Two Indian Americans recognized at 75th Anniversary of Baroda Medical College

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The Alumni Association of Baroda Medical College, celebrated the platinum Jubilee of the college, with a three-day conference from Jan 5-7, 2024, at the college campus in Vadodara. More than 950 alumni of BMC from all over the world, attended, according to a press release.

The event included 2 days of education events, such as continuing education programs, including symposia in Cardiology and Oncology. Entertainment programs, and performances by former students were also held.

The highlight of the conference was recognition of several alumni for their achievements in various fields ranging from  medicine and healthcare to politics. Awards were given in the categories of Distinguished Alumni award, Lifetime Achievement award and the highest award of Legends of BMC.

Two individuals were recognized as “Legends” from amongst more than 11,500 graduates in the past 75 years. Dr. Bharat Barai from Indiana was awarded the Honor for his political leadership and numerous achievements in local/regional level,  and for fostering the bond between President Biden and PM Modi, thus strengthening India-US relations, the press release said.

Dr. Jatin Shah from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York was recognized as a Legend, for his outstanding academic achievements, which included Honorary Doctorates from four International Universities and Honorary Fellowships from Royal Colleges of Surgeons of England, Edinburgh, Ireland and Australia. He has published 14 Medical text books, including the “Best book in Otolaryngology” award from the Royal Society of Medicine, the press release said.

Dr. Shah has also published over 650 peer reviewed papers, and has delivered over 2000 lectures around the world. Recognized as a global leader in cancer surgery, particularly head and neck surgery, Dr. Shah has several lectures and symposia carry his name including an Endowed Chair at MSKCC. He has been listed amongst the Best Doctors in USA for the past 20 years. The award was given to him by the current Chancellor of M S University, Rajmata Shubhangini Raje Gaekwad, during the platinum jubilee celebration on Jan 6^, 2024.

Dr. Shah expressed his gratitude to his Alma Mater, and the fundamental medical education he received at BMC.  To “give back” to his alma mater, he expressed his desire to establish an Endowed Professorial Chair in Surgery at BMC, promising to fund the Endowment to award the Professorial Chair to the academically most productive Surgeon at BMC.

Chancellor Gaekwad applauded his proposal and supported the initiative.

In addition to a full two-day academic program, the evenings offered star studded entertainment programs with “Tara Vina Shyam Garba Night” led by Atul Purohit, and a musical evening by Sudesh Bhosle.

The conference ended with a tree planting ceremony for each batch of past students and a kite flying afternoon on Sunday January 7.

Baroda Medical College, (BMC) of the Maharaja Sayajirao University, in Vadodara, Gujarat was founded in 1948, through the vision and generosity of the then king of the state of Vadodara, Maharaja Pratapsinh Rao Gaekwad.