Voices of Vellore - Fall 2021

VOICES New York, NY | vellorecmc.org

of VELLORE

FALL 2021

"There is tremendous value in being at the cutting edge of creating knowledge in medicine and in science. Research is a fundamental source of sustainability in terms of institutional value into the future."

- Dr. Philip Ninan Chair, Vellore CMC Foundation

Research Funding at the Forefront of Foundation’s Efforts to Support CMC

Carolina University. The event in its entirety was moderated by Dr. Honorine Ward, Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts

A

s a foundational pillar of the

collaborators, and U.S.-based research

Medical Center, and a member of the

Christian

College,

funding partners. The event, which was

Foundation Board.

Vellore (CMC), research is the

held on September 24, 2021, brought

Each of the three core discussions were

key to excellence in academic, clinical, and

together 17 top researchers from

broken into a twenty-minute session

translational medicine. CMC’s pursuit

Christian Medical College & Hospital,

kicked off by two opening statements.

of knowledge and innovation in service

Vellore (“CMC Vellore”) and the U.S.,

(continued on page 4)

of humanity has contributed immensely

as well as five members of the Vellore

to the provision of quality healthcare to

CMC Foundation (“Foundation”) staff.

its surrounding communities in India and

The Roundtable’s participants reflected

beyond.

a range of experiences and perspectives,

In parallel, the Vellore CMC Foundation

evidenced in a dialogue that transpired

Medical

has always sought for better ways to enrich CMC’s continued commitment to excellence and leadership in global health

through

research.

Recently,

the Foundation organized the first

around the three main topics, including: 1) the Foundation’s Role in Research, 2) the Need for Collaboration between CMC and International Institutions, and 3) the Transition from Medical Research

(virtual) Research Roundtable with

Concepts to Reality.

the goal of defining the Foundation’s

The Roundtable kicked off with an

role in advancing research through the

opening invocation followed by opening

development of productive relationships

remarks delivered by Dr. Philip Ninan,

with

and

the Foundation’s Board Chair and

research

Professor of Psychiatry at Eastern

CMC

administration,

faculty,

students

academic

"Vaccinate Vellore" A Campaign Update on Vaccinate Vellore! Reaching the Unreached.

Read more on page 3.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends of CMC and the Vellore CMC Foundation, In the words of Dr. Robert Holden, “The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts our perception to such an extent that it changes the world we see.” As I reflect – with unparalleled gratefulness – upon your charitable support

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

throughout the past eleven months, I cannot help but to view the world in a different light. My every interaction has changed for the better – be it with members of CMC Vellore, our board, our Foundation members, our staff or with every member of

DECEMBER 9: “REKINDLE: SISTERSHIPS IN MISSION"

our donor community.

An advent event in partnership with the Reformed Church in America.

thoughts have shifted towards the notion of reconnecting with you in person. We are organizing

DECEMBER 10: “IDA S. SCUDDER HUMANITARIAN ORATION"

2022. Concurrently, CMC is planning its 10th annual Dr. Ida Scudder Humanitarian Oration in

Mr. Azim Premji, Founder and Chair, Winpro and Philanthropist will be delivering the 10th Oration at CMC, Vellore. A link to a livestream will be provided.

APRIL 28: FOUNDATION GALA Details will be shared soon!

APRIL 29: FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING New York, New York

As I write to you, our world is finally showing signs of a return to “normalcy”, and consequently our a December luncheon for the pastors of Edison, New Jersey (and its surrounds), while also laying the groundwork to host a spring gala and an in-person annual meeting of our members in April December, while it organizes the grand opening of its Level One Trauma Center in Kannigapuram in the first quarter of 2022. Very exciting!

About the Foundation – While we have exceeded expectations in our efforts to support CMC in her pursuit of excellence in education and service, the Foundation is currently attempting to identify the right measure of effort needed to derive an equal degree of success in support of CMC’s pursuit of excellence in research. By increasing the role of the Foundation’s Research Committee, and as we form a new committee to help establish research partners for CMC within the U.S. academic community, our staff is concurrently strengthening the Foundation’s ties with CMC’s researchfocused faculty and students. The overarching goal of these efforts – taking place in tandem - is to enhance our attractiveness to Grantmakers within the private and public sectors of the U.S. donor community.

