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
VOV | FALL 2021
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
VOV | FALL 2021
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
VOV | FALL 2021
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