Dr.S.S.K. Marthandam (1941–2011)

orthopedic surgeon who served as the former Vice Chancellor of Sri Ramachandra University, a prominent university in India and Chairman and Director of Orthopedic Care Centre at Ramachandra Medical centre. Dr. Marthandam began his career at a small public health centre in Tirunelveli district in south India and served in the Government General Hospital and Royapettah Government Hospital in Chennai before joining Sri Ramachandra University. He was the orthopedic consultant to several Chief Ministers and other prominent politicians in Tamilnadu during his flourishing career He is remembered for his outstanding contributions to the Field of Orthopedics in India. He was the man behind several pioneering techniques and therapies for treating orthopedic diseases and disorders. He was one among the few physicians who had the vision to translate research from bench side to bed side. He was a rare person in his field with the passion to involve in orthopedic research amidst his busy Clinical schedule. A pioneer in Cell based therapeutics for Arthritis, he was the person behind the work on Culture of human chondrocytes in a Novel TGP scaffold which is the first of its kind in India. This work in future will lead to successful transplantation of viable and stable cartilage tissues in thousands of patients battling with arthritis. His life and work will continue to touch arthritic patients near and far by helping to overcome the pain and morbidities of this chronic crippling disease. Though this great soul has departed us, his passion towards science and compassion towards fellow human beings will continue to remain in our memories for time immortal.