Professor Rajan opened his inspiring talk by introducing pupils to both aspects of his specialty: trauma and elective surgeries. Passion radiated from the professor as he spoke of his experiences in England, Russia, India and Nepal. It was remarkable listening to him recount each patient’s story, as the slides of photos and videos stunned the students to silent awe. For instance, he shared a story of a surgery lasting 72 hours in total, in which he operated on the patient for 17 hours alongside other specialists.
The professor, when asked about his reason for choosing orthopaedics, chuckled: “I didn’t choose orthopaedics, it chose me”. He then recounted his career journey, of first working hard to become a senior cardiothoracic surgeon before switching specialties to start from the ground up – a wonderful example of humility and diligence. Last but not least, Professor Rajan talked of his charity: the Neverest Orthopaedics Foundation, and their relief work in Nepal to treat patients, donate medical equipment, educate Nepali surgeons and build orphanages and sanctuaries.
It was a privilege to hear from not only an incredible surgeon, but a compassionate and giving man. He encouraged the audience: “When you become a specialist, it is truly a gift from God, go out there and help people. Do charitable work.” Certainly, the students leaving the lecture theatre were as inspired as he had been sitting in their seats years before, listening eagerly to a general practitioner who had come to give him, as he had done now, an unforgettable talk.
