Shantaram is V-C of TN Dr MGR Med Univ

Diabetologist Dr D Shantaram has pipped 43 other candidates in the race for the vice-chancellor’s job at the TN Dr MGR Medical University.

Even as official confirmation came from Raj Bhavan on the new vice-chancellor of TN Dr MGR Medical University, diabetologists across the city were already preparing for a celebration. Assuming charge as the 8th V-C of the State-run university, Dr Shantaram holds the distinction of being the first diabetologist to rise to the coveted post.

This was no easy feat, given that 43 other well-qualified medical personalities were in the fray for the post. Amidst much congratulations and many a welcome, Dr Shantaram told Express that his focus would be on “research” and his primary goal was to ensure that the university would be on par with any other medical university in the world.

Diabetologist Dr V Mohan, chairman of Dr Mohans Diabetes Specialities Centres said he was “pleased and happy” when he heard the news. “He has served in MMC and in the biggest private hospital chain in India for many years. He is fair, well qualified and a very good person. I am sure he will do extremely well,” he said.

Dr Vijay Viswanathan, who runs MV Diabetes Centre practically outlined that as a person from a non-surgical speciality like diabetology, he could do a lot to improve the knowledge pool of existing doctors, “Many of the courses are very student-oriented, so there is very little that is meant for physicians. If he can introduce a few more clinical and physician oriented courses, more practicing doctors will be able to benefit,” he said. This will go a long way in helping to improve the standard of doctors, across the board.