In this edition of Voices of Vellore, we are featuring a series of recent events that have taken place to direct the attention of CMC and the Foundation toward funding medical research. Additionally,

THINKING ABOUT INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING INTO YOUR ESTATE PLAN?

we will highlight CMC’s extraordinary efforts to combat COVID through its implementation of

The information necessary to include CMC in your will is provided below.

hospital in the Jawadhi Hills region of South India. We will also pay tribute to Dean Harris Berman

Charity: Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation, Inc. Address: 475 Riverside Drive Suite 725 New York, NY 10115 Tax ID#: 13-2735359

As in the past, it’s my genuine hope that you find all aspects of this edition of Voices of Vellore both

“Vaccinate Vellore”, and the U.S. nursing alumni’s efforts to financially support fourteen (14) full scholarships to the College of Nursing in the summer of 2022. Finally, we will provide you with an update on our efforts to secure the financial resources needed to build a CMC-managed maternity (of Tufts University School of Medicine), a longtime friend and supporter of CMC, who passed away on October 30, 2021.

informative and enjoyable!

With much appreciation and my fondest regards,

VelloreCMCFoundation @VCMCFoundation

2

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John A. Riehl

(continued from page 1)

Vaccinate Vellore! Campaign: "Reach the Unreached": Enabling communities to remain safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic

A

s

COVID-19

cases

began

to subside after the second wave in India, the Christian

Medical College, Vellore (CMC) began to focus its attention on breaking the

transmission

cycle

through

immunization. As a commitment to the local communities surrounding the Christian Medical College, Vellore, CMC set apart a supply of vaccines to provide to rural and vulnerable populations, targeting those who have difficulty in accessing the urban centers.

Through four of its community outreach departments and in coordination with the local government, CMC has held awareness programs and vaccine drives

Workers at the new Kannigapuram Hospital site participated in an "Awareness Program" held by the CONCH Nurses (Community Health Dept of the College of Nursing)

for rural, tribal, and disadvantaged

Effective Care Unit (LCECU) provide

urban populations. Together, the four

creating awareness to overcome fears

services to the urban slums and

units have delivered more than 18,000

and misinformation. In most areas, the

disadvantaged population living in the

doses free of charge as of October

Departments worked with community

city. RUHSA started the community roll

2021, with 70% being first doses.

volunteers who have been associated

out in June 2021, followed shortly by

with healthcare. Through education

Departments and Units Involved in

CHAD, LCECU and CONCH. CMC has

programs, they were motivated to

Community Work

also supported government-led mass

receive the vaccine, and subsequently

vaccination camps through deputation

these volunteers helped to create

of 250 – 350 nurses for each drive.

awareness in their respective villages

All vaccination drives involved teams

and enable the vaccine roll-out.

The Department of Community Health & Development (CHAD) extends over two blocks (Kaniyambadi and Anaicut) and provides primary and secondary healthcare

to

rural

communities,

including the tribal populations of the Jawadhi Hills. The Department of Rural Unit of Health and Social Affairs (RUHSA), works farther afield, located in rural KV Kuppam block, providing

with nursing, medical and social workers who were trained by the Emergency Department for resuscitation. Each center was provided with cold chain equipment, ancillary medical equipment such as monitors and defibrillators,

Pandemic Impact Report

and an ambulance was stationed for facilitation of patient movement in an

CMC’s newly published report is

emergency.

a testament to the partnership

Nursing Community Health (CONCH)

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

and generosity of its community

provides nurse run services in the urban

In conversations with members of the

of friends and supporters. Visit

slums as well as in rural communities

community, CMC perceived a significant

our website at vellorecmc.org to

in the Kannigapuram area. Lastly, in

amount of vaccine hesitancy and

view the report.

Vellore, teams from the Department

apprehension. The four departments

of Family Medicine and the Low Cost-

began by sensitizing the community and

community upliftment measures, in addition to healthcare. The College of

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3

(continued from page 1)

"Although in the last one and a half years, COVID took center stage in our deliberations, research refused to be pushed to the background."

