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Assam Medical College
Assam Medical College
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Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), formerly Berry White Medical School,[1] is a government medical school and hospital in Dibrugarh, Assam, India. It was the first medical college in Assam and the whole of Northeast India. It is the tertiary medical referral centre for upper Assam and areas in neighbouring states, including Arunachal Pradesh. The college has been ranked 62 in the list of government institutes. It has been rated "AAA+" by the National Medical Commission with a score of 273.5.

Key Information

The 450-acre (180 ha)[2] college offers numerous facilities including sports facilities, canteens, ATMs, and more. The academic facilities include laboratories, libraries, Wi-Fi across the campus, providing internet access through PCs and laptops.

The college offers admission to 200 students each year from 2019. Before 2019, it offered admission to 170 students each year. [3]

History

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John Berry White who founded Berry White Medical School in 1900.

The college was founded as Berry White Medical School in 1900 with a large donation from Sir John Berry White. It was renamed Assam Medical College and Hospital on 3 November 1947. 3 November is celebrated as Foundation Day every year by students of the college. The Assam government has preserved the original Berry White Medical School building in Grahambazar, Dibrugarh.[1][4] In 1910 the college imported two X-ray machines from England, which were the first in India, and opened the country's first radiology department.

On 12 February 2016, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare laid the foundation of a 192-bed super-specialty hospital with a 60-bed intensive care unit, a catheterization lab, and specialties in neurology, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic vascular surgery, nephrology, and paediatrics.[5]

Courses

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Patient care

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It runs outpatient departments in general medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, ENT, head & neck surgery, dermatology, pulmonary medicine, geriatric medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, dentistry, paediatrics, physiotherapy and psychiatry. Special outpatient departments for rheumatology, diabetes, neurology, nephrology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, plastic surgery, paediatric surgery, urology, cardiology, neurosurgery run on specified days of the week. Emergency services run in casualty, paediatric medicine, obstetrics and psychiatry.[citation needed]

Notable alumni

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) is a government-run and tertiary care hospital situated in , , . Originally established as the Berry White Medical School in 1900 by British surgeon Dr. John Berry White through a donation of his lifetime savings, it was upgraded to a full-fledged medical college on November 3, 1947, marking it as the first medical college in and the entire Northeast region of . The institution is affiliated with Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences and recognized by the (NMC). It offers a range of educational programs, including the undergraduate MBBS course with an annual intake of 200 students—up from the initial 65 seats—and postgraduate /MS degrees across various specialties, which commenced in 1962. Super-specialty courses and diploma programs are also available, contributing to the training of healthcare professionals serving the region. AMCH's attached plays a vital role in healthcare delivery, featuring a capacity of 1,939 (including emergency wards) as of March 2025 and providing comprehensive services such as outpatient departments, intensive care units, and specialized treatments in fields like , , and . With 377 doctors (excluding junior residents) and support staff, the hospital handles a high volume of patients, emphasizing affordable and accessible in . In 2025, the college underwent significant infrastructure expansions to enhance its facilities. Over the years, the college has expanded its infrastructure and academic offerings, producing thousands of graduates who have advanced and practice across the country.

History

Origins and Establishment

The Assam Medical College traces its origins to the Berry White Medical School, established in 1900 in , , through a generous donation by British surgeon and philanthropist Dr. John Berry White, who sought to advance in the region. Dr. White, who had served in since 1858, funded the institution with his lifetime savings of Rs. 50,000 to train local medical practitioners and address the acute shortage of healthcare professionals in colonial . The school began operations that year after initial groundwork in 1898 and was formally inaugurated in June 1902 by Sir Joseph Bampfylde Fuller, Lieutenant Governor of the then Province. Initially offering the Licentiate Medical Practitioner (LMP) diploma, it marked the beginning of formal allopathic medical training in the undivided . A significant early milestone came in 1910 when the Berry White Medical School introduced India's first radiology department, equipped with two X-ray machines imported from England, revolutionizing diagnostic capabilities in the country at a time when such technology was nascent. This innovation underscored the institution's pioneering role in adopting advanced medical tools, predating similar facilities elsewhere in and enhancing its reputation as a hub for progressive healthcare education. Following India's independence, the school was upgraded to full medical college status on November 3, 1947, under the leadership of Assam's first Chief Minister, , becoming the inaugural such institution in to offer the MBBS degree. This transformation was driven by the post-independence imperative to build a robust local healthcare system, with the first MBBS batch admitted in September 1947 for the 1947-1948 session, emphasizing the training of indigenous doctors to meet regional needs. Dr. Hem Chandra Baruah served as the inaugural principal, guiding the college through its nascent years as it affiliated with .

