The field of surgical care is complex and navigating this critical domain demands a delicate balance of precision and expertise. In this discipline, one individual emerges as a model of mastery – Dr. (Prof.) Raju Vaishya.
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Dr. Raju is a distinguished Orthopaedic Surgeon renowned for his proficiency in joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery. As a seasoned surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, he not only performs complex surgeries with finesse but also imparts his knowledge through extensive consultation.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Raju had assumed the responsibilities of Editor-in-Chief of several esteemed Journals. His intellectual footprint extends across numerous international and national Orthopaedic journals, books, and blogs, all stemming from his rich clinical experiences.
The journey of expertise for Dr. Raju transcends borders. Having undergone four years of specialized higher surgical training in joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery, especially in knee and hip, at revered institutions in the United Kingdom, including Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospitals, Oswestry, and Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital, Dr. Vaishya brings a global perspective to his practice.
His academic pedigree mirrors the brilliance of his surgical finesse. A graduate of G.R. Medical College, Gwalior, India, Dr. Raju pursued further studies at the University of Birmingham & Liverpool, U.K. His qualifications include an MBBS from Jiwaji University, an MS (Orth) from Jiwaji University, and an MCh (Orth) from Liverpool University, England, where he achieved the distinction of being the youngest ever to complete the program at the age of 30.
Notably, Dr. Raju has earned prestigious recognitions such as FRCS (London) from the Royal College of Surgeons of England and FACS (USA) from the American College of Surgeons, showcasing his commitment to advancing surgical excellence on a global scale.
Our exclusive interaction with Dr. Raju was insightful revealing the challenges and triumphs that have sculpted him into the exemplary figure he is today.
Three Decades of Surgical Excellence
Dr. Raju, with a glorious career spanning 37 years in Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, embarked on his professional journey in 1983. His pursuit began at GR Medical College, Gwalior, where he enrolled in the postgraduate degree course of MS. After obtaining his MS in 1986, Dr Raju set his sights on the United Kingdom for higher surgical training in 1987, undertaking the prestigious program at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry. Following this, he achieved his MCh degree at Liverpool University in 1990, becoming the youngest ever to do so at the age of 30.
Returning to India, Dr. Raju dedicated his skills to his hometown, Gwalior, until 1985, after which he moved to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Joining as the Senior Consultant, he has remained committed at the hospital, contributing significantly to the field.
Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Raju has excelled in arthroscopic and joint replacement surgeries, completing over 10,000 operations. Beyond clinical excellence, he actively engages in academic pursuits, involving research, public and professional lectures, and free public camps for patients.
Dr Raju takes pride in his extensive research contributions, stating, “I have more than 750 research publications in various International and National medical journals and have been listed in the top 2% global scientists list of Stanford University, USA for the last 3 years successively.”
His editorial skill is evident as he sits on the Editorial Board of several medical journals. Dr Raju is a recipient of prestigious awards, including Dr BC Roy Award, and Best Publication awards from the Indian Arthroscopy Society, Delhi Orthopaedic Association, and Apollo Hospitals Group.
The recognition extends to global platforms, with Wikipedia featuring his profile. Dr Raju has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records on four occasions, achieving a world record by performing dual knee replacements in a single sitting on a 93-year-old individual. His remarkable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him the Asia Book of Records for the highest number of publications in the shortest period.
Inspirational Roots
Dr. Raju, guided by the footsteps of his father, ventured on the noble path of medicine. A senior Physician in Gwalior, Dr. PD Vaishya’s influence shaped the aspirations of his son. Opting for Orthopaedics, Dr Raju’s foresight in the 1980s recognized the growing significance of this surgical branch. His academic excellence, securing the top position in his medical college batch, paved the way for his specialization in Orthopaedics.
The legacy of healing extends further as Dr. Raju proudly shares, “Now my elder son, Dr. Abhishek, has also become an Orthopaedic Surgeon.” This makes it three successive generations of doctors in the family and more than 40 doctors overall in all the relatives.
