 |
| Dr.R.K.Shenoy, Medical College, Alappuzha |
Although he retired from service 12 years ago, Dr.Shenoy goes to Medical College, Alappuzha everyday. For he is the team leader of the research on filariasis being aided by WHO and Indian Council for Medical Research. And for his work in the research team – which involves study, investigation, awareness-building, treatment etc – he does not claim any remuneration.
His explanation for the voluntary service: “Society has given me love respect and wherewithal. You may consider it as my attempt to give back something.”
During the 4½ decades of blemishless service, patients and hospital were his first priority. Although he used to practice at home as per government norms, he was strict in discouraging hospital-patients and their bystanders from approaching him at home. The first-cum-first-serve followed for seeing patients is not compromised even in the case of VIPs and there is no prior appointment to see him. Despite these restrictions, the doctor has a busy practice at home even now.
And in the midst of such busy schedule, he has found time to present papers at 26 international conferences.
Like movement of pieces by the Divine Chessmaster, Dr.Shenoy’s life too has been seemingly redirected along unexpected lines. After he had obtained admission for B.Com, his businessman-father asked him whether he couldn’t study medicine. He immediately obtained the application form from the only medical college of Kerala at that time. Errors while filling it up forced him to obtain a fresh application form, which reached the college late. However, due to extension of last date, he got into the college and passed out with 6th rank.
After joining state medical service, he desired to come to the teaching field. And during the 32 years of teaching, he had the opportunity to mould a large number of students.
He had continued with the research project even after retirement despite many offers from private hospitals and abroad as he wasn’t confident whether his sincerity and honesty would be valued there.
Courtesy:
Joy Varghese, Mathrubhumi Arogyamasika, February 2006
Contributed by: Administrator
