The Hindu : National : Dr. T.J. Cherian passes away

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 07, 2006

National

National

Dr. T.J. Cherian passes away

Special Correspondent

T.J. Cherian

CHENNAI: Thayil John Cherian, cardio vascular and thoracic surgeon, died here on Monday. He was 85. A bachelor, he is survived by two sisters and a brother.

Dr. Cherian, who was ailing for some time, died of a head injury caused by a fall from the terrace of his apartment at Abiramapuram.

Revered by colleagues in the profession, many of whom he taught or guided or worked with, Dr. Cherian, more popularly known as TJC, was hospitalised recently. However, he had resumed consultations at Kaliappa Hospital, family members said.

The eldest of four children, Dr. Cherian was born in Kerala on August 29, 1920. He studied at the Madras Christian College School and later, the Madras Christian College before launching into a medical career that spanned several decades. He did his MBBS in the Madras Medical College before going on to specialise in cardio-vascular surgery and thoracic surgery between 1959 and 1963. Dr. Cherian was among the first few students sent to Australia, where he did his residency.

Dr. Cherian served in the Railways, working at various centres in Kerala and in Tiruchi and at Perambur in Chennai. He retired as the Chief Medical Officer of Southern Railway.

Dr. Cherian treated patients like his family members and was noted for meticulous attention, excellence in diagnosis, and, above all, concern for all, irrespective of their economic or social standing. Sometimes when pressed to accept a fee, he would joke, ``You cannot afford my charges.'' After retirement, TJC joined Vijaya Hospital and then moved on to Devaki Hospital. As seniors in the profession testified, his patients followed him wherever he went.

Dr. Cherian was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and had won several honours in the field of medicine.

``It is the time to honour the fact that Dr. Cherian was a great man who lived a life of service and integrity,'' said one of his close associates. ``It is amazing how he used to turnaround every place he worked in."

The funeral will take place on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at St. George's Cathedral here.

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