The Impressive TimesThiruvananthapuram- Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan has urged newly qualified doctors to embrace emerging technologies while preserving empathy, ethics and personal responsibility in patient care.
Addressing the 15th Graduation Day ceremony of Sree Uthradom Thirunal (SUT) Academy of Medical Sciences in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, Radhakrishnan said developments such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital healthcare, advanced imaging and precision medicine are rapidly changing the medical profession.
He, however, stressed that technological progress should complement rather than replace the doctor-patient relationship.
Referring to the growing use of AI and robotic systems in healthcare, the Vice-President said machines can process information and assist medical professionals, but they cannot replicate the human qualities required to understand and comfort patients.
He said doctors must continue to listen carefully to patients, communicate honestly, provide reassurance and take responsibility for clinical decisions.
The Vice-President also highlighted the significance of the newly introduced robotic surgery and computer-aided diagnosis facilities at the institution, describing such initiatives as important for keeping medical education and healthcare in step with technological developments.
Radhakrishnan called upon the graduates to uphold the responsibilities associated with the medical profession. He emphasised accurate diagnosis, transparent communication, compassionate treatment and ethical decision-making as essential qualities of a good doctor.
Speaking about India’s development goals, the Vice-President said access to quality higher education would play an important role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
He noted that the expansion of medical education has accelerated in recent years. Referring to the growth of the AIIMS network, he said India has moved from having a single AIIMS in New Delhi to establishing 12 additional AIIMS.
According to Radhakrishnan, the benefits of development need to reach every part of the country, including states, districts and villages, and greater access to education is central to that objective.
The Vice-President also pointed to the increasing participation of women in higher education.
At the SUT graduation ceremony, 60 women and 32 men received undergraduate degrees, while five women and two men were awarded postgraduate degrees.
He described the increasing number of women graduating and receiving academic distinctions as an encouraging trend.
Radhakrishnan gave the graduating doctors three principles to carry into their professional careers: knowledge, compassion and integrity.
He encouraged them to combine confidence with humility, ambition with ethical conduct and technological expertise with sensitivity towards patients and society.
The Vice-President also advised the young doctors to stay away from drugs and contribute positively to society through their profession.
He concluded by wishing the graduates success in their careers and reminded them that medicine offers professionals the opportunity to directly improve the lives of others.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, Kerala Minister for Labour, Animal Husbandry and Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna, SUT Academy of Medical Sciences Chairman A. C. Shanmugam, Kerala University of Health Sciences Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal, along with faculty members, students and their families.
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