Voices of Vellore - Fall 2022

VOICES VELLORE of

It was an evening highlighted by the presence of CBS Broadcast Journalist, Lesley Stahl, and NPR's awardwinning legal affairs correspondent, Nina Totenberg. At the Foundation’s 2022 Gala, we paid tribute to U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer, with the Foundation’s “2022 Dr. Ida Scudder Women’s Empowerment Award”. Ambassador Verveer’s is a remarkable story highlighted by her tireless efforts to address the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan and her ongoing commitment to countless woman's empowerment issues resulting in “sustainable” social and economic improvement.

The Foundation also recognized CMC Director, Dr. John Victor Peter, with its first ever "Healthcare Leadership Award". During his tenure as Director, Dr. Peter

demonstrated a true commitment to his promise that “Charity would be the soul of the work at CMC” and that the hospital’s staff would provide “compassionate, Christ-centered, holistic, cost-effective, and high-quality medical care”. History has shown that every CMC director that followed Dr. Ida Scudder remained true to the ethos she ingrained into the fabric of CMC, but none more successfully and faithfully than Dr. Peter.

The gala attendees were also entertained by the music of a cappella group, Backtrack Vocals, who in addition to performing a collection of songs performed from their own repertoire, sang the “CMC College Song” to the delight of the alumni (and other guests) in attendance.

The event was not only well attended by the Foundation’s

CMC’s U.S. Nursing and Medical alumni, but also by many members of the Scudder family, the faith-based community, and friends of the Foundation from varying walks of life. All seemed to enjoy the evening’s festivities.

(continued on page 4)

ORATION

CMC was delighted to honor Drs. Abhay and Rani Bang at its 11th annual Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration.

Read more on page 3.

board members and

Foundation Hosts Uplifting

Humanity-Themed Gala

to Shine Light on the Selfless Achievements of CMC Founder, Dr. Ida Scudder

- LESLEY STAHL, GALA EMCEE AND CBS BROADCAST JOURNALIST

"CMC’s alumni hold many of the most prominent faculty, research, surgical, and clinical positions in the world."

“The Challenge & Charm of Research with the People ”

BY DR. ABHAY BANG

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING EVENT

2022 CMC COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PRAYER GATHERING: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Details to come.

"CMC COMPASSIONATE | CMC STRONG"

As we approach the end of 2022, it is with tremendous gratitude that we look back at all that we’ve been able to accomplish with your support. We also reflect on how we can improve on and continue to carry out activities that best support CMC Vellore in its pursuit of excellence.

This year we have launched the “CMC Compassionate | CMC Strong” campaign that will allow us to provide transformational support to CMC and to its many programs in support of the disadvantaged and needy. Visit our website to learn more. Please consider making a year-end gift to the Foundation.

With our deepest gratitude, The Foundation staff – John, Deepika, Mabel, and Trish – wish you and your family all a very Happy and Blessed Christmas season!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends of CMC and the Vellore CMC Foundation,

I will forever be amazed and inspired by the selfless and visionary actions of Dr. Ida Scudder. Her ability to understand the importance of women’s empowerment and accomplish some of the most forward-thinking achievements of her time remain unparalleled. Lest we forget, Ida Scudder was the first female student to earn a medical degree from Cornell Medical College and the founder of the first all-women’s medical college in India. What makes it even more astonishing is that 120 years ago, Aunt Ida was creating opportunities for women in medicine that remain unattainable in a significant number of countries worldwide today

Although we – as a global society – continue to struggle with systemic challenges that prevent us from closing the gender gap and/or offering equal opportunity rights, we can be thankful and find purpose in our affiliation with CMC. This institution, that has been creating opportunities for women in medicine since 1918, today offers educational opportunities that accrue equally to both women and men. Through Ida’s legacy, we reinforce daily the art of the possible in all we do!

As the impact of the pandemic fades, the Foundation is once again channeling its resources toward the support of CMC’s outreach services, educational programs, and clinical research. At the moment, the Foundation is working to garner the resources needed to support (1) student and junior faculty research training activities, (2) senior faculty fellowship programs in the U.S., and (3) the support of CMC’s capital improvement needs. Please consider helping us support each of these three immediate needs.

Highlighted in this edition of 'Voices of Vellore' is a recap of our Spring Gala, the 11th Annual Dr. Ida Scudder Humanitarian Oration and an introduction to our newly elected board members.

As in the past, I hope you find this edition of our newsletter both informative and enjoyable. Thank you so much for your continued support and concern!

Sincerely,

A. Riehl

John

Challenge & Charm of Research with the People” – Ida S. Scudder

Every year, the Christian Medical College Vellore (CMC), together with the Vellore CMC Foundation, honors Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s legacy by recognizing an individual (or couple) who exemplify her courage, compassion, and dedication to the service of humanity.

