Dr Balakumar S
Senior Consultant Vascular Surgeon
Dr Balakumar S completed his MBBS in 1994 from Rajamuthiah Medical College in Chidambaram. Though his medical career started in 1989 influenced by his family’s career choice decision, during his studies, he developed a passion for surgery. It prompted him to pursue a Master’s in Surgery at Madras Medical College, where he joined the General Surgery program in 1997 after passing the entrance exam. Throughout his training, he performed numerous surgeries and initially faced fear when encountering bleeding during procedures. To overcome this, he recognized the need to specialize in handling blood vessels and hemorrhaging. This training helped him gain the skills necessary for success in surgery.
Dr Balakumar’s interest in vascular surgery developed under the mentorship of an assistant professor who later became a vascular surgeon. From 1997 to around 2006- 2007, Madras Medical College was the sole institution in India offering vascular surgery training, with only two seats available nationwide, underscoring the specialty’s rarity. During his general surgery training, Dr Balakumar worked in the trauma ward, managing cases from accidents and injuries. He often assisted in surgeries for multiple patients overnight, which made him realize that specialized training in vascular surgery is crucial for effectively saving lives. And, of course, that laid the groundwork for his pursuit of a career in vascular surgery. He says, “Managing bleeding and vascular injuries is crucial, especially in acute and life threatening situations. This knowledge is fundamental to the field of vascular surgery, which I learned through my studies”.
After earning his Master of Science in General Surgery, Dr Balakumar joined the Department of Vascular Surgery in 2003. Over nearly 22 years, he has dedicated himself to this specialized field, initially motivated by a desire to address trauma-related hemorrhaging. However, he quickly recognized that vascular surgery involves a broader spectrum of conditions. Currently, Dr Balakumar treats various vascular diseases affecting patients throughout their bodies, providing life-enhancing interventions. His
expertise includes managing complex cases, such as preventing strokes caused by blockages in the carotid arteries. Vascular surgeons play a crucial role in clearing these obstructions, which can prevent serious health crises. Additionally, conditions of the aorta, like aortic aneurysms and dissections, require the specialized skills of a vascular surgeon, underscoring the importance of advanced training in this field.
As a vascular surgeon, he plays a crucial role in treating diseases affecting blood vessels, including renal conditions. Procedures such as bypass surgeries for renal arterial stenosis are critical, and patients with renal failure often require access surgery, including the creation of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, to facilitate dialysis and avoid complications like pulmonary edema. Additionally, he addresses blockages in lower limb blood vessels, frequently caused by diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. These non-communicable diseases are major contributors to mortality in the country. Factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyles are prevalent, particularly among older adults. In India, the prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) ranges from 7.6 percent to 26.7 percent, while the rising incidence of diabetes poses significant public health challenges, leading to complications such as strokes and diabetic foot syndrome. Dr Balakumar effectively manages these conditions.
Treatment Approach
There are two key approaches to vascular diseases, namely making impactful decisions and acknowledging their effects on quality of life. With over two decades of experience as a vascular surgeon, he focuses on both venous and arterial diseases. Venous conditions affect 25 to 30 percent of people and often go unnoticed, prompting him to dedicate 60 percent of his time to these issues. He also addresses arterial conditions like diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Early intervention is crucial for improving patients’ quality of life and supporting their families facing related socioeconomic challenges.
Redefining Patient Care & Medical Leadership
In 2016, Dr Balakumar became the first head of the vascular surgery department at Tanjore Medical College, serving underprivileged patients in a remote area. He introduced complex procedures quickly, balancing his role at the college and in corporate hospitals. This dual experience allowed him to use advanced technology, like Intravascular ultrasound, to treat diverse patient populations effectively, enhancing his skills and career. He has been a senior teaching faculty for MCH Post Graduates in vascular surgery for 15 years and has also been an examiner.
