Dr. A. Rekha (Dr. Rekha Arcot): Surgeon, Educator, Researcher and Academic Leader

Dr. A. Rekha, also known as Dr. Rekha Arcot, is an accomplished Indian surgeon, medical educator, clinical researcher and academic administrator. With more than three decades of experience in surgical practice and medical academia, she has contributed significantly to clinical care, medical education, research and institutional leadership in India. She currently serves as Dean and Professor of General Surgery at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, a position she assumed in October 2024.

Professional Career and Academic Leadership

Dr. Rekha has built an extensive career spanning surgical practice, teaching, research and healthcare administration. Over the years, she has held several senior academic and administrative positions in leading medical institutions. Her previous leadership roles include:

• Dean and Professor of Surgery at Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
• Dean (Academics) and Medical Superintendent at Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences
• Professor of Surgery and Associate Dean for Accreditation, International Affairs and Postgraduate Medical Education at Saveetha Medical College
• Professor of Surgery and Associate Dean (Students) at Sri Ramachandra Medical College

In these roles, she has overseen academic programs, postgraduate medical education, accreditation processes, quality assurance initiatives and faculty development programs. She has also contributed to academic governance through participation in ethics committees, institutional quality assurance bodies and mentoring programs for medical faculty.

Clinical Expertise and Surgical Practice

Dr. Rekha specializes in general surgery, with particular clinical interest and expertise in:

• Breast surgery
• Endocrine surgery
• Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery
• Trauma surgery

She has undertaken specialized international training in laparoscopic surgery at IRCAD, University of Strasbourg, France, enhancing her expertise in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques. Throughout her career, she has combined clinical practice with teaching and research, contributing to the training of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students as well as surgical residents.

Education and Professional Qualifications

Dr. Rekha’s academic background reflects strong clinical training and continued professional development in surgery, research and healthcare management. Her qualifications include:

• MBBS – Kilpauk Medical College, University of Madras
• MS (General Surgery) – Stanley Medical College, Dr. M.G.R. Medical University
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research (PGDCR)
• Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery – IRCAD, University of Strasbourg, France
• Fellowship of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo Surgeons (FIAGES)
• Healthcare Management Program – Indian School of Business (ISB)
• Advanced Course in Medical Education (ACME) recognized by the Medical Council of India

Her academic training reflects a multidisciplinary approach that integrates surgical expertise, research methodology, medical education and healthcare leadership.

Academic Achievements and Distinctions

Dr. Rekha has demonstrated academic excellence throughout her medical career. During her undergraduate training, she received Certificates of Honour in multiple subjects including Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine. During her postgraduate surgical training, she received university distinctions and medals in general surgery, reflecting strong academic and clinical performance. She has also received competitive fellowships and scholarships that supported academic exchange and research exposure at national and international levels.

Research and Scholarly Contributions

Dr. Rekha has actively contributed to clinical research and academic publishing in the field of surgery. She has presented scientific papers and research findings at numerous national and international surgical conferences and has authored publications in peer-reviewed medical journals. Her academic contributions extend beyond research publications. She has served in editorial roles for university journals, supporting the dissemination of medical research and academic scholarship. She has also been involved in mortality audit panels, institutional review committees and academic governance structures, contributing to quality improvement and patient safety initiatives within medical institutions.

Contributions to Medical Education

A major component of Dr. Rekha’s career has been her work in medical education and faculty development. She has played a significant role in:

• Curriculum development for medical programs
• Postgraduate surgical training
• Faculty mentoring and teaching methodology improvement
• Academic administration and examination systems
• International academic collaborations

Her involvement in medical education units and academic committees has helped strengthen teaching standards and institutional academic frameworks.

Legacy in Surgery and Medical Academia

Dr. A. Rekha (Dr. Rekha Arcot) represents a combination of clinical expertise, academic scholarship and institutional leadership. Her career reflects sustained contributions to surgical practice, medical research, healthcare education and academic administration. Through her work as a surgeon, educator and dean, she continues to contribute to the development of medical professionals and the strengthening of academic and clinical standards within the institutions she serves.