- Dr. J.V. Peter, CMC Director The first session which focused on the

centers of excellence such as the Center

achieve this goal, both CMC and the

Foundation's role in advancing CMC

for Stem Cell Research and the Wellcome

Foundation have a role to play. One of

research opened with remarks made by

Trust Research Laboratory. CMC has

the suggestions offered was the support

Dr. Anna Pulimood, CMC Principal and

succeeded in fostering an environment

and development of departmental level

Professor of Pathology, and Dr. Vikram

that creates room for extraordinary

research. "The Foundation can think

Mathews, CMC Associate Director and

growth, and one of the Foundation’s

about interacting with departments

Professor of Hematology. The second

objectives is helping CMC tap into the

that want to do research as more than

session which focused on the cultivation

resources that will allow them to become

individuals, because a department that

of collaborative research activities opened

a global leader. So, the question posed was

begins to see two, three, four, successful

with remarks made by Dr. Gagandeep

whether the Foundation has a significant

people will ultimately wind up building

“Cherry” Kang, CMC Professor of

role to play in advancing research at CMC.

a program that will be internationally

Microbiology, and Dr. Anindya Dutta,

The answer, resoundingly, was a “yes”.

competitive." For the Foundation, that

Professor and Chair of Department of Genetics at University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Foundation Board Member. The third discussion which focused on the topic of research projects deemed most attractive to U.S. grant makers and donors opened with introductory comments made by Dr. Joy Mammen, CMC Associate Director

There is a meaningful role for the Foundation to play in pursuing new collaborative partners and new research funding opportunities to help facilitate additional scientific research projects at CMC at a large scale.

The Need for Collaboration between CMC and International Institutions

and Professor & Head of Transfusion

Dr.

Medicine and Immunohematology, and

the

Dr. Niranjan Bose, Managing Director

collaborations

of Health and Life Sciences at Gates

to more easily access the resources

Ventures and Foundation Board Member.

available on the international stage. To

Foundation’s

Role

in

Gagandeep importance

Kang

emphasized

of

international

for global recognition

Advancing

Research at CMC CMC, as it is currently structured as a multi-disciplinary academic and patient care facility, possesses the organizational strengths and potential to excel in various forms of scientific research. To date, it has earned a respectable reputation for research methods and solutions that are rooted in cutting edge science and designed to work in under-resourced areas. It has become one of the leading contributors of medical research articles in India and home to nationally recognized 4

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The first (virtual) Research Roundtable

would require a better understanding of research activities that are taking place currently at relevant departments.

Additionally, the Foundation is dedicated to the implementation of a networking strategy that facilitates the matching of CMC departments and individual researchers with like-minded academic institutions and individuals from within the U.S. Healthcare System.

The Transition from Medical Research Concepts to Reality The last topic of discussion was focused on best practices for the transition from

(continued from page 4) medical research concepts to reality. As

vibrant. In the last 15

a past program officer at the Melinda and

months, it appears that

Bill Gates Foundation, Dr. Bose provided

CMC had just over

valuable insights on how the Foundation

1,000

can strategize and approach potential

As CMC Director, Dr.

funders. He noted that fundable research

J.V. Peter has been

provides the promise (or expectation)

a

of producing (1) novel insights, (2)

for advancements in

innovations, and (3) a recognizable line of

research at CMC. He

sight to impact.

shared his aspirations

The Roundtable was concluded with

for

closing remarks by Dr. J.V. Peter, CMC Director and Professor of Critical Care Medicine. He shared that “although in the last one and a half years, COVID took center stage in our deliberations, research refused to be pushed to the background. It has been active and

publications”.

strong

the

advocate Dr. Gangandeep Kang conducting research at CMC, Vellore Photo credit: C. Venkatachalapathy

institution,

including the creation of a core research facility and foundation, as well as the implementation of a good I.T. structure bringing in bioinformatics and large data analytics. He concluded by inviting all to “dream with us and make our dreams come true”.

Today, CMC provides the needed resources, track record, and academic desire to produce groundbreaking and internationally

recognized

research.

