A New Era of Healthcare Education at SRMIST
Healthcare is more than just knowledge and technical skills; it is a profession built on compassion, resilience, and ethical integrity. These words were echoed by Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), during the Induction Ceremony held at SRMIST-KTR in Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu. The event marked the official welcome of the new batch of students to the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Over 1,500 freshers from various disciplines such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Allied Health Sciences attended the ceremony.
Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director of the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, emphasized the importance of collaboration over competition. He highlighted that SRMIST stands out as an institution where students from different fields come together, fostering mutual respect and understanding. Modern healthcare relies heavily on teamwork among doctors, therapists, pharmacists, and other allied professionals. He encouraged the students to grow together, nurture each other, and embrace the opportunity to become compassionate and competent individuals.
Dr. Muthamizhchelvan extended his congratulations to the incoming students and expressed pride in the diverse and enriching environment at SRMIST. With over 70% of students coming from outside Tamil Nadu, the university offers a unique opportunity for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary learning. As one of the top 1% institutions in India, SRMIST has achieved this status through the collective efforts of its students, faculty, and staff. The university encourages not only academic excellence but also innovation, research, and entrepreneurship through dedicated centers.
He reminded the students that healthcare is about more than just clinical skills. It involves building meaningful connections with patients and mentors, embracing lifelong learning, and upholding the highest standards of integrity. These qualities will shape them into skilled and trusted healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Dean & Pro-Vice Chancellor (i/c) of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, spoke about the critical role these students will play in shaping a healthier India and a healthier world. He noted that they are entering the profession at a time when the world needs resilient, innovative, and ethically grounded healthcare professionals. The path ahead may be challenging, but it is also rewarding. He urged the students to remain humble, grounded, and committed to their calling.
Dr. B. Rajashekhar, Advisor for Allied Health Sciences at SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, highlighted the growing recognition of allied health professions. He stated that SRMIST has already met all standards of excellence, including infrastructure, hospital exposure, faculty, and research, even before the national council was established. Students at SRMIST are not only equipped with skills but also with knowledge, ethics, and compassion. Opportunities in healthcare today extend beyond hospitals, encompassing diagnostics, research, innovation, public health, and entrepreneurship.
A special message was shared online by Dr. Jayanth Panyam, Dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Washington, USA, reflecting on his academic journey and enduring connection with SRMIST. The program also included introductions of deans, associate deans, and senior faculty members, marking the beginning of the academic year with enthusiasm and purpose.
SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre: A Leading Institution
SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (SRMMCH&RC), part of SRMIST-KTR, is a nationally ranked institution (18th by NIRF 2024) committed to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. The hospital features over 1,500 beds, 30+ specialty and super-specialty departments, 22+ modular operating theatres, and NABL-accredited diagnostic facilities. With a daily footfall of over 3,000 outpatients and a strong 1:5 faculty-student ratio, it ensures hands-on clinical exposure, advanced simulation training, and comprehensive academic mentorship.
SRMMCH&RC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. Undergraduate courses include B.ASLP, B.Optom, and B.Sc. programs in Emergency Care, Cardiac Care, Clinical Nutrition, Psychology, Imaging, Lab Technology, Neurosciences, OT & Anaesthesia, Physician Assistant, Renal Dialysis, and Respiratory Therapy. Postgraduate offerings include M.Optom, M.Sc. programs across multiple disciplines, along with MHA (Hospital Administration) and M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology.
Additional programs include Fellowships in Emergency and Reproductive Medicine, a PG Diploma in Clinical Embryology, and CPCRM in Psychological Counselling in Reproductive Medicine. Internationally ranked by QS and THE Asia, SRMMCH&RC shapes future-ready healthcare professionals through academic excellence, research, and compassionate care.
About SRMIST: A Multi-Disciplinary University
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST-KTR) is a multi-disciplinary university recognized with an A++ accreditation by NAAC and classified as a Category I university with 12B status by UGC/MoE. In the 2024 NIRF rankings, SRMIST secured the 12th position nationally and holds a global ‘4 Star’ rating from QS, along with the India-centric QS IGAUGE Diamond rating.
Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and a global outlook, SRMIST-KTR has emerged as one of India’s most vibrant knowledge ecosystems. With over 500 active labs, ₹270+ crore in external funding, 600+ funded projects, and more than 53,000 research publications, SRMIST is a research-intensive institution.
The university operates six campuses located in Kattankulathur, Ramapuram, Tiruchirapalli, Modi Nagar, Sonepat, Amaravati, and Gangtok. For more information, visit www.srmist.edu.in.
