Eminent plastic surgeon K. Mathangi Ramakrishnan no more

In News:

Eminent plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. K. Mathangi Ramakrishnan, pioneer of burn care in South India, passed away in Chennai on October 27, 2025, at the age of 91.

Analysis:

1. Distinguished Medical Career:
   • Dr. Mathangi Ramakrishnan established the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit at Government Kilpauk Medical College (KMC), Chennai.
   • The KMC unit became one of India’s leading government centres for comprehensive burn care and rehabilitation and continues as Tamil Nadu’s nodal government burns unit.
2. Education and Training:
   • Completed MBBS from Madras Medical College, Chennai.
   • Pursued advanced training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the United Kingdom and Maryland, USA.
3. Research and Innovation:
   • Collaborated with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, leading to the development of a collagen membrane as a burn wound cover — a technique that became widely used across India.
   • Authored multiple books, research papers, and journal articles on plastic surgery and burn care.
4. Institutional Contributions:
   • Served as Professor and Head of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at KMC.
   • Later, Emeritus Professor at the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and Emeritus Scientist at CLRI.
   • Was closely associated with CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, founded by her husband Dr. M.S. Ramakrishnan; later became Chairperson of CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation.
5. Recognitions and Awards:
   • Padma Shri (2002) – for pioneering work in burn treatment and reconstructive surgery.
   • Dr. B.C. Roy National Award – for outstanding service in clinical medicine.
   • Avvaiyar Award (2014) – Government of Tamil Nadu, for contributions in paediatric burn care.
   • G. Whitaker International Burns Prize (2009, Italy) – international recognition for burn treatment research.
   • Sushruta Gold Medal – Association of Surgeons of India.
   • Lifetime Achievement Award – National Academy of Burns India.
6. Professional Memberships:
   • Member – International Confederation of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
   • Member – International Society for Burn Injuries.
   • Fellow – National Academy of Medical Sciences (India).
   • Held leadership roles in Burns Association of India, and served as Regional Representative (South-East Asia) for the International Society for Burn Injuries.
7. Humanitarian Legacy:
   • Known for her compassionate approach to patient care, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds.
   • Her students and protégés continue to advance her legacy of excellence, ethics, and empathy in reconstructive medicine.
   • Donated her eyes to Sankara Nethralaya after death, reflecting her lifelong service-oriented philosophy.

Static / Background Information:

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A surgical specialty focusing on restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body, including aesthetic, reconstructive, and burn-related procedures.
• Burns Unit (KMC Chennai): Established by Dr. Mathangi Ramakrishnan; it remains one of India’s major government-run burn treatment centres, integrating surgery, rehabilitation, and research.
• CLRI (Central Leather Research Institute): A premier Indian research institution under CSIR, Chennai, which collaborated with medical professionals for biomedical innovations such as collagen-based wound dressings.
  
  Updated - October 27, 2025 1:38 pm | The Hindu