More than medicine

Dr M Srinivas On Building Institutions And Serving Society

Aaditya Raj Kochar, AIS Noida, XII K

Dr M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS Delhi, brings over three decades of experience in academia, administration, and medical research. He has authored nearly 200 research papers and played a pivotal role in training thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. Dr Srinivas has also been instrumental in the establishment of over ten new medical colleges. In an exclusive interview with GT, he shares insights into his unwavering passion for serving people.

A chance to serve
I had the option of pursuing either engineering or medicine since I had studied physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology in high school. It was my mother who influenced my decision as she believed that medicine is the noblest form of service. In fact, my biggest inspiration comes from this philosophy of selfless service, something I’ve seen happening at places like Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. I believe that medicine is not just a profession - it’s a lifelong commitment to helping people.

From student to mentor
Being a student at AIIMS was deeply fulfilling, with comprehensive training in patient care and medical research. The transition from being a student to an administrator was a challenge, even though most doctors are good administrators because managing a patient’s health requires decision-making and problem solving skills. My real insight into hospital management began when I was given the task to establish a new medical institute in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, returning to AIIMS, Delhi as director, I balanced administration with patient care, teaching, and research. Managing an institution serving 15,000 OPD patients daily and thousands of students is tough, but the joy of serving a huge population and supporting students’ dreams is rewarding.
Treating with compassion
During graduation, I realised I was most at ease working with children, which led me to specialise in pediatric surgery. Treating children is challenging; they often associate doctors with fear. While it's tough to build trust in a government setup due to time constraints, I try to ease their anxiety during follow-ups. What drives me is knowing my treatment helps restore their health and gives them a chance at a long, healthy life.

Keys to success
To become a good doctor, the most important thing is hard work, as the medical field requires extensive studies, continuous skill development and practical training. At the same time, doctors need to have a holistic approach to health. As medical professionals, we must ourselves be physically fit, mentally healthy, socially aware, and spiritually grounded to be able to provide the best healthcare. Good doctors must  empathise with their patients, connect with them, and provide guidance that goes beyond just medical treatment.

Hands-on learning
When it comes to higher education, I want to tell you all that whatever field you choose, you should pursue it with dedication and excellence. In the field of medical education, lately I have seen a decline in clinical learning. Students are focusing more on theoretical knowledge and competitive exams than hands-on training. My advice to medical students would be to spend more time in hospitals, interact with patients, and develop strong clinical skills.

Role of artificial intelligence
While some fear AI may replace doctors, I see it as a valuable tool for diagnostics, data analysis, and personalised care. The human touch remains irreplaceable, and the aim should be to integrate AI into healthcare while ensuring that doctors also focus on patient interaction and develop more and more clinical skills.

Message for Amitians
Always follow your institution’s motto - Vidya Dadaati Vinayam. The more we learn, the humbler we should become. Your actions should be service-oriented so that you can help mankind.

Bridging academic borders

Amity And Ibaraki Join Hands To Foster Strong International Relations

ATPC | AUUP

Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, hosted a distinguished delegation from Ibaraki Prefecture*, Japan, on Feb 10 & 11, 2025. This visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening Indo-Japan relations and underscores Amity University’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and innovation.
The delegates were accorded a warm traditional welcome and then taken on an extensive tour of Amity University’s state-of-the-art research and innovation centres like Amity Centre for Artificial Intelligence (ACAI), Amity Innovation & Design Centre, Amity Institute of Aerospace/Nanotechnology, Amity Institute of Technology, and Amity Technical Placement Centre.
During the visit, AUUP proposed tailored upskilling programmes for Japanese employees in AI, robotics, and renewable energy. The programme focused on research and innovation collaborations on joint projects in AI, nanotechnology, robotics, and renewable energy, with faculty exchange programmes and co-authored publications. It was also proposed that cultural and academic ties would be strengthened through  cultural immersion modules, study tours to Ibaraki, and dual-degree programmes with Japanese universities.
A vital highlight of the visit was the inauguration of ‘Japan Desk’, jointly unveiled by Ibaraki power delegation, Prof (Dr) Balvinder Shukla, vice chancellor, AUUP; Prof (Dr) S K Khatri, additional pro vice chancellor, AUUP;
Dr Anjani Kumar Bhatnagar, head, ATPC, and other senior university officials. The Japan Desk will serve as a dedicated point of contact for facilitating collaborations, exchanges, and partnerships between AUUP and Japanese institutions.
The two-day programme, coordinated by Anupam Singh, assistant general manager, ATPC, not only highlighted the potential for technological and academic exchange between India and Japan but also reaffirmed the importance of cultural exchange in fostering stronger international relations.
*Ibaraki Prefecture is located on Japan's eastern Pacific coast, and is part of the Greater Tokyo Area.