In the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, anesthesiology is gaining increased recognition, especially in surgical and critical care settings. According to Mordor Intelligence reports, the India Anesthesia devices market size is projected to be $477.74 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $685.85 million by 2029, with a projected growth rate of 7.5 percent during the forecast period 2024-2029. As the importance of anesthesiology becomes more prominent, Dr. S. Ramesh stands as an exemplary figure in this field, along side several emerging healthcare professionals. He is the first person to practice exclusive pediatric anesthesia three decades ago.

Dr. S. Ramesh is an MBBS graduate from Thanjavur Medical College, University of Madras. He has done M.D. in Anesthesia from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (Chandigarh). After completing his MBBS, he initially intended to pursue a career in General Surgery. However, due to the norms that required one to serve in allied branches for the first six months other than surgery, he started his career as an Anesthetist, seeking a position as a non-PG junior resident at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry.

Dr. Ramesh says, “Around 50-60 years ago, Pediatric patients weren’t given adequate pain relief after surgery, and administering sedatives and anesthetising children were challenging. However, advancements in regional anesthesia have significantly improved pain management for children during surgery and after surgery”. He adds, “The branch of anesthesia was not really preferred by many earlier. Even for me, what initially was a compulsion, very soon turned into a choice as I recognized my passion for this field, after working in the department of anesthesia at JIPMER, Pondicherry for just four months”.

Leadership at Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital

Upon joining Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital in the year 1991, Dr. Ramesh led the anesthesiology team during a period of significant growth, expanding into a 200-bed facility focused on pediatric care. As a pioneer in pediatric anesthesia in India, he introduced innovative techniques that prioritized patient safety and comfort. His expertise in regional anesthesia, particularly caudal analgesia, ultrasound guided regional blocks and non-intubation methods, greatly improved outcomes for pediatric surgical patients.

Dr. Ramesh also played a key role in enhancing postoperative, neonatal intensive, and pediatric emergency care. His holistic approach set a new standard in pediatric anesthesia, reducing risk and pain for young patients. Under his leadership, the hospital’s pediatric intensive care services flourished, with anesthetists becoming central to managing critical cases in the initial start of the hospital.

Dr Ramesh, as a course director of fellowship programme in pediatric Anesthesia (recognized by the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR medical University) has mentored and shaped the careers of many pediatric anesthesiologists nationwide.

Influence on Pediatric Anesthesiology

Dr. Ramesh’s illustrious career spans multiple countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Zurich, where he gained extensive global exposure in pediatric anesthesiology. His international experiences enabled him to introduce advanced practices in India, such as the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and Propofol in children under three years, both considered groundbreaking at the time. His innovative mindset allowed him to adopt cutting-edge techniques to improve anesthesia safety for young patients.

Dr S. Ramesh transforms pediatric anesthesia, prioritizing safety and comfort, inspiring future generations through innovation & compassionate care

Additionally, his training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia from renowned experts in Hong Kong revolutionized his approach to pediatric pain management. This method significantly enhanced outcomes for pediatric surgeries in India. His global exposure provided him with a broader understanding of healthcare systems, enabling him to implement best practices while adapting them to local needs.

Dr. Ramesh made significant contribution towards framing of the first All India Difficult Airway Guidelines (AIDAA) in 2016. These guidelines, particularly the pediatric section, provided standardized protocols for managing difficult airways across India, improving patient safety and care. By filling a critical gap in medical practice, these guidelines have been adopted nationwide, transforming the management of complex airway cases in children and saving lives even in smaller institutions with limited resources.

Ensuring Safe & Pain-Free Pediatric Surgery

Dr. Ramesh has dedicated his career to ensuring pediatric surgeries are as safe and pain-free as possible. He adopts a holistic approach, conducting thorough preoperative assessments to ease parental concerns and reduce the emotional stress of surgery. Allowing parents to accompany their children into the operating room further comforts both the child and the family. He also focuses on minimizing pain during recovery through regional blocks and advanced pain-relief techniques. His postoperative care protocols promote faster recovery and better outcomes, and his commitment to innovation in pediatric anesthesia has made him a trusted leader and mentor in the field. He also uses in experience and knowledge to anaesthetize neonates and pediatric neurosurgery and spine surgeries. The lowest weight he has anaesthetized is 425 gms baby.

In conclusion, Dr. S. Ramesh through his passion, curiosity, persistence, innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration has taken pediatric anesthesia to greater heights. His training at PGIMER Chandigarh and leadership at Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital enabled him to implement groundbreaking practices that enhance the safety and comfort of pediatric surgical patients in India leaving a lasting legacy.