Treating Complex Neurological Conditions with Skill and Care at MGM Healthcare!

Every life has a moment when curiosity meets opportunity, guiding choices in unexpected ways. Some discover their true calling through trial and error, while others find it in a single encounter that shifts everything. For Dr. Roopesh Kumar, that moment arrived during his medical rotations, a turning point that redirected his ambitions and reshaped his purpose.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Roopesh dreamed of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. He admired pioneers like the late Prof. Cherian and Dr. Girinath and imagined following in their footsteps, saving lives of patients with heart ailments. While his initial posting in cardiac surgery seemed promising, he realized the field did not fully capture his fascination.

The next rotation, however, brought him to neurosurgery. The complexity of the human brain, the precision required in every procedure, and the chance to make a deep impact on lives immediately drew him in. His mentors encouraged him, sharing their belief that neurosurgery held immense promise. Their guidance inspired him to take the leap.

Over 25 years, Dr. Kumar has built a career defined by skill, dedication, and compassion. Neurosurgery is not merely a profession for him but a calling. Every operation, consultation, and patient interaction reflects his commitment to serving those in need. His journey demonstrates how flexibility and openness to change can lead to extraordinary fulfillment.

Today, as Director of Neurosurgery at MGM Healthcare, Dr. Roopesh persists to combine precision with empathy, touching lives in ways that extend far beyond the operating room. His journey is an example to the power of discovery, the courage to change course, and the lasting impact of following one’s true passion.

Let us learn more about his journey:

Building a Neurosurgical Legacy at JIPMER

After completing his training in Neurosurgery, Dr. Roopesh returned to Chennai with the intention of starting his career in a private organization. He soon felt a calling to join a government institution and began applying to several places. During this period, he discovered that JIPMER, a renowned institute for many years, did not have a neurosurgical department. Patients with neurosurgical problems were being referred to Chennai from Pondicherry, which concerned the then health minister, who was eager to establish the department at JIPMER. By destiny, when Dr. Roopesh applied with this knowledge, he was immediately selected.

Joining JIPMER brought several challenges. As a government institution, there were numerous procedural formalities and paperwork required to initiate even basic functions, as neurosurgical facilities were minimal at that time. Establishing a new department meant there was an initial struggle to train doctors, nurses, and paramedics.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Roopesh found the process of training staff in operating theatres, the neurosurgical intensive care unit, and wards very rewarding. Support from general surgeons was invaluable, and gradually the program grew stronger. Today, the department stands as one of the leading neurosurgical centers, a testament to the vision and perseverance that shaped its foundation.

Building a Strong Neurosurgical Residency Program

When the Department of Neurosurgery at JIPMER began functioning efficiently, it became clear that a residency training program needed to be established. The program started with a single seat per year, which was later expanded.

The training was designed to be unique, allowing residents to engage in patient care from the first day and make independent decisions in management. Many neurosurgical trainees have now graduated from JIPMER, and all have established successful careers in their respective fields.

Bridging the Gap in Neurosurgical Training

Neurosurgical training focuses heavily on mastering anatomy, particularly microsurgical anatomy. The most effective way to achieve this understanding is through hands-on practice on cadavers. In India, cadaver training facilities remain limited compared to Western countries.

Existing programs, often conducted during national conferences, lasted only a day or two, which provided insufficient exposure for young neurosurgeons. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Roopesh identified the urgent need for a dedicated cadaver lab at a premier institute like JIPMER. This vision led him to establish a year-round facility aimed at equipping aspiring neurosurgeons with essential skills and practical experience.

Pioneering a Neurosurgical Society in Tamil Nadu

Dr. Roopesh observed that adjoining states such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka had established state neurosurgical societies. Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, however, had been the first regions in the country to initiate a formal neurosurgical program, yet surprisingly lacked a state society. Upon moving from Pondicherry to Chennai, Dr. Roopesh engaged with many neurosurgeons across major cities, emphasizing the importance of forming such a society.

At the 2016 annual Neurosurgical Conference held in Chennai, an open hall discussion took place among several neurosurgeons to establish a state society. This effort led to the first state conference held in Pondicherry in April 2017. Since then, annual meetings have been successfully conducted in major cities of Tamil Nadu every April, drawing strong attendance. As a culmination of these efforts, Dr. Roopesh is scheduled to assume the presidency of the society in the upcoming annual conference at CMC, Vellore.

