.

4. The AIIMS Controversy:

• Dr. Venugopal’s tenure as Director at AIIMS saw significant administrative tension, culminating in a legal battle over his position. Anecdotes from this period often highlight his stubbornness and commitment to what he believed was right for the institution, even at personal cost, showcasing his principles over personal convenience.

5. Free Surgeries and Humanitarian Work:

• There’s an often-told story about how he would perform surgeries for free for those who could not afford it. On one occasion, when a poor farmer with a critical heart condition came to him, Dr. Venugopal not only operated but also ensured the farmer’s family received support for his recovery period. This anecdote underscores his compassion beyond the operating theatre.

6. His Memoir “Heartfelt”:

• In his memoir “Heartfelt,” co-authored with his wife, there are numerous personal anecdotes where he shares lighter moments from his life, including how he met his wife, his love for music, and how he found solace in gardening during stressful times. These stories provide a glimpse into his humanity, showing he was not just a surgeon but a person of varied interests and emotions.

Dr. Venugopal’s life was filled with moments that not only defined his professional achievements but also his personal character, leaving a legacy that resonates in both his medical contributions and his humanitarian efforts.