Key Milestones and Developments

Following its establishment in , Assam Medical College has marked its annual on November 3, commemorating the institution's inauguration and legacy as the first medical college in . The celebrations, which began that year, typically include events honoring distinguished , , and students, such as the 79th in 2025, where MBBS toppers were felicitated for their academic excellence. In the 1960s, the college expanded its academic offerings by introducing postgraduate courses, enhancing its role in advanced medical training. A pivotal figure in this development was S. N. Sharma, the first Assamese to serve as Professor of and who later became the college's principal, contributing significantly to surgical education and administration. A major infrastructural advancement occurred on February 12, 2016, when Union Health and Family Welfare Minister laid the foundation stone for a 192-bed super-specialty block, including a 60-bed , under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana to bolster tertiary care services. Recent years have seen accelerated infrastructure enhancements to modernize facilities. In March 2025, reviewed a ₹300 master plan for upgrades, focusing on replacing outdated residential accommodations with contemporary structures to support staff and students. This was followed in July 2025 by the launch of ₹500 projects at the college, including a ₹357 initiative for residential and academic expansions across 594 bighas, aimed at elevating the institution's capacity and positioning as a hub. In 2024, key facility renovations underscored the college's commitment to preserving heritage while adopting modern standards. The renovated Heritage , housing over 1,500 specimens and historical artifacts, was inaugurated on July 16 by Vice Principal Prof. Reema Nath, restoring Asia's largest such museum for educational purposes. Complementing this, a new two-storied post-mortem hall with modern amenities was inaugurated on September 17, addressing the institution's high volume of annual procedures and improving forensic and pathological services.

Campus and Infrastructure

Location and Layout

Assam Medical College is situated in the urban area of , , , at coordinates 27.4886°N, 94.9139°E. The campus encompasses approximately 504 (167 acres or 67.5 hectares) and lies within a tea-rich region of Upper , where expansive plantations create an environment supportive of focused and . The campus layout seamlessly integrates academic blocks for lectures and laboratories, student hostels, administrative buildings, and the attached Assam Medical College Hospital, divided into dedicated zones for teaching, residential, and clinical functions to promote streamlined academic and healthcare operations. This organization ensures efficient movement across the facility while maintaining separation between educational and patient care areas. Accessibility to the college is facilitated by Dibrugarh's robust transportation infrastructure, including major road networks like National Highway 15 (NH15) and rail connections via , approximately 7 km away, establishing it as a key center for healthcare education across . , about 13 km from the campus, further enhances connectivity for students and faculty from beyond the region. The campus incorporates environmental features such as lush green spaces and is positioned near the Brahmaputra River, whose seasonal dynamics have shaped planning to include flood-resistant designs and natural landscaping for a sustainable urban setting.

Facilities and Expansion Projects

Assam Medical College offers comprehensive facilities to support medical education and student life. Separate hostels for male and female students provide accommodation for over 1,000 undergraduates and postgraduates, with recent infrastructure developments adding dedicated blocks such as a 500-seat girls' hostel and a 225-seat boys' hostel for MBBS students, alongside postgraduate accommodations for 232 female and 200 male students. The central library maintains a large collection of medical books, subscribes to international medical journals, and features an e-center with Wi-Fi access, remaining open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily except Sundays and holidays. Well-equipped lecture halls facilitate interactive academic sessions, while practical training is supported through dedicated laboratories. The attached Assam Medical College Hospital boasts 1,365 beds, including emergency wards, enabling extensive clinical exposure for students. It is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI and facilities for imaging studies like CT angiography and brain scans. The hospital includes 12 air-conditioned operation theaters for major and minor surgeries, alongside specialized units such as intensive care units to handle critical cases. Ongoing expansion projects aim to modernize and scale these amenities. In July 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved a ₹357.28 initiative by the Department to construct new academic blocks, faculty quarters, and additional hostels, enhancing capacity for education and healthcare delivery. The for the first phase was laid by on July 24, 2025, as part of a three-phase Rs 1,000 plan to modernize the campus. This builds on earlier efforts, including the 2016 foundation for super-specialty additions. Support services on campus include a serving staff and students, sports grounds for outdoor activities and events, and an auditorium for seminars and academic gatherings.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Education

