Department of Plastic Surgery in Madurai Medical College started on 26.01.1964 under the leadership of Prof Sam C Bose. It was started with 12 beds. M.Ch Plastic surgery Superspeciality Post graduate course was started in the year 1978 with 2 PG seats per year and was increased to 4 seats per year on 2020. Till date 80 residents have been trained in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Burns ward under Plastic surgery department was started in the year 1988.
From the initial days itself all subspecialities of Plastic surgery cases were managed in the department of Plastic surgery which includes Congenital deformities like cleft lip and palate, congenital hand deformities, Trauma cases including major hand injuries, replantation of amputated fingers and hand, Microvascular surgeries including free vascularized tissue transfer and peripheral nerve surgeries using high end operating microscopes, General Plastic surgeries, Facio maxillary injuries. Now the Plastic surgery department is expanding rapidly from initial 12 beds to 120 bed strength now.
24 x7 Emergency hand injury services are provided by the plastic surgery department in all days. Major reconstructions needed by surgical oncology and orthopedic departments are handled by Plastic surgery department by a combined team approach in the form pedicled flap cover or Microsurgical free vascularized tissue transfer.
Few more subspecialities started now like Transgender services- gender reassignment surgeries, aesthetic surgeries like breast augmentation with silicone implants, Rhinoplasty and Liposuction to name a few. Regular academic activities are conducted in the department like Prof Sam C Bose oration and post graduate clinical CME every year and many publications in indexed journals. Regular case planning sessions, symposia and journal clubs are conducted in the department on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
New Burns was started in the year 2020 consists of 11 intensive care unit beds and 22 beds in general ward and exclusive operation theatre for burns patients. Skin Bank for Burns patients was started on 2022 for cadaveric skin transplants.
At present the department is having one professor, two associate professors, five assistant professors and twelve postgraduates (4 seats per year). We are having 85 bedded Plastic surgery ward and 35 bedded Burns ward including intensive burns care unit.
Future Plans:
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New operation theatre complex for plastic surgery department is coming under JICA project with high end equipments.
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Our future plans include Starting a Hand Transplantation services for the needy people of south Tamilnadu.
Established as a beacon of reconstructive excellence in southern India, the Department of Plastic Surgery at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, has been at the forefront of restoring form, function, and dignity to thousands of patients. As a part of the prestigious Madurai Medical College, the department is committed to advanced surgical care, medical education, and clinical research.
With a legacy rooted in compassionate service and surgical precision, the department has evolved into a referral center for complex plastic, reconstructive, craniofacial, burn, and hand surgeries. It plays a vital role in trauma care, cancer reconstruction, congenital anomaly correction, and post-burn rehabilitation, catering to a diverse patient population across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
Led by a team of highly qualified and experienced M.Ch. plastic surgeons, the department combines modern technology with evidence-based practices to offer personalized and comprehensive care. Each member of the faculty also contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate education, shaping the next generation of surgeons with hands-on training and academic mentorship.
The department also actively organizes Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations, reaffirming its role as a hub of academic and clinical excellence.
Dr. P. Suresh Kumar MS., MCh.,
Research & Innovation
Thesis and Research
All postgraduate students undertake a research thesis under faculty supervision.
Ongoing research projects cover a range of areas, including reconstructive outcomes & Flap versatility, Management of Paediatric Traumatic Injuries, Post Burn Management & management of Complex Hand injuries.
We have a track record of award winning multiple Quiz competitions, Paper and Poster publications in various National and Regional Conferences.
Some of the notable accolades are:
|
S. No. |
Post Graduate |
Conference |
Category |
Ahievement |
|
1 |
Dr. A. Saleem |
TANPAPS - 2024 |
Best Paper Presentation |
1st Place |
|
2 |
Dr. A. Saleem |
APSICON - 2024 |
Best Paper Presentation |
2nd Place |
|
3 |
Dr. A. Krishnamoorthy |
APSICON - 2024 |
Poster Presentation |
1st Place |
|
4 |
Dr. R. Pradeep Rao |
TANPAPS 2024 |
Poster Presentation |
2nd Place |
|
5 |
Dr. Nitin Mariappan |
TANPAPS 2025 |
Best Paper Presentation |
1st Place |
|
6 |
Dr. Harini Mohan |
TANPAPS 2025 |
Quiz Competition |
1st Place |
Academics
Training the Future of Reconstructive Surgery
The Department of Plastic Surgery at Government Rajaji Hospital, affiliated with Madurai Medical College, is dedicated to cultivating surgical excellence through rigorous academic programs and hands-on clinical exposure.
