PGI neurosurgeon Vijay Kumar Kak passes away

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 16

Dr Vijay Kumar Kak, a distinguished neurosurgeon of the PGIMER and a colossus in the field of neurosurgery, passed away on Thursday. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the medical community and his dedication has inspired countless students and colleagues.

Born on October 15, 1938, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Professor Kak graduated from SN Medical College, Agra, in 1960 with distinctions in seven subjects, numerous gold medals and the Chancellor’s medal for best medical graduate. After completing his MS in general surgery, he pursued advanced studies and training in neurosurgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, from 1964 to 1969. It was during this time that he earned his FRCS (Eng) and FRCS (Edin).

In 1969, Dr Kak returned to India and joined the PGIMER as an assistant professor of neurosurgery. Alongside Prof DR Gulati, he transformed the neurosurgery unit into a full-fledged department in 1978. His areas of interest included spinal surgery, vascular neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery, stereotactic and functional neurosurgery and medical education.

Throughout his career, Dr Kak received significant accolades, including the lifetime achievement award from the Neurological Society of India in 2013 and the Madras Neuroscience Institute in 2016. He served as president of various medical societies and was elected a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Medical Sciences in 1983. His contributions garnered him awards such as the Dr BC Roy National Award (1985) and the Chandigarh Rattan.