The undergraduate program at Assam Medical College offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, a foundational course in lasting 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of classroom and clinical instruction followed by a one-year compulsory rotating to provide practical exposure across various medical disciplines. Admission to the MBBS program is merit-based through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), conducted annually by the , with the annual intake capacity increased to 200 seats starting from the 2019-2020 academic year to address regional healthcare needs. The selection process involves centralized counseling managed by the Medical Counselling Committee for the All India Quota and the Directorate of Medical Education, , for state quota seats, ensuring equitable access for eligible candidates who have completed with physics, chemistry, , and English. The MBBS curriculum follows the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) framework mandated by the , emphasizing the acquisition of core competencies through integrated learning modules. The first year is dedicated to foundational basic sciences—anatomy, , and biochemistry—delivered via lectures, dissections, and laboratory sessions to build a strong scientific base. From the second year onward, the program shifts to para-clinical subjects such as , , , and , progressing to clinical rotations in the third and final academic years covering , , , and gynecology, and other specialties, where students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. A key feature of the curriculum is the integration of community medicine, which addresses the unique challenges of Assam's rural and Northeast Indian context, including tropical diseases and underserved populations, through dedicated modules and mandatory postings. Students undertake field training at affiliated primary health centers and the college's Rural Health Training Centre in , focusing on , , and community outreach to develop skills in managing issues like and infectious disease control. Teaching and learning are supported by interactive and personalized instruction across departments. Methods include didactic lectures, in small groups, skill labs for procedural training, and extensive bedside teaching at the attached , where students observe examinations, participate in case discussions, and perform supervised clinical assessments to hone diagnostic and interpersonal skills essential for medical practice.

Postgraduate and Super-Specialty Training

The postgraduate training at Assam Medical College encompasses (MD) and (MS) programs across 19 specialties, building on the foundational MBBS degree as a prerequisite for advanced clinical and research-oriented education. These programs, each lasting three years, commenced in 1962, with the inaugural batch in General Medicine and qualifying in 1963 under the leadership of Prof. M.N. Bhattacharyya. Admission occurs through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG), allocating 191 seats annually as of 2025, split equally between 50% All India Quota and 50% State Quota to ensure merit-based selection and regional representation. The curriculum emphasizes a balanced integration of clinical rotations, didactic lectures, and a mandatory , fostering skills in and addressing Assam's prevalent health challenges, such as tropical diseases including and . Representative specialties include MD in (23 seats), MS in (22 seats), and MD in (14 seats), among others like , , and Respiratory Medicine, enabling trainees to handle diverse cases in the attached 1,365-bed as of 2025. This focus on and hands-on patient management prepares graduates for specialized roles in underserved northeastern regions. Super-specialty training, comprising Doctorate of Medicine (DM) and Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) programs, was expanded following infrastructure upgrades under the Prime Minister's Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) post-2016, with formal permissions granted in 2022 to enhance advanced care capabilities. These three-year courses, admitted via the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Super Specialty (NEET-SS), prioritize intensive procedural training and subspecialized expertise, such as in complex cardiac interventions and pediatric surgical techniques. Currently offered programs include DM in (3 seats) and MCh in Paediatric Surgery (2 seats) as of 2025, with plans for further additions like to tackle regional burdens like cardiovascular diseases and congenital anomalies. The hands-on emphasis in super-specialty rotations, supported by upgraded facilities, aims to reduce referrals to distant metropolitan centers and bolster local management of critical conditions.

Assam Medical College Hospital

Clinical Departments and Services

The Assam Medical College Hospital features 22 clinical departments that deliver comprehensive healthcare services, encompassing both primary and specialized care across various medical disciplines. These departments include general medicine, , orthopedics, , ear, nose, and throat (), dermatology, obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), , , and , forming the backbone of the hospital's patient management framework. Each department is staffed by qualified medical professionals and supports multidisciplinary approaches to and treatment. In addition to core departments, specialized outpatient departments (OPDs) operate on designated days to address specific conditions, including rheumatology, diabetes, neurology, nephrology, cardiology, urology, and neurosurgery. For instance, the Department of General Medicine runs super-specialty clinics such as the Rheumatology Clinic, Diabetes Clinic, Hepatology Clinic, and Haematology Clinic, providing targeted consultations and management for chronic and complex cases. The Nephrology Department offers regular consultations to inpatients from medicine, surgery, OBGYN, and other units, focusing on renal disorders and dialysis services. Similarly, the ENT Department collaborates with allied specialties for holistic care in otorhinolaryngological conditions. Inpatient services are supported by dedicated wards across all clinical departments, ensuring segregated care for different patient categories, along with intensive care units (ICUs) and multiple operation theaters equipped for advanced surgical interventions. The General Medicine Department, for example, maintains a 60-bedded ICU and a geriatric ward to handle critical and elderly patients. Operation theaters in the General Surgery Department are utilized for a broad spectrum of procedures, supported by postgraduate training programs. Integrated services such as physiotherapy, geriatric medicine, and pulmonary medicine enhance the hospital's offerings, providing rehabilitative and supportive care within the clinical ecosystem. Physiotherapy units assist in post-operative recovery and management across departments, while geriatric medicine focuses on age-related health issues through dedicated clinics and wards. Pulmonary medicine integrates respiratory care, including diagnostic and therapeutic services for lung diseases.

