Prof. Vijay K. Kak—In Memoriam: October 15, 1937–August 15, 2024

Prof. Vijay K. Kak

Dr. Vijay Kumar Kak, Emeritus Senior Professor and former Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at PGI, Chandigarh, left the earthly abode in the early hours of August 15, 2024.

He was born in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and grew up in Allahabad, Kanpur, and Roorke. He was a distinguished alumnus of Agra Medical College and was a recipient of the Chancellor's medal in MBBS for having won multiple gold medals and distinctions and for being first in all the three professionals. After completing MS surgery in Agra, he trained in Belfast, Ireland, United Kingdom, for neurosurgery and obtained FRCS (Edinburgh) and FRCS (England).

He joined PGIMER, Chandigarh, as an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery. He was Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery till he retired in 1998. Following this, he was Director of Health Services and Director Principal of Chandigarh Medical College. He was also an honorary neurosurgeon to the armed forces. He was also the President of Neurological Society of India (NSI) and the Indian Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (INDSPN). He was a Dr. B. C. Roy awardee.

Prof. Kak was a legend in his own lifetime.

Dr. Kak was a distinguished neurosurgeon, a revered educator, and a pioneering figure in the field of neurotrauma. His contributions to neurosurgery have left an indelible mark on the medical community, and his dedication to advancing the field has inspired countless students and colleagues.

He quite a task master, always coaxing his residents to achieve the best. He inspired his team of colleagues, residents, and paramedical staff to excel. Under his tutelage, one learned that neurosurgery is a way of life, not just a superspecialty. Additionally, one learned to have courage in the face of adversity. He spoke his mind and was transparent in all his actions. His leadership at PGI, Chandigarh, was instrumental in establishing the institution as a center of excellence in neurosurgery.

He taught his team not only to excel in medicine but also to be good human beings. With him, one learned the importance of communicating with the patient and their family, of informing the outcome of the surgery, and the value of documentation and publishing research. He had conducted original experimental work on cerebral ischemia, and many of his publications were included in textbooks.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Kak was known for his exceptional surgical skills, compassionate patient care, and unwavering commitment to medical education, research, and publications. Dr. Kak's legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched—both patients and the many residents he trained and mentored, as well as through the advances he championed in neurotrauma care. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire medical fraternity.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

Publication History

Article published online:
31 December 2024