Healing with Excellence
For the past 28 years, Dr. Raju has been an integral part of the healthcare legacy at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals stands as a premium healthcare establishment, providing a nurturing environment that places patient safety and good clinical practice at the forefront. Dr. Raju attests to the institution’s support for its staff, promoting a culture that values the well-being of both patients and medical professionals.
Dr Raju acknowledges the pivotal role Apollo Hospitals played in his journey, stating, “In addition, it supports and encourages the academic activities for its doctors, which helped me excel in this field.” The hospital’s dedication to supporting and promoting academic pursuits has allowed him to thrive both clinically and academically.
Guided by Apollo Hospital’s visionary mission to ‘Touch a Billion Lives,’ Dr. Raju aligns his own clinical and academic practices with the institution’s ethos. The hospital’s commitment to bringing healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual has significantly influenced Dr. Raju’s approach to patient care.
Precision in Practice
Dr. Raju has dedicated his expertise to a spectrum of specialized areas, shaping a comprehensive approach to patient care. With a focus on joint replacements, arthroscopic surgery, complex fracture management, regenerative, and sports medicine, Dr. Raju stands at the forefront of advancements in Orthopaedics.
His special interests reflect a nuanced understanding of orthopaedic care:
- Knee & Hip Surgery (Total Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgery)
- Regenerative therapy in Orthopaedics
- 3-D Printing in Orthopaedics
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Research & Publications
- Arthritis & Osteoporosis
Dr. Raju emphasizes his approach, stating, “I am of the view that clinical practice should be evidence-based and be provided to the patient with empathy.” This philosophy underlines the importance of coupling clinical practice with research, ensuring that patient care is not only empathetic but also informed by the latest evidence.
Triumph Over Tragedy
There are moments in surgical care that transcend the boundaries of medicine and become tales of triumph against all odds. Dr Raju, with his compassionate expertise, witnessed one such extraordinary journey when he treated a young lady with multiple fractures following a severe road traffic accident.
The young lady brought to the hospital in a state of shock after a tragic accident where five out of eight fellow travellers lost their lives on the spot, presented a medical challenge. Dr Raju took charge, carefully optimizing her medical condition before embarking on the complicated task of fixing her multiple fractures of the pelvis, both thighs and numerous ribs.
Dr Raju felt highly satisfied when he went against the odds and successfully treated her injuries. Within two weeks, the young lady, once on the brink of despair, walked out of the hospital on her own. Her recovery became a symbol of resilience and hope. The young lady not only recovered but went on to embrace life fully—getting married and becoming a mother.
Wisdom for Aspiring Surgeons
In a profession where precision meets compassion, Dr. Raju imparts invaluable wisdom to the next generation of aspiring surgeons. His advice, born from years of dedication and success, forms a compass for those navigating the challenging yet rewarding path of medical practice.
Dr. Raju’s advice to the next generation of surgeons is simple yet profound:
Be Sincere and Enjoy Your Professional Work
Embrace Empathy in Patient Care
Deliver Healthcare with Honesty and the Best Abilities
Integrate Research into Clinical Practice
In these words lies the essence of a fulfilling and impactful career, where sincerity, empathy, honesty, and a commitment to continuous learning pave the way for professional excellence.
Honours and Expertise
Dr. Raju’s illustrious career is enhanced with various awards and recognitions, testifying to his commitment to excellence and continual pursuit of advanced medical knowledge. He has a vast experience of 37 years in Orthopedics and Joint Replacement surgery, with specialized surgical training at several world-famous centers:
- Awarded A.O. fellowship for gaining advanced training in the operative management of fractures, in Germany and Switzerland (1993).
- Received specialized training in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder & knee from Dr. Brian Cole at Rush Presbyterian Hospital, Chicago, USA (2003)
- Received specialized training in arthroscopic shoulder surgery from Prof. Simon Frostick of Liverpool University, UK (2003-04)
- Received higher surgical skills training in arthroscopic shoulder procedures from Dr. Joe De Beer, Cape Town, South Africa (2010)
- Attended Knee & Shoulder arthroscopy hands-on-workshop, Arthrolab, Munich, Germany (April 2012)
Read More: Click Here
