The A.M. Cherian Wing (New OPD extension area) of the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism was inaugurated by Dr. A.M. Cherian, former Professor and Head of Medicine, and dedicated by Dr. M.S. Seshadri, former Professor and Head of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, on February 28, 2014. At the inaugural function, Dr. Nihal Thomas, Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, welcomed the gathering and gave a summary of the career and achievements of Professor Cherian. He belongs to the MBBS batch of 1959. After completing his specialization in general medicine, he moved to Australia, but later returned to CMC, Vellore, in 1982. Dr. Cherian took over the Department of Medicine Unit-II and developed it into a clinical stronghold with a firm foundation in academics and teaching.

He was known for his strict discipline, which moulded and guided several young people and enabled the highest standards of clinical care to be dispensed effectively and efficiently at the bedside. He encouraged several areas of sub-specialization, including Endocrinology, Pulmonary Medicine, Rheumatology and Medical Oncology. Dr. Cherian was also a pioneer in the field of clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine in the institution. He was a co-founder of the Clinical Epidemiological Unit and President of INDIACLEN. The current research methodology courses for postgraduates evolved largely during his term. Ten years post-retirement from CMC, Vellore, he still leads an active life, seeing patients and teaching at the Bangalore Baptist Hospital.

Dr. M.S. Seshadri took a walk down memory lane and recalled his professional experiences. A compilation of research publications of the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism was presented to Dr. A.M. Cherian, Dr. M.S. Seshadri and the Director, Dr. Sunil Chandy. Felicitations were offered by the Director, Dr. Sunil Chandy; the Medical Superintendent, Dr. C.E. Eapen; Dr. Simon Rajaratnam, Professor of Endocrinology; Dr. D.J. Christopher, Associate Director and Head of Pulmonary Medicine; Dr. J.V. Peter, Head of Medical Intensive Care; Dr. Thambu David, Professor and Head of Medicine Unit-II; and the General Superintendent, Dr. R. Selvakumar. The inscription plaque was unveiled by Dr. A.M. Cherian.

He spoke about effective patient-centered care, the importance of translational research in the field of medicine, and further sub-specialization within various medical specialties. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Thomas V. Paul.