The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) recently welcomed medical professionals, academics, dignitaries and distinguished guests from across the UK and India for a special event celebrating surgical heritage, professional development and international collaboration.
The event marked several significant milestones that honour the history of surgery while investing in the future of the profession.
A highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of a bronze sculpture of Maharishi Sushruta, widely regarded as the "Father of Surgery" and one of the earliest pioneers of surgical practice. The sculpture, generously gifted to the College by Professor Chandra Cheruvu and his family, now forms part of the College's Heritage Collection.
The addition of the sculpture recognises the rich and diverse traditions that have shaped medicine and surgery across cultures and centuries, while reinforcing the College's commitment to preserving and celebrating surgical heritage.
The event also saw the launch of the Cheruvu Family Professional Development Grants. Established through the generosity of Professor Chandra Cheruvu and his family, the grants will support Members and Fellows of RCSEd in accessing educational, training and international development opportunities.
Through these grants, surgeons will be able to broaden their expertise, share knowledge internationally and bring valuable learning back to their local healthcare systems, ultimately benefiting patient care.
A further significant announcement was the establishment of an annual Sushruta Lectureship, made possible through a generous donation from Professor Vadrevu K Raju.
Inspired by the enduring legacy of Sushruta, the lectureship will explore the wider dimensions of medicine and surgery beyond technical achievement alone. It will encourage reflection on the history of medicine, medical ethics, professionalism, compassion, leadership and global health, while highlighting the individuals, ideas and traditions that have shaped the healing professions across cultures and centuries.
Together, these initiatives reflect the College's ongoing commitment to honouring the foundations of surgery while supporting the future development of the profession. By preserving surgical heritage, investing in professional development and promoting reflection on the values that underpin healthcare, they will help inspire and support future generations of surgeons.
The College extends its sincere thanks to Professor Chandra Cheruvu and family, Professor Vadrevu K Raju, and all those whose generosity, vision and support made this important occasion possible.
If you would like to support the College's educational, heritage
or professional development initiatives, you can donate here.
Learn more about the event and the Cheruvu Professional
Development Grants.