On 24 February 2025, the RCP hosted a new fellows ceremony at MGM Healthcare, Chennai.
This was a landmark event, underscoring India’s growing influence in global healthcare and strengthening the long-standing ties between the UK and Indian medical communities.
Global impact
With a presence in over 130 countries, the RCP has shaped the global healthcare landscape through its rigorous standards and commitment to professional development.
In the last few years, the RCP has expanded its global outreach, fostering international collaborations and reinforcing its commitment to professional integrity and clinical excellence. The strategic vision has driven the RCP’s efforts to enhance medical education and elevate patient care standards worldwide.
Strengthening UK–India medical ties
India’s medical education and clinical training have long mirrored the UK’s model, reflecting deep historical and professional ties. The introduction of the PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) examination in Chennai in 2007 was a pivotal moment in aligning Indian medical training with the RCP’s global standards. This initiative was spearheaded by Professor Georgi Abraham, an RCP fellow since 1995 and an international adviser.
Recognising India’s growing prominence in the global medical landscape, the decision to host a new fellows ceremony in Chennai was both strategic and symbolic. It honoured the achievements of Indian physicians and reinforced the RCP’s commitment to supporting clinical excellence in India. MGM Healthcare, a multi-specialty hospital in Chennai that is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and patient-focused care, provided the perfect venue for this historic occasion.
The ceremony honoured the achievements of Indian physicians and reinforced the RCP’s commitment to supporting clinical excellence in India.
A ceremony of honour and recognition
The event was led by Dr Urjitha Rajagopalan, director of MGM Healthcare, whose team ensured a seamless event.
The evening opened with a procession into the elegant atrium, accompanied by music that set a tone of formality and celebration. Professor Tarun George from Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore welcomed the gathering and introduced the distinguished guests, including RCP officers, newly inducted fellows and their families.
Georgi delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of the occasion and acknowledging the contributions of the RCP and Indian medical professionals to global healthcare.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr Mumtaz Patel, who was acting as RCP president, who administered the oath of fellowship and presented the fellowship certificates to each recipient. Assisted by Georgi and Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram, a trustee RCP councillor, Mumtaz personally congratulated each fellow, recognising their achievements and contributions to clinical medicine.
Nearly 20 distinguished fellows were inducted into the RCP – an acknowledgment of their expertise and leadership in healthcare. The presentation of certificates underscored the calibre of Indian physicians and their influence on global healthcare standards.
Inspirational addresses and thought leadership
Following the presentation of certificates, Mumtaz delivered a concise yet powerful speech, emphasising the importance of professional integrity, continuous learning and the responsibility of fellows to advance medical knowledge and patient care. Her speech highlighted the shared values and vision of the RCP and MGM Healthcare in driving healthcare excellence.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Sunil Chandy, a professor of cardiology and RCP fellow. Sunil highlighted the transformative impact of medical education and global partnerships in improving healthcare delivery. He emphasised the critical role of international collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges, particularly in underserved regions. His address reinforced the importance of maintaining high clinical standards and fostering global knowledge exchange.
Closing and celebration
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr Uzma Quonain, who expressed gratitude to the RCP leadership, MGM Healthcare, the organising committee and the attendees who made the event possible.
A formal photo session followed, capturing the newly inducted fellows joined by RCP leadership and MGM Healthcare executives. The images symbolised not only a personal milestone for the fellows, but also the enduring partnership between the RCP and India’s medical community.
A milestone for the future
The successful hosting of the RCP new fellows ceremony at MGM Healthcare marks a defining moment in Indian medical history. It reflects the growing recognition of India’s contributions to global healthcare and underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing clinical standards and medical education.
MGM Healthcare’s commitment to ‘Doing more. Better’ was reflected in the meticulous execution of the event, reinforcing the hospital’s reputation as a leader in patient care and clinical innovation.
This milestone has laid the foundation for future collaborations between the RCP and Indian healthcare institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and professional growth. The RCP and MGM Healthcare have together set a new benchmark for medical excellence – one that will inspire future generations of medical professionals and strengthen the global healthcare community.
Dr Georgi Abraham
International adviser – India
