Vol.No.56 No.
04 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26
Dr. Sunil Jonathan Holla retires
Dr. Sunil Jonathan Holla, Professor
of Anatomy retired on 23rd June, 2019
after 33 years of dedicated service to
the institution. He joined CMC, as a
MBBS student in 1977 and joined the
Department of Anatomy as a Non-PG
demonstrator in 1986, after completing
his service obligation at Jivan Jyothi
Christian Hospital, Robertsganj, UP.
He joined the department as a member
of the faculty in 1990, and after
completion of MS Anatomy in CMC,
from the year 2007 to 2011, he headed
the department.
During his tenure in CMC, he worked
at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health
Sciences (Dharan, Nepal), Kathmandu
University Medical School (Banepa,
Nepal), Mekelle University (Ethiopia)
and American University of Antigua
while on sabbatical leave. While at
Kathmandu University, he received the
‘Favorite Basic Science Teacher
Award’ in 2004.
Dr. Sunil’s field of interest was Medical
Education. He completed Fellowship in
Medical Education Research (FAIMER)
at PSG Coimbato re, associated with
FAIMER Institute, USA and Advance
Course in Medical Education (ACME)
at MCI Nodal Centre, St. John’s Medical
JULY 22, 2019
College, Bangalore. He actively
contributed to the Medical
Education Unit in CMC. He was a
co-convener for the MCI Nodal
centre for National Faculty
Development at CMC and for the
Advanced Course in Medical
Education. He served as an MCI-
appointed observer and resource
person at training workshops in
other institutions as well. He was a
member of the committee which
drafted the curriculum for Basic
Sciences for Medical Council of
India in 2011 and of the
committee which revamped the
MBBS Curriculum of the
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical
University in 2016. Apart from this,
he was a Member of Board of
Studies for MD Anatomy of the
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical
University and also a Member of
Board of Studies for MBBS of
Manipal University.
Dr. Sunil was instrumental in
getting more computers and LCD
projectors for teaching purpose in
the department. He had visited
TUFTS University, Boston, USA in
2009 for training in E-learning.
Special Prayers: July 21 - 27, 2019
Clinical Microbiology :
Dr. Joy Sarojini Michael and Staff
Clinical Virology : Dr. Rajesh K. and Staff
CSI Vellore Diocese
Council Members :
Rt. Rev. Sharma Nithyanandham
Dr. C. Anbu Suresh Rao
Hospital : Scudder Memorial Hospital, Ranipet
and CSI Hospital, Vandavasi
Council for World Mission
Council Members :
Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen
Rev. Dr. D.R. Sadananda
Sunday Services : July 28, 2019
6.00 pm : Scudder Auditorium
Mr. T.S. Ravikumar
6.30 pm : Hospital Chapel
Dr. Solomon Victus
5.00 pm : Friendship Chapel, KPTR Campus
Mrs. Nirmala Raj
4.30 pm : Chittoor Chapel
Dr. Vijatha
He was also instrumental in uploading
the anatomy teaching resource
materials onto the e-learning web site.
Digitalization of Dr. Harsha’s
diagrams was one of his pet projects.
He recently co-authored the 1st South
Asian Student’s edition of Gray’s
Anatomy.
Within the institution, the
responsibilities he shouldered were
many. He was the Chief Superintendent
CMC Newsline
of Examination, served as the Men’s
Hostel doctor for 2 years, was the
co-ordinator for the Foundation
Course for MBBS students, was a
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 Continued from Page 1

Dr. Sunil Jonathan Holla retires Continued from Page 1

member of the Administrative Committee of CMC, Vellore from 2015 to 2017 and a member of the task force
to implement the extension of employability of Medical Faculty from 60 years to 65 years in CMC.
Dr. Sunil was deeply interested in medical missions. He served as the co-ordinator for Secondary Hospital
Program for MBBS students from 2007 to 2011. Closer to retirement he finished the PG Diploma in
Family Medicine course in 2018 and worked as a Medical Officer at The Duncan Hospital, Raxaul, Bihar for
4 months in 2018.
His wife, Muriel, is supportive of all his activities. They have two sons, Jonathan who is currently doing his
M.S. Orthopaedics in CMC and David who works as a chief sub-editor in New Indian Express, Hyderabad.
Dr. Sunil’s love for God and his devotion to his family are his outstanding qualities. CMC family thanks
Dr. Sunil Holla for his valuable contributions and years of dedicated service to the institution and wishes him
God’s blessings on his retired life.