At the 11th annual Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration, CMC was delighted to honor Drs. Abhay and Rani Bang in recognition of their tireless dedication to the needs of the poor, and their pioneering leadership in community-based health care. The Bangs, a passionately dedicated husband-and-wife team, have revolutionized healthcare for the most poverty-stricken areas of India and the world. Dr. Abhay Bang accepted the award on the couple’s behalf (as Dr. Rani Bang was unable to attend).

Dr. Bang spoke on “The Challenge & Charm of Research with the People”, describing the inspirational work the couple has undertaken over the past 36 years (while living in the marginalized and vulnerable tribal district of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra). They have been devoted to learning from and working amongst

the people, while developing a series of cost-effective, sustainable medical and public health programs. Through their non-profit organization, Society for Education, Action, and Research in Community Health (SEARCH), the Bangs have conducted world-class research on practical approaches to reducing mortality of young children in Adivasi communities. Their HomeBased Newborn and Child Care (HBNC) model has ignited worldwide interest in the prevention of neonatal deaths in high-mortality, resource-constrained settings. The HBNC model has been nationally and internationally recognized and is implemented globally, helping to save the lives of millions of vulnerable newborns and children yearly.

After receiving their MPH degrees in 1984, the Bangs founded SEARCH, which was their initial step in the development of partnerships with community leaders to promote health and development, and to create 'tribalfriendly' clinics as well as a hospital. In addition to tackling infant mortality

and neonatal care, the Bangs worked to address other areas of concern for rural communities, such as women's reproductive health and alcohol addiction in men. Their work in these areas have also significantly impacted the lives of the local communities, while influencing national and international policies.

The SEARCH for people’s health continues in Gadchiroli, and Dr. Bang invited students, faculty, and other medical specialist to consider going where the need is greatest. In his closing remarks, Dr. Bang impressed upon the audience that, “You are needed in Gadchiroli, and there are several Gadchirolis in India. You are needed there. Join their search.”

Today, Abhay and Rani are focused on developing models for chronic disease care for rural populations. They are also working to develop a new generation of leaders to carry the organization forward. The Bangs have started initiatives like Nirman and 'Living University' for young changemakers, exposing youth to the real challenges of rural and Adivasi communities and inspiring them to find sustainable solutions to health problems with the participatory approaches adopted by SEARCH.

Visit our website to watch the Oration: www.vellorecmc.org

" You are needed in Gadchiroli, and there are several Gadchirolis in India. You are needed there. Join their search."

“The

Humanitarian Oration Delivered by Dr. Abhay Bang

Foundation Hosts Uplifting

to Shine Light on the Selfless Achievements

Scudder

While at the podium, gala emcee, Lesley Stahl, shared her impression that “CMC stands alone as a beacon of light in India and as the standard-bearer for the entire global healthcare community”. She pointed out that “today, CMC is recognized as India's finest private medical college & hospital, and as the world’s largest Christian hospital”. In her closing comments she pointed out that “CMC’s alumni hold many of the most prominent faculty, research, surgical, and clinical positions in the world”. It was a beautiful tribute to the unique character and dedication to excellence that is so much a part of CMC.

The gala attendees also had the pleasure of witnessing an impromptu exchange of thoughts, ideas and experiences between Lesley Stahl and Nina Totenberg, who spoke about their respective careers as American television journalists in a profession that has been predominantly occupied

by men. Each was the first in their respective fields of expertise, Lesley as the first female White House correspondent and Nina as the first journalist to report on the Supreme Court’s private deliberations dating back to the Nixon Administration.

Some of the Gala’s other notable attendees included: acclaimed violinist, Mira Wang, Director of the Fogarty Institute, Dr. Roger Glass, Chairman

of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Langone Health, Dr. Steven Flanagan, and Yale University Cultural Historian of Modern China, Professor Jing Tsu.

This year’s gala represented the Foundation’s most successful fundraiser to date, raising more than double the amount raised at the Foundation’s 2018 gala celebration.

Humanity-Themed Gala

of CMC Founder, Dr. Ida

Lesley Stahl and Nina Totenberg on stage

Reformed Church in America representatives

Foundation President, John Riehl, Foundation Board Member, George Varughese

2023 represents the Vellore CMC Foundation’s 75th anniversary. Its founding in 1948 coincided with Dr. Ida Scudder’s decision to disband the U.S. Vellore Board, a governing body hand chosen by Aunt Ida that consisted of representatives of the U.S. faith-based community and prominent figures from within the business and medical professions. At this time, the governance of CMC was handed over to a Council formed in India, so Dr. Ida decided to restructure the organization to what it has become today – a fundraising and friend-raising foundation with the sole mission of supporting CMC Vellore.

We are looking forward to taking a trip down memory lane and celebrating the rich history of partnership with CMC that has transpired over the last 75 years! Among the activities that we have planned are a 75th Anniversary Gala to be held in the Fall of 2023, as well as an expanded Virtual Lecture Series (to include inspirational talks from CMC alumni, members of the Scudder family, Reformed Church in America historians and other experts from around the world), a tribute to CMC’s medical and nursing alumni here in the U.S. and much, much more!

