The neurosurgery landscape stands at the intersection of science and soul. Every incision, every decision, carries the weight of a life’s movement, memory, or voice. It is a profession that is characterised not only by knowledge but also by the ability to be patient, careful and dedicated to the human life.
In the past ten years, the field has been radically changed from simple X-rays and myelograms to high-resolution MRIs, microsurgical equipment, and complex monitoring systems that turn impossible into possible. In the modern world, neurosurgery is a sensitive art, a science and a technology that shapes the way we think and preserves the most complex networks of the human body.
Amongst such a challenging profession stands a person who is known for his commitment, prowess, and foresight. Dr Krish Sridhar, Director and Group Mentor, Institute of Brain and Spine, Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, Chennai, was born in a family where medicine was a natural choice. His family has doctors, including his grandfather and uncle, so he was exposed to medical life early with all its challenges and gratifications. However, what was unique about him was his clarity in purpose: he aspired to be a surgeon rather than a physician.
Upon completing MBBS from Madras Medical College, his career was significantly influenced by his uncle, Dr B Ramamurthi, one of the pioneer neurosurgeons in India. With his mentorship, Dr Sridhar developed both skill and vision and understood that neurosurgery was not only a matter of skill but also required enormous patience and problem-solving under stress.
Mastering the Craft in an Era of Limited Tools
Dr Sridhar joined the field in the late 1980s, and during this time, neurosurgery in India was still in its early stages. Imaging technology was primitive, MRI scans were rudimentary, and implants were made from stainless steel rather than today’s advanced titanium systems. Surgeons were mostly dependent on X-rays and myelograms to make critical decisions.
However, this setting was where he mastered one of the core skills: attaining excellent patient outcomes with limited resources. This experience in the initial stage taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of precise planning – the qualities that would define his career.
In the early 1990s, he started focusing on the cervical spine operations. There were very few at the time who were venturing into this area in India. He was meticulous and attentive to the consequences ; as a result, he became a major player in the field of spinal surgery, and his work led to further contributions in the field of neurosurgery.
Building an Ecosystem of Integrated Neuro Care
In the last few years, Dr Sridhar has established an effective multidisciplinary team at Kauvery Hospital, which is a reflection of his philosophy that neurosurgery is not only about the operating theatre but also about integrated, patient-centred care. The institute is a space in which patients receive coordinated care throughout the process from diagnosis to recovery.
Neurosurgeons, Neurologists, Critical Care Specialists, Rehabilitation Specialists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Oncologists, and Paediatric Neurologists work together to look at all aspects of a patient’s condition. If the patient has a brain tumour, spinal condition, stroke, or a chronic neurological condition, all specialists contribute to a unified treatment plan.
One of the most prominent characteristics is the specialised Neuro ICU, which is one of the few in India, staffed by doctors and nurses trained in neurocritical care. Recovery is not mere stabilisation but directed restoration, so patients can recover as much as they can. Dr Sridhar believes that recovery is a shared effort and the medical, psychological, and social needs of the patient have to be taken care of.
The Quiet Strength Behind Groundbreaking Surgeries
Neurosurgery itself is a daily test of resilience. Every patient presents a unique challenge; every procedure demands meticulous attention. However, Dr Sridhar manages to survive these forces with a simple philosophy: “Good work speaks for itself.” He eliminates the noise of competition, politics, and outside influences by concentrating on competence, training, and careful implementation, allowing performance to define his career.
Although his initial years were focused on spinal surgery, especially the cervical spine, over time, he transitioned to complicated brain surgery. Today, he is especially known for his work on brain tumours and surgeries in the brainstem, which is one of the most sensitive parts of the brain. It regulates the basic functions of the brain, including breathing and consciousness. Not many surgeons attempt such procedures in India, and it takes years of experience and meticulous use of the microsurgical technique to succeed.
He has also operated on hundreds of cases of trigeminal neuralgia, a severe facial pain disorder, and tinnitus. Most of these methods have been published internationally and presented on scientific platforms; this indicates his commitment to advancing the field beyond his practice.
Crafting a Legacy of Knowledge & Compassion
One of the key aspects of his work is teaching, and Dr Sridhar takes an active role in mentoring young neurosurgeons, stressing that the transfer of knowledge is no less significant than personal success. He says, “Legacy cannot be measured only by the number of surgeries carried out but by the ability and morals passed on to the new generation”. He combines modern technology with practical experience so that microsurgical skills are accurate, safe, and effective, as well as applicable to the local context of healthcare.
My goal has always been to make advanced neurosurgical care accessible across India, not just in a few big cities
Dr Sridhar, being the President-Elect of the Neurological Society of India, carries greater responsibilities. He is concerned about making the neurosurgical education more relevant, updating training and examination methods to reflect contemporary practice. “My vision is not limited to metropolitan hospitals; rather, my plan is to enable neurosurgeons in small cities and towns to provide high-quality care”, he says.
The population of India is more than a billion, and there are approximately 5,000 neurosurgeons; the demand is enormous. However, the country’s talent and commitment are equally vast. Dr Sridhar envisions a future where patients no longer need to travel long distances for complex procedures and where excellence in neurosurgery is accessible in multiple regions, not just a few urban centres.
Technology is another important facilitator, but he focuses on relevance rather than novelty. Every tool and procedure should be beneficial to patients and local demands, instead of just duplicating practices in other places. For Dr Sridhar, the journey continues daily both in the operating theatre and in classrooms with aspiring neurosurgeons. His rule in life has always been the same: work diligently, stay humble, and pursue excellence consistently. He quotes the saying of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, “Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident”. With decades of practice, innovation, and mentorship, he has shaped not just surgical procedures but the culture of neurosurgery in India, leaving a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the future of the field.
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