Workshop on HIV update

The Department of Infectious Diseases and Transfusion
Medicine conducted a work shop on ‘HIV Infection -
An Update’ from 20th to 22nd June 2019.There were twenty
five participants from private and government sectors all
over India. The workshop was inaugurated with a word
of prayer and introduction to the workshop by
Dr. Joy Mammen, Professor and Head, Department of
Transfusion Medicine followed by welcome speech by
Dr.Priscilla Rupali, Professor, Department of Infectious
Diseases.
The focus of the workshop was to develop and improve competency in managing HIV patients. The initial
session was on “Changing HIV Epidemiology in India” by Dr.O.C. Abraham followed by sessions on case
based approach to various opportunistic Infections, HIV prevention and management dealt by various faculties
from CMC. Dr. Joy Mammen led a session on “Strategies for Safe Blood Transfusion”, highlighting the need
for promoting voluntary blood donation in minimising the risk for transfusion related infections.
Apart from the lectures the participants had the opportunity to visit the virology lab and learn about various
diagnostics in making quick diagnosis and monitoring HIV therapy. The concluding session was an impressive
talk given by Dr. Anand Zachariah about the “History of AIDS in India, and Development of HIV Care in
Vellore; Lessons for Future” where he outlined the proactive role of CMC in treating HIV patients during the
initial epidemic and assisting government in evolving various HIV care policies. In the last day, the participants
also visited the CMC NACO antiretroviral therapy centre and learnt about the working pattern and
programmatic management of HIV care. The workshop was much appreciated by the participants. The Tamil
Nadu M.G.R. Medical University has awarded thirty credit points for the same.

Congratulations!
• Dr. Nitin S. Kekre, Professor of Urology Unit-II, for being elected as President of Association of Southern
Urologist of the South Zone branch of Urological Society of India for a period of one year.
• The following MBBS students won University Medals at the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University
convocation which was held on 29th June, 2019.
CMC Newsline

Ms. Namrata Mathew - The Balfour Memorial Prize and The Gangadaram Lakshmi Narayanamma Prize
Ms. Celine Sarah Thomas - The Dr. A.C. Asirvada Nadar Memorial Prize
Mr. Desai Sudhamsh Reddy - The Dr. A.C. Asirvada Nadar Memorial Prize

2
 Memoranda
• The Unit of Paediatric Orthopaedics which was functioning as a separate unit from 14th December 2007, will
henceforth function as Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics with effect from 1st May, 2019.
Dr. Thomas Palocaren, Professor will continue to Head this Department.
• Rev. Dr. T. Arul Dhas, Reader is appointed as Head of Chaplainy Department with effect from
15th July, 2019 until further notice.
• Mrs. Shandrila Gnanatheebam R., Professor in Community Health Nursing, is appointed as Deputy
Registrar, College of Nursing for a period of four years with effect from 12th August, 2019.

Retirements

st
• Mr. K. Balachandran, Accounts Officer, Accounts Department retired on 31 May 2019,
after 33 years of dedicated service to the institution. His son, Mr. B.Venkat Narayanan is
working in a Private Company in Chengalpet.

• Mr. D. Santhakumaran, Artisan Non I.T.I Gr.I (Pump Driver), Environmental Engineering
st
Unit retired on 1 June 2019, after 32 years of dedicated service to the institution. He has a son
and a daughter. His son, Mr. Sasikumar is doing internship after completion of DHEM course
at CMC Kannigapuram Campus and daughter, Ms. Saraswathy is doing internship in 'A' Block,
after completion of Diploma Nursing in CMC.

rd
• Mr. S. Arputharaj, Hospital Attendant Gr.I, Pharmacy Service retired on 3 June 2019, after
32 years of dedicated service to the institution. He has a son and a daughter. His son,
Mr. Edwin is pursuing M.Phil., (Physical Education) in Sports University, Chennai and his
daughter, Ms. Catherine Mary is doing M.Sc. Maths.