Patient Care and Emergency Response

The (OPD) at Medical College Hospital manages an average daily footfall of approximately 1,800 patients across multiple specialties, offering free or subsidized treatment to eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides cashless coverage up to ₹5 per family annually for secondary and tertiary care, and the Assam Arogya Nidhi scheme, which offers reimbursement up to ₹3 for treatment of serious illnesses to families with annual income below ₹5 . This high volume underscores the hospital's role as a primary healthcare provider in upper , with services emphasizing accessible diagnostics, consultations, and referrals supported by clinical departments. As of March 2025, the hospital has expanded to a total bed capacity of 1,939 beds, including 264 ICU beds, enhancing its ability to manage . Emergency services at the hospital function round-the-clock through a dedicated casualty wing, addressing trauma, medical emergencies, pediatric cases, obstetric complications, and psychiatric crises, with protocols for rapid assessment and stabilization. The facility handles hundreds of such cases daily, integrating triage systems to prioritize critical patients and coordinate with state ambulance networks like GVK EMRI, which operates over 280 vehicles across Assam for timely transport. Specialized response units are equipped for disaster scenarios, particularly floods in Assam's Brahmaputra valley, where the hospital serves as a designated disaster base with provisions for 72-hour power backup, rainwater reservoirs, and evacuation protocols for indoor patients. Post-COVID-19 adaptations have enhanced telemedicine capabilities, enabling virtual consultations and follow-up care through the e-Hospital module for and reducing physical visits for stable cases. These initiatives, including tele-consulting for chronic conditions, improve continuity of care while leveraging departmental expertise in and .

Research and Achievements

Research Initiatives

Assam Medical College maintains active research programs through its departmental units and dedicated facilities, emphasizing medical sciences relevant to . The Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) for , established in 2003 under the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme and hosted at the college, focuses on by collecting and analyzing data on cancer incidence, patterns, and burden in the region, contributing to epidemiological insights on tobacco-related and other local cancers. The Department of Community Medicine leads epidemiological studies on issues, including infectious diseases prevalent in , while the Department of Microbiology conducts research on , such as an ICMR-funded project investigating , a soil-borne bacterial infection endemic to tropical regions like 's tea gardens. These efforts address -specific health challenges, including transmission and associated morbidity in tea garden worker populations, often through collaborative and risk factor analysis with nearby ICMR institutions. Research activities are supported by funding from national bodies like ICMR and the (DBT), as well as state grants via the , Research and Development directorate, enabling multiple ongoing projects in infectious diseases, non-communicable disorders, and . Faculty and postgraduate students contribute annually to peer-reviewed journals, with publications covering topics from microbial etiology of to oral interventions in schoolchildren, often stemming from ICMR-sponsored studies. Student involvement is integral, particularly through mandatory postgraduate theses that incorporate original research, such as hospital-based analyses of acute encephalitis syndrome and regional disease patterns, fostering hands-on training in research methodology. The college collaborates with national institutes, including ICMR's Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRCNE) in for joint projects on communicable diseases like , and broader ICMR networks for epidemiological . These partnerships extend to clinical trials, supported by the Institutional , which is registered with the (CDSCO) to review and approve biomedical research protocols in line with Good Clinical Practice guidelines. International elements arise through ICMR-facilitated multicentric trials on emerging infections, though primary focus remains on regional priorities. Post-2010 expansions have bolstered research infrastructure, including the establishment of a Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory funded by ICMR to support advanced biomedical investigations across departments. The Institutional , chaired by external experts and comprising faculty from various disciplines, ensures ethical oversight for all studies, with regular training workshops on research methodology and funded by the Department of Health Research, Ministry of and Family Welfare. These initiatives underscore the college's commitment to evidence-based advancements in tailored to Assam's health landscape.

