Dr K Sridhar honoured as Pioneer of Hand Surgery

SYMA feeling very happy and proud today !!!  

Miles away, in USA -  International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand,   was formed in 1966 for the purpose of coordinating the activities of the various Societies for Surgery of the Hand throughout the world and in this way to increase and spread knowledge of surgery of the hand. 

Its 16^th Triennial Congress is underway at Washington DC, USA -  Hosted by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, American Society of Hand Therapists, and American Association for Hand Surgery, the 2025 IFSSH and IFSHT Triennial Congressthe meeting is being held  in the capital of the United States of America. Washington, D.C . 

Traditionally during the Congresses of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand, a number of “Pioneers of Hand Surgery” are acknowledged. This is a long standing custom dating back to the 3rd Congress in Tokyo held in 1986. Since then, 243 physicians have been designated the prestigious title of “Pioneer of Hand Surgery”. To this number, 41 more are added this year. The IFSSH awards "Pioneer of Hand Surgery" status to any person who excels exceptionally, beyond what is normally expected in the field of hand surgery. 

The enormous contribution of the Pioneers to Hand Surgery will influence many generations of Hand Surgeons to come. Ultimately of course, their accomplishments will benefit countless patients far into the future. The IFSSH Membership therefore, expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to our Pioneers for enriching our passion, Hand Surgery.    A  Committee of highly distinguished Professionals  choose the Pioneers who  receive the award at the Opening Ceremony of the next Federation Congress.

 

The man born on 3^rd Feb 1949,   qualified as a Plastic Surgeon in 1980 from Stanley Medical College, Chennai and underwent further training in Hand and Microsurgery (Prof. Pho) from National University Hospital, Singapore, Chang Gung Hospital, Taiwan, and Dallas Craniofacial Center in USA. In 2014 he obtained a post graduate Diploma in Hospital and Healthcare management 

He was the one of the two first trainees in Plastic Surgery from Stanely Medical College, Chennai (1978 batch) which was developing into a major Hand Injury centre of the region. Part of the team which evolved protocols for massive number of hand injuries that they had to manage every day ( 30 to 35 hand injuries every day). Microsurgery was only then coming into practice in India and he assisted the first documented successful thumb replant of the region in 1982.

 

Extremely elated to know that Dr. K Sridhar has been awarded the "Pioneer of Hand Surgery" award in Washington D.C., by the international society of Hand Surgeons. It's the equivalent of a "lifetime achievement award" for half a century of tireless, incredibly dedicated work. (photo as it appears on the pioneer booklet of the Federation and a short video as shared by his son.

 

Known for his kind heart and calm disposition, he is extremely dedicated to social service and has been instrumental in the running of Kanchi Sankara Foundation which manages hospitals for the poor.  It was through his guidance and continuous motivation that SYMA launched itself into serving the poor with medical services.  Our SYMA medical centre initially functioned as a unit of KSF actively guided by Dr Sridhar and his wife Mrs Pankajam Sridhar, fondly known as Madam Subha.

 

With a kind and benevolent heart, he has been motivating us and SYMA owes a lot to him for guiding us properly.  We are extremely delighted at the honour bestowed on him today.  Seen here is Honble Governor of Tamilnadu releasing Dr Sridhar’s book – ‘The forgotten freedom fighters’ on Independence Day.

 
S. Sampathkumar
Vice-President SYMA
28.3.2025