The CMC community is thankful for their years of dedication and commitment to the institution and wishes
them God’s blessings on their retired life.
Situations Vacant
1. Assistant Professor with M.Ch (Paed. Surgery) for the Department of Paediatric Surgery
Salary scale : As per institutional rules. Accommodation provided (Partly furnished, depending on availability).
2. Tutor Gr.IV with BOT (Regular Course) for the Department of Paediatrics Unit-II (Paediatric
Rheumatology)
Interested to work with children with various rheumatic diseases.
Salary : As per institutional rules. Accommodation not provided.
Apply with bio-data, certificates and testimonial copies with contact phone number, e-mail ID and address to
the Principal, Christian Medical College, Bagayam, Vellore - 632 002 or by e-mail: princi@cmcvellore.ac.in
on or before July 27, 2019 for item 1 and August 03, 2019 for item 2.
3. Applications are invited for the following posts for the CMC Vellore Chittoor Campus
• Senior Resident / Assistant Professor / Assistant Physician / Associate Professor / Associate
Physician / Professor / Physician with DA / MD / DNB in Anaesthesia.
CMC Newsline

• Senior Resident / Assistant Surgeon / Assistant Physician / Associate Surgeon / Associate Physician /
Surgeon with MS / MD / DNB / DGO in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
• Senior Resident / Assistant Surgeon / Assistant Professor / Associate Surgeon / Associate Professor
/ Surgeon with MS / DNB in Orthopaedics.
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Situations Vacant Continued from Page 3

• Senior Resident / Assistant Professor / Assistant Physician / Associate Professor / Associate

Physician / Professor / Physician with D.Ch / MD / DNB in Paediatrics.
• Senior Resident / Assistant Surgeon / Assistant Physician / Associate Surgeon / Associate Physician /
Surgeon with MS / DNB in General Surgery.
• Senior Resident / Assistant Surgeon /Assistant Professor / Associate Surgeon / Associate Professor/
Surgeon with D.LO / MS in ENT.
Salary : As per institutional rules.
Please log on to http://www.cmch-vellore.edu Link: “Vacancies” or email to dir.hr@cmcvellore.ac.in
with bio-data, certificates and testimonial copies with contact phone number, e-mail ID and address.
Applications will close on August 05, 2019 for Item 3.

4. Staff II Developmental Therapist for the Department of Developmental Paediatrics

Qualification : B.Sc. in any speciality with PG Diploma in Clinical Child Development or PG Diploma in early
intervention of PG Diploma in Developmental Therapy : Multiple Disabilities (Physical and Neurological)
(PGDDT) of PG Diploma in Developmental Therapy (PGDDT).
Salary : As per institutional rules.
Age limit : 35 years. Accommodation not provided.
Job description : Assessing and offering assistance to children with developmental delay.

5(a) Graduate Technician Trainee for the Department of Clinical Haematology

Qualifications : B.Sc. Life Science or B.Sc. MLT.
Stipend : As per institutional rules. Age : 30 years.

5(b) Staff II Molecular Genetics / Cytogenetics Technician for the Department of Clinical Haematology
Qualifications : B.Sc. with PG Diploma in Molecular Genetics / PG Diploma in Cytogenetics.
Stipend : As per institutional rules.
Age limit : 35 years.
Accommodation not provided.
Job description : Performing special tests and supervising as necessary routine tests and ensuring that the
hospital policies and Department of Haematology SOPs and guidelines are being followed, in addition, they
should develop new assay methods.
Applications to be done only through online application system. Please log on to http://www.cmch-vellore.edu
Link: “Vacancies”. Note : Only online applications will be accepted; Hard copies will not be accepted.
Applications will close on August 05, 2019 for Items 4, 5(a) and 5(b).

