Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, urged young doctors to prioritize empathy and ethics in their medical practice during the convocation ceremony at PGIMER, Chandigarh. He served as the chief guest at the event held in Bhargava Auditorium, where Dr. GD Puri, the Executive Director of AIIMS Jodhpur, was the guest of honor.
Chandigarh: During the 37th annual convocation at PGIMER, Justice DY Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, advised young doctors to make empathy and ethics the foundation of their professional careers.
Justice Chandrachud served as the chief guest at the event, with Dr. GD Puri, Executive Director of AIIMS Jodhpur, as the guest of honours. The ceremony was held in Bhargava Auditorium on the PGIMER campus.
In his convocation address, delivered after presenting medals and degrees, the CJI drew parallels between the fields of medicine and law.
Read Also: “We Need to Expand Infrastructure”: CJI’s Vision to Tackle Case Pendency
He emphasized key principles that both professions should uphold, beneficence, non-malfeasance, autonomy, and justice.
He stated,
“We ensure no harm comes to those who seek our expertise, and both medicine and law deliver justice based on evidence. Autonomy means respecting an individual’s right to choose, and financial obstacles should not impede access to healthcare or justice,”
The CJI further emphasized the shared objective of both fields, serving humanity with compassion and integrity.
He remarked,
“Your role as medical professionals extends beyond healing the body; it involves uplifting the spirit and ensuring justice within the healthcare system.”
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) urged young doctors to anchor their medical careers in empathy and ethics, stating,
“Empathy and ethics are not mere abstract ideas but the very foundation of your medical journey. As you embark on your path as healthcare professionals, remember that technical skills are only a part of the equation. Your true success and impact on your patients’ lives will be defined by your compassion, ability to listen, and unwavering commitment to ethical practices.”
He also highlighted the pressing issue of the high cost of medicines, stressing the need for broader accessibility and innovation that benefits everyone, not just a select few.
The CJI emphasized,
“The affordability of medical care is crucial, and we must develop infrastructure to support the aging population,”
He added,
“It’s not only about treating diseases but also about caring for the individual behind the illness, respecting their dignity, and providing comfort during their most vulnerable moments,”
Concluding his address on a profound note, the CJI told the young doctors,
“You stand next to God, and throughout your journey, you will face numerous dilemmas and temptations. My advice to you is to keep the light of your conscience alive, and you will flourish.”
Earlier in the ceremony, Dr. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, remarked,
“For me, PGIMER is not just a hospital; it is a ‘dham’ where miracles happen daily, thanks to the tireless efforts of our staff, who often go above and beyond their duties.”
A total of 80 doctors honoured with medals for their outstanding achievements in academics and research, while 508 graduates were awarded their degrees. Among the recipients 15 gold medalists across various categories and disciplines, along with 34 silver and 31 bronze medalists.
Dr. Piyush Aggarwal and Dr. Apoorva Sharma awarded the Kataria Memorial Gold Medal for 2022-23. In addition to these accolades, several silver and bronze medals presented in the Maj Gen Amir Chand category, with silver medals (first order) and bronze medals (second order) also being conferred.
Justice Chandrachud drew an insightful comparison to the movie “Munna Bhai MBBS,” reminding the audience that, much like the film’s message about the importance of compassion over mere textbook knowledge, the essence of medicine should also be rooted in empathy.
He emphasized,
“Your patients are more than just cases; they are individuals who require your kindness as much as your expertise. Let empathy guide you, and you’ll discover that even the smallest acts of care can work wonders,”
The CJI also shared a deeply personal story about his experience with PGIMER during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, when his younger daughter, Priyanka, was admitted to the institute’s critical care unit for 44 days.
Priyanka, a child with special needs, developed acute respiratory distress while the family was in Shimla and had to be urgently transported to PGIMER by ambulance.
The CJI recalled the exceptional care provided by the medical team, including Dr. Vivek Lal, GD Puri, and Sanjay Jain, despite the family’s distress. He was particularly impressed by their dedication, noting how Dr. Puri was always available, even late at night.
Expressing his gratitude for the care that allowed them to take Priyanka home after her treatment. the CJI recalled,
“I would sit outside the critical care unit, talking with the young doctors and residents about their work. I often joked about how Dr. Puri, no matter the hour, would answer his phone within seconds when does he sleep? I was told that everyone who comes here leaves with a smile, and today, I am here as a deeply personal tribute to PGIMER,”
Justice Chandrachud’s address served as a reminder that the practice of medicine is not just about treating diseases but also about caring for the person behind the illness. He urged the young doctors to always remember the human aspect of their profession, to respect the dignity of their patients, and to ensure that their medical decisions are guided by both evidence and ethical considerations. By prioritizing empathy and ethics, he assured them, they would not only excel in their careers but also make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.