Notable Contributions and Recognitions

Assam Medical College has received significant recognition for its academic and infrastructural excellence, highlighting its contributions to in the region. These accolades underscore the institution's commitment to maintaining high-quality and healthcare delivery in . The college has made pioneering contributions to medical practice in the country, notably establishing India's first department in 1910 by importing two machines from , which marked a milestone in diagnostic imaging capabilities. During public health crises, such as the , Assam Medical College played a in 's response efforts, converting facilities into dedicated COVID hospitals and conducting programs to enhance preparedness, including on health system strengthening. In November 2024, the college received the “Best Multidisciplinary Research Unit” award at the Department of Health Research (DHR)-ICMR Research Summit 2024. In terms of community outreach, the college actively participates in state-led initiatives providing free medical camps in remote areas of , extending essential healthcare services to underserved populations. To commemorate its 75th anniversary in 2022, the institution organized year-long platinum jubilee celebrations, culminating in events on that featured contributions from batches, including developmental projects like infrastructure enhancements funded by former students. Faculty members have been honored for their research in and related fields, with the college itself receiving the Best Performing College in award for two consecutive years from the Department of Health Research, , recognizing its impactful contributions to national health studies. Over its since 1947, the college has trained more than 7,500 medical graduates, many of whom serve in regional healthcare, bolstering the Northeast's medical workforce.

Administration and Affiliations

Governance and Leadership

The Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) is administered under the oversight of the Directorate of Medical Education, Assam, which coordinates , faculty recruitment, and resource allocation across the state's medical institutions. This governing body ensures compliance with national standards set by the (NMC) and facilitates decision-making through specialized committees focused on academics, ethics, and finance. The academic committees, including the Post Graduate Academic Cell and Medical Education Unit, handle , faculty training, and student assessments, while the Institutional Ethics Committee reviews protocols and clinical practices to uphold ethical standards. Financial oversight is integrated into the administrative framework, managing budgets for infrastructure, equipment, and operational needs in alignment with state health department guidelines. At the helm of daily operations is the Principal cum Chief Superintendent, currently Prof. Dr. Sanjeeb Kakati, MBBS, MD (), who oversees both academic programs and administration, including appointments, admissions, and integration of teaching with clinical services. Appointed in 2020, Dr. Kakati has emphasized enhancements in healthcare delivery and educational quality during his tenure. Historically, leadership has evolved to include prominent Assamese figures, with Dr. S. N. Sharma serving as the first Assamese Principal; a who pioneered postgraduate surgical training at the institution after completing his MS in 1962. The college maintains robust policies to support student welfare, including counseling services, facilitation, and financial aid mechanisms for economically disadvantaged students through state schemes. Anti-ragging measures are strictly enforced via a dedicated committee that mandates undertakings from students and parents, with past instances resulting in suspensions for violations, in line with UGC and NMC regulations. is prioritized through regular internal audits, adherence to NMC standards, and participation in national programs like the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) for hospital services, ensuring continuous improvement in educational and clinical outcomes.

Academic Affiliations and Rankings

Assam Medical College is affiliated with Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences (SSUHS), , which awards degrees for its undergraduate MBBS program and various postgraduate medical courses. The institution is recognized by the (NMC), which has granted permission for 200 MBBS seats and extended recognition for five years in 2023, affirming compliance with regulatory standards for . Admissions to the MBBS course under the 15% All India Quota are conducted through centralized counseling by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), ensuring a merit-based selection process via scores. The college participates in the (NIRF) rankings for medical institutions, organized by the Ministry of Education, , as of the 2025 rankings, reflecting its commitment to national performance metrics. It has received positive assessments from the NMC, highlighting strengths in infrastructure, faculty qualifications, and patient care volume. Assam Medical College fosters international collaborations, including research partnerships with the via the Maternal Health Research Initiative (MaatHRI) for capacity building in studies, and participation in Indo-UK medical conferences for knowledge exchange. These efforts support student and faculty exchange programs and international certifications in specialized training.