Growth & Future Roadmap
With the revolution in the digital space, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are entering the field of vascular surgery. In future, the healthcare sector will increasingly focus on preventing and managing non-communicable diseases, major contributors to mortality. Public education on healthier lifestyles is essential for early diagnosis and treatment, especially in vascular surgery, to address complications like strokes, aortic diseases, peripheral arterial diseases and pulmonary embolism. The impact of the new technologies on vascular surgery is significant, they will standardize diagnosis, guide decision-making, and enhance imaging and play a crucial role in the mass diagnosis of diseases.
As a vascular surgeon, Dr Balakumar feels a strong responsibility to raise awareness about health risks and the importance of timely intervention, as many people remain unaware of the challenges they may face. The integration of these tools will also transform medical education too. He advices the upcoming leaders, “Vascular surgery is a demanding but rewarding specialty with growing opportunities in treating venous and arterial diseases. It’s important to be motivated and passionate about the work, so consider this career path early”.
Awards & Certificates
•Received times health excellence award for the year 2023-24 for service excellence in vascular surgery in february 2024.
•Trendsetters award in field of vascular surgery from hon’ble health minister, government of tamilnadu in june 2024.
•Service excellence award in vascular and endovascular surgery from hon’ble health minister, government of tamilnadu for the year 2024-25 in february 2025.
As a vascular surgeon, he plays a crucial role in treating diseases affecting blood vessels, including renal conditions. Procedures such as bypass surgeries for renal arterial stenosis are critical, and patients with renal failure often require access surgery, including the creation of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, to facilitate dialysis and avoid complications like pulmonary edema. Additionally, he addresses blockages in lower limb blood vessels, frequently caused by diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. These non-communicable diseases are major contributors to mortality in the country. Factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyles are prevalent, particularly among older adults. In India, the prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) ranges from 7.6 percent to 26.7 percent, while the rising incidence of diabetes poses significant public health challenges, leading to complications such as strokes and diabetic foot syndrome. Dr Balakumar effectively manages these conditions.
Treatment Approach
There are two key approaches to vascular diseases, namely making impactful decisions and acknowledging their effects on quality of life. With over two decades of experience as a vascular surgeon, he focuses on both venous and arterial diseases. Venous conditions affect 25 to 30 percent of people and often go unnoticed, prompting him to dedicate 60 percent of his time to these issues. He also addresses arterial conditions like diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Early intervention is crucial for improving patients’ quality of life and supporting their families facing related socioeconomic challenges.
Redefining Patient Care & Medical Leadership
In 2016, Dr Balakumar became the first head of the vascular surgery department at Tanjore Medical College, serving underprivileged patients in a remote area. He introduced complex procedures quickly, balancing his role at the college and in corporate hospitals. This dual experience allowed him to use advanced technology, like Intravascular ultrasound, to treat diverse patient populations effectively, enhancing his skills and career. He has been a senior teaching faculty for MCH Post Graduates in vascular surgery for 15 years and has also been an examiner.
Growth & Future Roadmap
With the revolution in the digital space, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are entering the field of vascular surgery. In future, the healthcare sector will increasingly focus on preventing and managing non-communicable diseases, major contributors to mortality. Public education on healthier lifestyles is essential for early diagnosis and treatment, especially in vascular surgery, to address complications like strokes, aortic diseases, peripheral arterial diseases and pulmonary embolism. The impact of the new technologies on vascular surgery is significant, they will standardize diagnosis, guide decision-making, and enhance imaging and play a crucial role in the mass diagnosis of diseases.
As a vascular surgeon, Dr Balakumar feels a strong responsibility to raise awareness about health risks and the importance of timely intervention, as many people remain unaware of the challenges they may face. The integration of these tools will also transform medical education too. He advices the upcoming leaders, “Vascular surgery is a demanding but rewarding specialty with growing opportunities in treating venous and arterial diseases. It’s important to be motivated and passionate about the work, so consider this career path early”.
Awards & Certificates
•Received times health excellence award for the year 2023-24 for service excellence in vascular surgery in february 2024.
•Trendsetters award in field of vascular surgery from hon’ble health minister, government of tamilnadu in june 2024.
•Service excellence award in vascular and endovascular surgery from hon’ble health minister, government of tamilnadu for the year 2024-25 in february 2025.
