A distinguished team from Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, visited the National Institute of Siddha (NIS) on October 11 2024 as part of their exploration of Siddha Medicine and complementary alternative medicine (CAM) practices in India. Dr. Jahlecia Gregory, Dr. Kailen Turner, Dr. Gabriela Seplovich, Dr. Gene Osuoha were the medical students and Dr. Rajagopala Sridaran Professor of Physiology Director, MD 4th year elective on Siddha Medicine as CAM in India, Director of Department of Physiology Educational Programs, Director, Organ Systems 2 Course, MD1 Integrated Curriculum Director, Human Biology Graduate Course Morehouse School of Medicine and Dr. Binu Tharakan, Ph.D. Associate Professor & Vice-Chair of Research Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine were the faculties who visited NIS. Dr. SelvaShunmugham. P, Health India Foundation accompanied the team.
They had discussions with Prof. Dr. M. Meenakshisundaram, Professor and Head, Department of Kuzhanthai Maruthuvam, Dean (i/c), and Prof. Dr. G.J. Christian, Hospital Superintendent (i/c,) Professor and Head, Department of Noi Naadal regarding the research works being carried out in National Institute Siddha. The discussions focused on the ongoing research projects at NIS, with an emphasis on Siddha Medicine’s integration into modern healthcare practices. The team explored various aspects of the educational programs offered at NIS and expressed keen interest in potential collaborative research opportunities. The visit was coordinated by Dr. Gayatri. R, Assistant Professor, Department of Noi Naadal. The team toured the Out Patient Department (OPD) and In Patient Department (IPD) facilities of NIS. They were impressed by the operational efficiency and the patient-centric approach adopted by this Institute. Observing the integration of traditional Siddha practices with modern medical protocols was particularly noteworthy for the visiting team. The visit by the Morehouse School of Medicine team to NIS marked a significant step towards enhancing cross-cultural academic and research collaboration in the field of medicine internationally.
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