CMC Vellore and the Foundation are daring to dream bigger and work together to bring CMC Research to the global stage.

11th Annual Research Day at CMC Vellore medical and surgical research’ as a separate category.

The highlights of the evening ceremony were the Special Orations by distinguished retired faculty of the institution: Dr. Chandran Gnanamuthu, Professor of Neurology, and Dr. S. Gunasekaran Vaz, Professor of Physiology. Dr. Chandran reminisced on his research journey at CMC over the past decades in the National and International context. Dr. Gunasekaran dwelt on extensive lab and pre-clinical work on pancreatic islet transplantation.

The 11th Annual Research Day was organized by the Office of Research, Christian Medical College, Vellore on October 21-22, 2021. The annual event showcases research activities undertaken by the faculty and students of Medical specialties, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences along with Field and Epidemiology, Bioengineering and the various PhD programs at CMC. This year also highlighted ‘COVID-19 related basic,

A total of 224 poster presentations and 245 podium presentations were given over two days, and about 110 prizes were distributed to students. The Dr. Shubhanker Mitra Memorial Award for the best Undergraduate paper for Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences were given to Ms. Sara Elsa John, Ms. Jeemi Delles L, and Ms. Sandra Susan Kuriakose, respectively. This year the Department of Endocrinology emerged as the overall winners and were given the Rolling Trophy by the Chief Guests Drs. Gnanamuthu and Vaz.

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5

College of Nursing (CON) Reunion Inspires, Motivates, And Raises Funds to Provide Scholarships to Under-Resourced Students

By Dr. Margaret Kumar

T

he 2nd North American CMC College

of

Nursing

(CON)

Virtual Reunion took place on

October 16th. Dr. Vinciya Pandian (Batch ‘92) was our outstanding moderator and behind the scenes organizer of this very successful event. The Alumni organizing team comprised of Dr. Vinciya Pandian, Dr. Jane von Gaudecker, Lydia Booher,

The effervescent and talented batch of 1992 performed a lively and animated trio of songs, skits and dances at the virtual reunion.

Bessy Thangavelu and Dr. Margaret Kumar along with Mr. John Riehl and

raising $6,370 thanks to a matching gift

by Ms. Kuruvilla with a passion and love

Ms. Mabel Haro from the Vellore CMC

from an anonymous donor.

that certainly resonated with all of us

Foundation decided that this event

Testimonials from past scholarship

who had the privilege of knowing Ms.

would pay tribute to Ms. Aleyamma

recipients and a gracious message

Kuruvilla. Mercy John (Batch '93) and

Kuruvilla, the first Indian Dean of the

from CON Dean, Dr. Vathsala Sadan

Mr. Sunny Philip (formerly with CMC’s

CON who sadly passed away at the end

who provided insight into the impact

Chaplaincy Dept.) gave inspiring talks

of 2020.

these scholarships have on the young

on how the hand of God has led and

As an homage to Ms. Kuruvilla, a

women applying to become a “CMC

guided us through all these years. Mr.

dedicated mentor and developer of

Nurse”. CON alumni then spoke about

Philip also spoke on what it means to be

people, a scholarship fund for deserving

the reasons they gave to this effort and

part of the Ida S. Scudder heritage and

nursing students was named in her

appealed to fellow alumni to give back

encouraged us to share stories about

honor. This year, we are committed

to their Alma Mater for so much that

ourselves and about the role CMC has

to helping raise the funds needed to

had been given to them.

played in our lives.

provide 14 scholarships to deserving

Former CON Dean, Dr. Selva Titus

The

students. At this event, we set to raise

Chacko delivered a heartfelt tribute to

connectedness, and pride is hard to

$6,000 towards that goal. By the end of

Ms. Kuruvilla. She traced the history,

describe, but very much present as we

the evening, we had surpassed our goal,

accomplishments, and awards received

all adjourned that evening.

feelings

of

nostalgia,

fun,

Empowering the Next Generation of Nurses In the last year, the number of scholarship applicants nearly All donations made by December 31st will be matched dollardoubled because of the hardships endured throughout the for-dollar up to $15,000, thanks to our matching gift sponsor, pandemic. This year, our goal is to provide 14 full scholarships the United Methodist Women. and support CMC's dedication to providing quality education to Join us in empowering young aspiring nurses to become the every deserving student. Every $50, $100, or $1,000 will make next generation of front-line health care workers serving their a life-changing impact in the students' lives.