Drs. Raj and Tina Narayan (Batch '69) and friends.

Charles Scudder, Ainsley Scudder, Laura Fisher Kaiser, and John Whitney Scudder

Dr. Albert Johnson (Batch '61), Dr. Barbara Stoll, Dr. Roger Glass Backtrack Vocals performed the ‘CMC College Song'

Foundation Welcomes New Board Chair and Members at its Annual Meeting

On April 29th, at an in-person event, the Foundation welcomed its newest Board and Foundation members to the organization. The meeting was held at the Harvard Club in New York City. Dr. Philip Ninan, in his concluding responsibility as Chairman of the Board Directors, presided over the meeting. (We are eternally grateful to Dr. Ninan for his exemplary service as Board Chair over the last three years.) At this year’s annual meeting, we welcomed Dr. Joy Mammen, CMC Associate Director (Medical), who shared the latest updates from CMC Vellore, highlighting CMC’s continued inspirational initiatives and accomplishments.

Center stage at each annual meeting is the electing and welcoming of new board members who were previously nominated to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. This year we welcome Dr. Raj Narayan (Batch ’69) back onto the board. Dr. Narayan recently transitioned to Chief of Neurosurgery at St.

Francis Hospital & Heart Center (Roslyn, NY). We also welcomed three new members: Mr. Jack Gillmar, Mr. Sabi Singh, and Dr. Alka Walter. Jack Gillmar is a Scudder family descendant and former teacher (Honolulu, HI). He also serves as a director on the Scudder Association Foundation Board.

Sabi Singh is the Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer of the Moffitt Cancer Center, as well as the President of Moffitt Hospital (Tampa, Florida). Dr. Alka Walter (CMC Ludhiana Alumna) is the Clinical Director for Family Medicine Obstetrics services at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics (Iowa City, IA).

New Board of Directors officer positions were filled by the following: Dr. Margaret Kumar (CON’ 63) as Chairperson, Dr. Honorine Ward (Batch ’69) as Vice Chairperson, Mr. Binu Varughese as Treasurer and Dr. David Reines as Secretary. We are very grateful to each for providing us with their specialized talents and time in support of the Vellore CMC Foundation!

Dr. Raj Narayan

Dr. Alka Walter

Mr. Jack Gillmar

Mr. Sabi Singh (continued from

Dr. Joy Mammen, CMC Associate Director (Medical), accepting an award on behalf of Dr. JV Peter, CMC Director

Vellore CMC Foundation Spring Gala

PROJECT UDPATES

Immunofluorescence Laboratory Dedicated in memory of Dr. Anand Date

The Department of Pathology dedicated their Immunofluorescence Laboratory in memory of CMC alumnus & former Head, Prof Anand Date in October 2022. Dr. Date, a brilliant nephropathologist and beloved teacher and friend, was born in England to an English mother and Indian father, but chose to work at CMC until retirement. The immunofluorescence laboratory at the new CMC Vellore Ranipet Campus was funded by alumni, family, and friends.

An immunofluorescence microscopy is an essential tool in the armamentarium of renal pathologists.

Current and former senior faculty, family and donors paid a moving tribute to a man who was so admired, not only for his work ethic and mentorship, but also for his eclectic tastes and encyclopedic knowledge of various subjects. A plaque was unveiled by Dr. Sunil Chandy and 'memory seeds' were planted.

After Pandemic-related Delays, the Mobile Ophthalmic Unit is Now on the Road

In 2019, FOV Australia, FOV UK, and the Foundation jointly funded the purchase of CMC's new mobile Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program to provide preventative care for patients who would otherwise suffer from a life of visual disability. The fully equipped mobile van arrived in Vellore on June 22, 2022, and a dedication was held during CMC’s General Council Meeting activities. After a staff poll, the vehicle was named 'Siloam', which is based on a pool in Jerusalem where Jesus cured a man of his blindness.

Shortly after, the Department of Ophthalmology held its first outreach clinic on September 9th at Nanjukondapuram village in the Kanyambadi block.

In advance of the clinic, a meeting with community stakeholders was held along with the Community Health and Development Department (CHAD) team to appraise them of this new facility. The first clinic was held along with the CHAD mobile clinic.

'Siloam' outreach clinic was held in September 2022.

First

New immunofluorescence microscope

Immunofluorescence Lab dedication

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 725 New York, NY 10115

Fourth Consecutive USAID ASHA Grant Award Creates Opportunity for CMC to Establish a Toxicology Lab

The Foundation has once again been named a recipient of USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program, making it the fourth consecutive grant received since 2018. The FY-2021 ASHA grant award of $792,000 will be used to establish an advanced toxicology laboratory to scientifically analyze the nature and quantity of pesticides, narcotics, and environmental toxins resulting in the effective diagnoses of and life-saving treatment for victims of attempted suicide. The new lab will represent the only poison control center serving more than 230 million people from six southern states. The laboratory will serve farmers, women suffering abuse, the unemployed, and young people who are most at risk of attempting suicide through poisoning.

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