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Sri Sathya Sai Institute Of
Higher Medical Sciences SSSIHMS - Best Among the Best
This
article was written by Dr. Valluvan Jeevanandam, for ' Sai
Spandan'- an offering to Bhagawan on His 75th Birthday. Dr
Valluvan Jeevanandam graduated medical school from Columbia
University in NY at the top of the class. Had surgical training
also at Columbia University. Became director of the heart
transplant program at Temple University in 1992 and stayed there
until 1998. The program was the largest in the US for three of
those years. He has since moved to University of Chicago where he
is the Chief of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery and Director of Heart
Transplant and Mechanical Assist Device. Has the distinction of
being the youngest CT surgery chief in the US of any major
institution.
In this article, Dr. Jeevanandam recounts his experiences of
working in SSSIHMS.
SSSIHMS - BEST
AMONG THE BEST
I
often get asked what type of hospital is the Sri Sathya Sai
Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS)? Can the equipment
match those in advanced centers around the world? What is the
quality of the personnel working there? Are they actually doing
that many cases? Is the medical care truly free? After being given
the privilege and honor of working at the SSSIHMS many times, my
answer to all those questions is unequivocal - not only is patient
care absolutely superb, but the institution is unmatched by any
other in the world.
It has the most
advanced equipment available - there is barely any difference
between working in the operating rooms at Puttaparthi or in any
one in the United States. The health care professionals are also
unique - most do not have specialized training in their particular
field of work. They are a few chosen, very intelligent, devoted
students Swami had assigned particular tasks to - and then they
received "on the job training." For example, an economics student
becomes a perfusionist. Incredibly, they are the best support
staff I have ever worked with. They are extremely knowledgeable
and devoted to their jobs. They are there for the love of Swami -
and it is clearly reflected by their actions and work ethic.
Ultimately,
SSSIHMS has the biggest advantage over all other institutions -
the chief administrator is God himself. How can other institutions
match up to that type of compassionate leadership? In the US, we
often have to justify what we do for patients. Between the
insurance companies and hospitals, financial considerations can
often take precedent over patient care. At SSSIHMS, Swami asks
that we do our best - He takes care of all the other details.
Patient care is paramount as each person is given the most
advanced care possible. We have done homograft valves (human
valves that are transplanted to replace a patients diseased
valve), multiple valves and coronary artery bypass using complete
arterial grafts. These are procedures done in only one or two
centres in India and in fewer than 10% of all hospitals around the
world. With Swami's grace, we are able to extend His helping hand
and deliver the best care to some of the poorest people in the
country. Not only is the care advanced, it is delivered with
compassion and understanding. Swami's grace and love is always
present. Melodious Bhajans permeate the air. The patients can
sense the peaceful bliss. They recover remarkably fast and with
few complications. For instance, intravenous lines that are
usually required for at least a week are removed within 2 days.
On
a personal note, being permitted to work at SSSIHMS has changed my
outlook on life tremendously. Swami has a great way of using us to
help humanity, but equally using His guiding Hand to shape our
character. For instance, early in my career, before I was
acquainted with Swami's teachings, I considered myself intelligent,
technically gifted, and able to save patients who were practically
dead.
My ego swelled as I began to think that my actions were saving
patients lives. One can develop quite a "power" complex. After
discovering and being in the presence of Swami, I have realized
that this is merely an illusion. An incident during my second
visit to SSIHMS really brought this to light. There was one case
remaining for the day. It was getting late and the staff wanted to
have an educational meeting. Being full of ego, I claimed that the
case would be done in 2 hours as I was going to take over. It was
a relatively simple case and I could not foresee any difficulties.
Needless to say, I was taught a very valuable lesson. The patient
developed complications and a short case became a 5-hour
exhausting ordeal. The patient ultimately did well but after a
struggle. The next day during Darshan, my mind was obsessed with
all the difficulties of that case.
Swami came over and did not say a word. He just looked at me with
a twinkle in his eye and smiled. From that moment,
I realised that it was not my ability or talent or intellect. Each
one of us put on earth by Swami has a role He has determined for
us - we are just instruments of God. With that one episode, Swami
sucked out a large amount of my bloated ego. Everything we
accomplish is because Swami, in His infinite compassion, wills it
so. We have to do our best; the rest is in His hands. That
experience humbled me and made me grow up in a hurry. I realize it
is not my abilities but rather His Will. Everyday now, I
spiritually give Him my patients and He takes care of them - I am
an extension of His Hands and just do the duty that Swami has put
me on this earth for.
If my experiences
are any indication, SSSIHMS is truly a Temple of Healing. Not only
is there treatment for the patient, but there is also the 'Presence'
of the Caregiver as well. Not only is there the repairing of the
body, but also that of the mind and spirit. SSSIHMS supplies the
best care because it is Swami's care - His selfless love and
compassion for humanity. This makes SSSIHMS unrivalled in the
entire world.
Source:
Radio Sai
E-Magazine, November 1, 2003
http://www.radiosai.org/Journals/05NOV01/TemplesHealing/BestAmong.htm
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