Remembering a Medical Legend: Dr J S Guleria's Enduring Legacy
The medical community mourns the loss of Dr Jagdev Singh Guleria, a distinguished physician, cardiologist, and former dean of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, who passed away at his home in the Capital on January 22 at the age of 98. Padma Shri awardee Dr Guleria leaves behind a profound legacy of clinical brilliance, mentorship, and dedication to medicine that continues to inspire generations of doctors.
A Master of Diagnosis and Clinical Art
Colleagues and students remember Dr Guleria as a master diagnostician whose precision was unparalleled. Dr Anoop Mishra, chairman of Fortis CDOC Hospital for Diabetes in Delhi, who worked with Dr Guleria at AIIMS, marvels at his diagnostic abilities. "He could listen to half the symptoms and tell you the full diagnosis," Dr Mishra recalls, highlighting how Dr Guleria's clinical acumen often led to accurate assessments with minimal information.
This skill was particularly valuable during an era when advanced diagnostic tools were scarce. Dr S K Sharma, former professor and head of the Department of Medicine at AIIMS, joined the institute in 1979 when imaging technologies like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI were not readily available. "Diagnosis depended entirely on clinical examination. And in that art… Dr Guleria stood at the very top," Dr Sharma shares, emphasizing how Dr Guleria excelled in the fundamental practice of medicine.
From Humble Beginnings to Medical Excellence
Dr J S Guleria's journey to becoming a medical icon began in humble circumstances. Hailing from Manjara village in Himachal Pradesh, he faced significant challenges in his early education. His son, Dr Randeep Guleria, recounts, "My father came from a small village where there was no electricity until the late 1970s or early '80s. He used to walk nearly 5 km every day to go to school, sometimes even crossing a river along the way."
After completing his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Government Medical College in Amritsar, Dr Guleria initially joined the civil medical services in Punjab, a secure position offering pension benefits. However, in 1958, when AIIMS was being established in Delhi, he made the bold decision to resign and join the nascent institute. At AIIMS, he was part of the first batch of DM cardiology students and even admitted the first patient in December 1958 when the institute lacked its own wards, requiring treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Institution Building
Dr Guleria's career was marked by significant contributions to medical education and institution building. He rose through the ranks at AIIMS, eventually becoming the head of the Department of Medicine and later serving as dean. His mentorship extended beyond AIIMS; after retiring in 1987, he was persuaded to delay private practice and instead helped establish the Department of Medicine at University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) in East Delhi, building it from the ground up.
His trust in his students was remarkable. Dr Sharma recalls an instance when Dr Guleria entrusted him with the care of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's cousin, demonstrating confidence even in high-pressure situations. "Dr Guleria had such trust in his students… even in moments of high pressure," he says.
Treating High-Profile Patients with Equal Care
Throughout his career, Dr Guleria treated numerous high-profile patients, including mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, yet maintained his characteristic meticulous attention and calm demeanor. Dr A B Dey, former Head of Geriatric Medicine at AIIMS, notes, "Even with such high-profile patients, he treated everyone with the same meticulous attention, clinical skill, and calm presence."
Dr Mishra adds that Dr Guleria's advice was always practical and actionable, never getting lost in theoretical complexities. "It was always actionable, and it almost always helped the patient," he emphasizes.
Family and Continuing Practice
Dr J S Guleria is survived by his two sons, both accomplished doctors: Dr Randeep Guleria, currently chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine & Respiratory and Sleep Medicine and Director of Medanta Medical School, and former AIIMS director; and Dr Sandeep Guleria, a transplant surgeon. The family recalls that even in his late 90s, Dr Guleria continued to see patients at his private practice at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, where he served for over 30 years, a testament to his enduring passion for medicine.
His legacy lives on through the countless doctors he trained, the institutions he helped build, and the patients he treated with unwavering dedication. As the medical community reflects on his life, Dr J S Guleria remains a model of clinical excellence, mentorship, and humble perseverance that continues to inspire.