6

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communities.

A CMC Memoir, An Excerpt from 'Passages'

By Deepika Srivastava

M

y

earliest

memory

of

Christian Medical College (CMC)

and

Hospital

in

Vellore, India was gleefully riding a tricycle in the lush green and verdant settings of the College Campus. I was born at CMC during one of my parents' annual visits to generations of family who trained and worked there. Being a “CMC baby” offered me an understanding about the Healing Ministry of Christ through CMC from a very early age […] Little did I know that many decades later, God would

short journey helped me expeditiously

through His lens. I know that as we

graciously allow me to play a modest

learn

relationships

continue to experience God’s living

role in her mission through the Vellore

are always mutually beneficial and

presence in our lives we will as Aunt

CMC Foundation.

transformative in God’s established

Ida wisely said more than a century

priorities.

ago, “See the Invisible and achieve the

a member of the Department of General

Fast forward many years later […] I

impossible!”

Surgery and among those who helped

was introduced to staff at the Vellore

In the final reflections, Reverend Dr.

to lay the foundation for the specialty of

CMC Foundation through a mutual

Chandra Soans, Senior Pastor, Grace

Peripheral Vascular Surgery in his realm.

friend from Bible Study Fellowship

Trinity United Church of Christ shared

One evening, trying to give my parents

International, a global organization

his deep connections with CMC and

a break from a rambunctious 5-year-

I have been involved with for many

highlighted CMC as a place of honesty,

old, he took me on one of his regular

years. As I sit in my virtual office today,

transparency, dignity, excellence and

visits to the local villages and hamlets.

I am reminded of God’s faithfulness in

godliness where we can experience

My uncle’s work initiative, launched

weaving our stories intricately so that

God’s living presence and expect great

by CMC’s Department of Community

we can highlight His empowerment in

things from God.

Health and Development (CHAD), was a

our lives.

vast expansion of the “Roadside Clinics”

One

started by Dr. Ida Scudder. The program

campaigns for CMC is the Maternity

aimed at improving health outcomes

Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal

through the provision of primary care

Care Hospital in the rural Jawadhi

and holistic support services to rural

Hills near Vellore. We are not far from

and tribal communities. I was given the

reaching our goal with this hospital that

job of helping the village children make

will help entrenched and marginalized

decorations and prepare for [Christmas]

communities obtain opportune medical

festivities celebrating. I experienced

intervention! As I reminisce on the

abundant exuberance along with the

radiant faces of healthy children in the

Read the full article in our latest publication, ‘Passages’.

community and observed the immense

village visit with my uncle so long ago,

Go to vellorecmc.org/newsroom

joy and dedication to compassionate

I am reminded that God invites and

service evident through my uncle. This

blesses us all to dream and imagine

My uncle, Dr. Sampath Savarirayan was

that

of

reciprocal

the

Foundation's

latest

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7

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 725 New York, NY 10115

Remembering the life of Harris Berman, Tufts University School of Medicine Dean Emeritus and Loyal Friend of CMC Dr. Harris Alan Berman, dean emeritus of the Tufts University School of Medicine, passed away on October 30, 2021 after an extraordinary life of mastery, generosity, and principle.

For nearly half a century, he held influential positions in the American medical community, but to those who knew him, his achievements were exceeded by a seemingly inexhaustible spirit of caregiving, integrity, and stewardship. At Tufts, he spearheaded the expansion of the Global Health Program, and has helped grow the affiliation between Tufts and Christian Medical College in Vellore, South India, into many new areas of cooperation.

CMC and the Vellore CMC Foundation are forever grateful for his kind spirit and compassion. His legacy will be long remembered.

The Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 725 New York, NY 10115

P.O. Box 22423 New York, NY 10087-2423 *This address is for donations only.

www.vellorecmc.org foundation@vellorecmc.org