Eminent neurosurgeon Sureswar Mohanty passes away

Bhubaneswar: Eminent neurosurgeon and academician Prof. (Dr.) Sureswar Mohanty, who served in some of the most prestigious medical institutions in India and abroad, passed away here on Friday.

Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty, 83, was ailing for some time. The end came while he was under treatment at the IMS and SUM Hospital. He is survived by a daughter.

After completing his MBBS from the S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack, he earned his M.Ch in Neurosurgery from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

He served as Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Benaras Hindu University, where he also subsequently served as Director.

Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty also underwent advanced training at global medical centres like Institute of Neurosurgery, London, Burdenko Institute, Moscow and Cleveland Clinic, USA.

Following his retirement at IMS-BHU, he returned to Odisha and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital and served as its first Principal and Dean.

Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty had published around 150 scientific papers in national and international journals significantly contributing to the advancement of neurosurgical knowledge and practice.

He was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards from leading national bodies such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Medical Council of India (MCI), Neurological Society of India (NSI) and was a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS). He was also presented the Dr. B.C. Roy Award, India’s highest medical honour, which stands out as a testament to his outstanding contribution to the field of neurosurgery and neuroscience research.

He held leadership positions including as President of Uttar Pradesh Neurosciences Society and President of Neurotrauma Society of India. He was regarded as a pioneer in the spread of modern neurosurgery in eastern India and was instrumental in establishment of high level neurosurgical training programs while helping bridge global neurosurgical practices with Indian healthcare.

The Neurological Society of India deeply mourned the passing of Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty describing him as a highly accomplished professional, dedicated clinician and mentor.

Several leading healthcare professionals including Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Mahapatra, eminent neurosurgeon, former Vice-Chancellor of SOA Deemed to be University, former Head of Department of Neurosurgery, AIIMS, New Delhi and Founding Director of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, senior professors and others have mourned the passing away of Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty. A guard of honour was presented to the departed soul at the hospital.