Postgraduate Program (M.Ch. Plastic Surgery)
We offer a comprehensive Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch.) in Plastic Surgery, a three- year superspecialty course that admits qualified candidates through the NEET-SS examination. The program provides:
Structured Clinical Training in all subspecialties, including:
- Reconstruction of Traumatic Injuries
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Management of complex hand injuries
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Burn care and post-burn deformity correction
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Cleft lip/Palate & Congenital Anomalies surgeries
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Maxillofacial Reconstruction
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Aesthetic surgery
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Microsurgery and Free Flaps
Rotational Postings across allied departments such as General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery, and Anesthesia.
Case-based Learning with exposure to high-volume surgical wards, trauma cases, and advanced operating techniques.
Academic Activities
1. Daily Clinical Rounds and Case Discussions
Residents participate in morning rounds, case presentations, and surgical planning discussions to reinforce clinical decision-making.
2. Weekly Seminars and Journal Clubs
Critical appraisal of literature and updates on evidence-based practices are emphasized.
3. Monthly Interdepartmental CMEs
Collaborative sessions with Radiology, Pathology, and other surgical specialties enhance interdisciplinary understanding.
4. Surgical Skills Workshops
Regular cadaveric dissection courses and hands-on workshops in flap design, suturing, and microsurgical anastomosis.
Undergraduate Involvement
While the department focuses on superspecialty training, it also contributes to clinical demonstrations and early exposure modules for MBBS students as part of integrated surgical teaching.
Events & Activities
Annual CME – Sam C. Bose Memorial CME
The Sam C. Bose CME is the flagship annual academic event of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Named after the founder of the department, Prof. Sam Chandra Bose, who established it in 1964, this Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is a tribute to his pioneering legacy in reconstructive surgery and medical education.
This CME was first started in 2017 and has been conducted every year as an academic feast to budding plastic surgeons and refining of skills & concepts of experienced surgeons alike under the guidance veterans & pioneers in the field.
Event Objectives
- To update surgical trainees and practicing surgeons on evolving trends in Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.
- To foster interdisciplinary exchange and innovation through expert lectures and case-based discussions.
- To honor the contributions of Prof. Sam C. Bose by nurturing surgical education and mentorship.
Program Highlights
Expert Lectures by national faculty and distinguished alumni
Live / Recorded Surgical Demonstrations
Hands-on Skill Workshops
- Flap Design & Dissection
- Microsurgical Suturing
- Scar Revision Techniques
- Trainee Paper Presentations & Poster Sessions
- Panel Discussions on challenging reconstructive dilemmas and ethical considerations
Who Attends
- M.Ch. Plastic Surgery residents and faculty from across Tamil Nadu
- Surgeons from allied disciplines (ENT, Ortho, General Surgery)
- Nationally recognized Plastic Surgeons and previous alumni
- Undergraduate medical students (as observers)
Honoring Prof. Sam C. Bose
Prof. Bose was deeply committed to academic excellence and lifelong learning. Even post- retirement, he remained active in departmental teaching and planning. The CME upholds his ideals of:
- Surgical mentorship
- Scientific inquiry
- Humanitarian service through reconstructive care
Save These Dates – Upcoming Events
Sam C. Bose CME – 2025
Tentative Dates: October/November 2025
Venue: New Academic Hall, Madurai Medical College
Expected Speakers: Senior APSI Fellows, International Alumni, Departmental Faculty
TANPAPS 2026 – Madurai
- February 2026 (Exact dates announced soon)
- Venue: Kodaikanal
- Stay tuned for Call for Abstracts, Registration Guidelines, and Early Bird Deadlines