Notable People

Prominent Alumni

Assam Medical College has produced several distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to , , and related fields across and beyond. These graduates have excelled in clinical practice, administration, and policy-making, often addressing regional healthcare challenges in the Northeast and internationally. Rathin Datta, who completed his MBBS from Assam Medical College in , emerged as a renowned and medical administrator. Specializing in , , , and plastic and after obtaining fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in , , and , Datta played a pivotal role during the 1971 by treating wounded freedom fighters and civilians in refugee camps. His humanitarian efforts earned him the award in 2012, recognizing his lifelong dedication to surgery and public service in , where he served as a senior consultant and mentor to generations of doctors. Upendra Devkota, an alumnus who earned his MBBS from Assam Medical College in 1978, became Nepal's pioneering and a key figure in leadership. After further training in the UK, including a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons, he established as a specialty in upon returning to in , performing thousands of complex procedures and training local specialists. Devkota also served as Nepal's Minister of Health and Population from 2009 to 2011, where he advanced healthcare infrastructure, including the expansion of specialized services and international collaborations, before his passing in 2018. Jitendra Nath Gohain, who obtained his MBBS from and later a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in (1969 batch), was a trailblazing obstetrician, gynecologist, and general surgeon in . He founded the P & K Memorial Nursing Home (Gohain Nursing Home) in , dedicating his career to improving maternal and child health services in rural areas, and received accolades such as the Chikitsa Ratan Award and lifetime achievement honors from the Assam Surgical Association and . As a past president of regional medical bodies, Gohain advanced initiatives in Assamese communities, emphasizing accessible surgical care until his death in 2018. Deepali Dutta, graduating with her MBBS from Assam Medical College in 1972, was a pioneering who transformed care in before her death in 2010. Awarded an overseas scholarship for postgraduate training in the UK, where she obtained her MRCP and FRCPsych, Dutta focused on , authoring influential works like "Where Has the Golden Childhood Gone?" that highlighted cultural and social factors in . She served as principal of Medical College, Assam Medical College, and Medical College—the only woman to lead all three—and as Director of in , while contributing to rehabilitation programs for and founding the Assam Psychiatric Society. Her legacy endures through the annual Professor Deepali Dutta Memorial Oration, recognizing advancements in psychiatric research and training. T. M. Lotha, who studied medicine at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, and obtained further qualifications from the All India Institute of Hygiene and , Calcutta, in 1981, made notable contributions to community medicine and in as a physician and political leader. Joining government service as an Assistant Surgeon in 1977, he later served as Nagaland's Minister for Health and Family Welfare, where he promoted rural hygiene, education, and development to combat epidemics and improve access to preventive care. Lotha's efforts included inaugurating health institutes focused on family welfare and advocating for cultural integration in policies, earning recognition for his service as a student leader and medical professional before his passing in 2020. The Assam Medical College Old Students Association (AMCOSA) and its chapters, including the Delhi-based AMCOL (Assam Medical College Alumni Association Delhi), foster global networks among graduates through reunions, professional mentorship, and support initiatives. These groups organize events like foundation day celebrations and batch gatherings, while maintaining alumni directories to facilitate collaborations in , , and , strengthening ties between the college and its widespread community.

Distinguished Faculty

Dr. Sanjeeb Kakati serves as the current Principal and Chief Superintendent of Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), bringing extensive expertise in with a specialization in and on conditions such as and . As a pioneer in research in , he has guided multiple projects and contributed to establishing specialized clinics, including the Hemophilia Clinic at AMCH. His leadership has elevated the institution's focus on rare diseases, positioning AMCH as Assam's first Centre of Excellence for such conditions under national programs. Historically, Prof. S. N. Sharma holds a distinguished place as the first individual from to be appointed Professor of Surgery at AMCH in 1961, during the 1960s expansion of surgical postgraduate training. He later served as Principal, contributing to the development of surgical education and infrastructure at the college. In the early years, the radiology department—established in 1910 as India's first, with imported machines—laid foundational expertise in diagnostic imaging, enabling pioneering work in medical diagnostics under initial leadership from figures like Dr. Lahiri, the department's first MD holder. Among modern departmental leaders, Dr. Hem Chandra Kalita has been a key figure in since joining as in 1990, becoming the first faculty member with a DM in Cardiology from PGIMER, , and later serving as Head of Department to advance cardiac care and training in . In neurosurgery, Dr. Abdul Rashid Choudhury initiated the department in 1976 as the region's first UK-trained , establishing foundational practices, while current Head Dr. Dhruba Jyoti Kurmi continues to lead with advanced training in MCh from SMS Medical College, Jaipur. AMCH faculty have amassed significant achievements, including numerous peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals on topics ranging from to , with individual profiles documenting over 50 citations in specialized fields. They have received awards from state and national bodies, such as the Distinguished Career Award in Healthcare Leadership for contributions to and research. Faculty members have also provided to thousands of medical students and residents through postgraduate guidance, workshops, and clinical training programs, fostering a legacy of professional development at the institution.

References

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