Milestones of Excellence in Medicine

During his schooling, Dr. Roopesh received a state award for outstanding performance in Higher Secondary education. This early recognition became a guiding force, leading him to achieve many accolades over the years.

Among these, winning the Gold Medal in General Surgery and Paediatric Surgery holds a special place in his heart. As he advanced to become a Neurosurgeon, his most valued recognition was the Bischt Award from JIPMER for his research work. This was followed by the “Most Trusted Neurosurgeon” award and the title of Best Neurosurgeon-South, awarded by Outlook.

Expanding Neurosurgical Excellence Across India

A decade ago, the country had only one AIIMS, prompting the Government of India to establish multiple AIIMS-like institutions nationwide.

At that time, Dr. Roopesh was leading the department at JIPMER and was selected, along with a few other neurosurgeons from premier institutions, to contribute to the PMSSY project, which played a pivotal role in developing AIIMS-like centers. He was tasked with collaborating with HLL to procure the necessary equipment and instruments for the Neurosurgical departments in the first six AIIMS institutions.

Empowering the Next Generation of Neurosurgeons

From 2022 to 2024, Dr. Roopesh served as the chairman of the Young Neurosurgeons Forum under the Neurological Society of India (NSI). With guidance from the NSI leadership, he led efforts to expand the forum significantly, culminating in the launch of an annual dedicated meeting in June 2022.

The event continues to receive positive recognition from young neurosurgeons across the country. The forum serves as a platform for young neurosurgeons to share perspectives, discuss challenges, and seek solutions from peers nationwide. Dr. Roopesh expresses hope that the program will continue to thrive and provide a meaningful platform for residents in training to cultivate their vision of neurosurgery and form their future careers.

The Rise of Sub-Specialties in Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery currently comprises nearly eight to nine sub-specialties, each advancing in significant ways. These sub-specialties have their own professional societies and host annual conferences. Dr. Roopesh has been actively involved in many of these societies, serving as the general secretary of the Skull Base Surgery Society of India, the founder secretary of the Society of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring, and the chair of the National Educational Program for the Indian Society of Neuro-Oncology.

Many young neurosurgeons develop a strong interest in these sub-specialties and pursue specialized training after graduation. In the future, the field is expected to include neurosurgeons identified by their specific sub-specialties alongside general neurosurgeons.

Fostering Growth in Neurosurgery Through Conferences and Workshops

Neurosurgery sub-specialties hold annual meetings, and Dr. Roopesh actively participates in organizing these conferences. These gatherings provide a platform for aspiring neurosurgeons and established experts to come together, interact, and share their knowledge.

Being involved in such events brings a sense of fulfillment and pride. Beyond conferences, focused workshops carry significant value. They offer more than knowledge sharing, providing young neurosurgeons with practical, hands-on learning experiences that enrich their skills and understanding.

Sharing Knowledge in Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is not just practising surgery; it also involves sharing knowledge, showing the world what has been done differently, and highlighting ongoing learning. Publications hold great importance, not only in academic institutions but also in private organizations.

Dr. Roopesh was fortunate to work alongside colleagues who helped him publish their work in many reputable national and international journals. Equally important is sharing surgical videos and challenging cases to help young neurosurgeons learn. Dr. Roopesh believes that all neurosurgeons should publish their work in various journals to share knowledge widely and contribute to the growth of science.

The Changing Domain of Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is presently very different from what it was 25 years ago when Dr. Roopesh began his career. There are now many institutions offering neurosurgical training programs, and numerous neurosurgeons are trained every year. The question that arises is whether this training provides adequate experience for young neurosurgeons, and the challenge lies in whether they can gain enough hands-on practice. The field is becoming highly competitive, and patient expectations are very high. Young neurosurgeons must excel in certain sub-specialties to distinguish themselves.

In private institutions, neurosurgeons see all types of patients, whereas public institutes allow them the freedom to practice in their sub-specialty of interest. Dr. Roopesh emphasizes that in the future, neurosurgical practice should always be a team effort, with every team member contributing actively. This approach ensures growth in scientific knowledge, departmental capabilities, and organizational strength.

India, with its many qualified neurosurgeons, is already teaching the rest of the world advanced neurosurgical procedures. This expertise has led to an increasing number of international patients seeking Indian surgeons for their treatments.