6. Ida Scudder School, Vellore - 632 006, Tamil Nadu (Affiliated to the CISCE, New Delhi)
The school invites applications for :
(a) Part time Chemistry teacher proficient in English to teach students of classes 6 to 11, on leave
vacancy.
(b) Full time trained Physical Education teacher proficient in English.
Apply to the Correspondent, Ida Scudder School, No.1, Kalinjur Main Road, Viruthampet, Vellore – 632 006,
Tamil Nadu, on or before July 27, 2019 by furnishing your CV.
CMC Newsline

4
PROMOTIONS OFFICE
 Know your Department - Gynaecologic Oncology

JULY 22, 2019

The Beginings:

Before the Gynaecologic Oncology unit came into being, gynaecological cancers were treated by the
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for several decades.
• In 1996 the Reproductive Medicine Unit separated and began to function on its own. He remaining three units
retained their status quo.
• Dr. Paranjothy was interested in trophoblastic tumours and many of the stalwarts of yesteryears were well
versed in radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.
• Dr. Lakshmi Seshadri had training in colposcopy in Sydney and Dr. Alice George worked with Prof Margret
Davies in Adelaide.
• The department decided on sub-specialisation and Dr. Abraham Peedicayil went to the Mayo Clinic to do a
fellowship in gynaecologic oncology from 2008 to 2011.
• In 2010, the three general units were re-organised in to five functional units. Thus OG Unit-I was designated
as the gynaecologic oncology unit and all women’s cancers were referred to this unit headed by Prof Alice
George. Prof Lakshmi Seshadri moved in to this unit along with Drs Rachel Chandy and Anitha Thomas.
Dr. Abraham Peedicayil joined this unit on his return and took over the headship. After Drs Alice and Lakshmi
retired, Drs Vinotha Thomas and Ajit Sebastian also joined as junior faculty.
• In 2013, the department started a 2-year institutional gynaecologic oncology fellowship with Dr. Rachel and
Dr.Anitha as the first batch of fellows. This programme was upgraded to a University Fellowship in January
2015 with Dr. Ajit Sebastian and Dr. Dhanya Thomas as the fellows.
• In 2015, in order to start the M.Ch course the unit separated off to become a full-fledged department.
• In 2016, The 3-year M.Ch course was started with Dr. Anitha Thomas and Dr. PriyaBhati as the first batch of
MCh trainees.
How does the Department function?
The department works in close collaboration with the Departments of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology,
Radiology, Pathology and Palliative Care. A weekly multidisciplinary meeting is held to discuss difficult cases,
plan treatments and review the biopsy reports. Quite often intra-operative consultations are sought from colorectal
surgery, urology, vascular surgery and plastic surgery so that
complex operations can be undertaken to remove all gross
tumour. The department has kept up with the advancements of
technology with endoscopy, sentinel node mapping and
hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
The department organises regular home visits, which keeps a check
on the patients who default treatment. The designated social
worker assists in mobilising finances, psychosexual counselling
and scheduling hospital visits and the oncology nurse takes care
of wound care, stoma care and patient follow up. Both the social
worker and the nurse, assists in after life care too. P.T.O
Cancer Screening Clinic:
This clinic emphasises the importance of early detection as well
as primary prevention. The clinic aims to work in close
collaboration with community health departments (CHAD,
RUHSA), Family Medicine and Community Nursing.

Survivor Meet:
Every year, the department organises a survivor meet where
cancer patients with their spouses are invited for a time of
sharing, education and celebration. This meet provides holistic
care and upholds the integrity and personhood of the patient.

Academic Activities:
Scientific publications, CME’s, workshops and national conferences are frequent activities which are organised
by the department. The faculty and trainees are encouraged to attend workshops and conferences for their
career growth as well as dissemination of the work done at Vellore.Cancer care is expensive and research in to
cost-effective approaches, less morbid treatments and personalised medicine need to be kept in mind.

Advancements for the future:

Robotic surgery has been an unfulfilled dream. In the future, the department hopes to expand and consolidate
its clinical services, improve patient follow up, be involved in cancer research and be a part of a larger cancer
centre in one of the new campuses of CMC.