Established as a beacon of reconstructive excellence in southern India, the Department of Plastic Surgery at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, under the prestigious Madurai Medical College, has been at the forefront of restoring form, function, and dignity to thousands of patients.
The department was established on 26.01.1964 under the visionary leadership of Prof. Sam C. Bose, beginning with 12 beds. Since its inception, it has grown remarkably into one of the leading referral centers for plastic, reconstructive, craniofacial, burn, hand, and microsurgical procedures in South Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
The M.Ch. Plastic Surgery Super Speciality Postgraduate course was introduced in 1978 with 2 postgraduate seats per year, which was later increased to 4 seats per year in 2020. Till date, the department has successfully trained 80 residents in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, contributing significantly to the advancement of surgical expertise in the region.
From its early days, the department has been managing all major subspecialties of Plastic Surgery, including:
-
Congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate
-
Congenital hand deformities
-
Major trauma and hand injuries
-
Replantation of amputated fingers and hands
-
Microvascular surgeries
-
Free vascularized tissue transfer
-
Peripheral nerve surgeries
-
Faciomaxillary injuries
-
General plastic and reconstructive procedures
With the support of advanced operating microscopes and modern surgical technology, the department has expanded from its initial 12-bed capacity to a total strength of 120 beds, currently comprising:
-
85-bedded Plastic Surgery Ward
-
35-bedded Burns Ward, including an intensive burns care unit
The Burns Ward, which began functioning under the Plastic Surgery Department in 1988, was significantly upgraded in 2020 with a new Burns Unit consisting of:
-
11 ICU beds
-
22 general ward beds
-
Exclusive operation theatre for burns patients
Further strengthening burn care services, a Skin Bank was established in 2022 for cadaveric skin transplantation, offering life-saving support for severe burn victims.
The department provides 24 x 7 emergency hand injury services on all days, making it a critical center for trauma care. It also plays a major role in multidisciplinary surgical management by working closely with Surgical Oncology and Orthopedic Departments for major reconstructions using:
-
Pedicled flap cover
-
Microsurgical free vascularized tissue transfer
In recent years, the department has expanded into newer subspecialties such as:
-
Transgender services, including gender reassignment surgeries
-
Aesthetic surgeries
-
Breast augmentation with silicone implants
-
Rhinoplasty
-
Liposuction
Academically, the department remains highly active and committed to excellence in medical education and research. Regular academic activities include:
-
Prof. Sam C. Bose Oration
-
Annual postgraduate clinical CME programs
-
Workshops and interdisciplinary collaborations
-
Case planning sessions
-
Symposia
-
Journal clubs
These sessions are regularly conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The department also has numerous publications in indexed journals, reaffirming its reputation as a center of academic and clinical excellence.
At present, the department is staffed by:
-
One Professor
-
Two Associate Professors
-
Five Assistant Professors
-
Twelve Postgraduates (4 seats per year)
Looking ahead, the department is poised for further advancement. A new operation theatre complex is being developed under the JICA Project, equipped with high-end modern surgical equipment.
The department’s future vision includes the introduction of Hand Transplantation Services to serve the needs of patients across South Tamil Nadu.
With a legacy rooted in compassionate service, surgical precision, advanced training, and innovation, the Department of Plastic Surgery continues to stand as a premier institution dedicated to transforming lives through reconstructive excellence.
Click here to view the Department Facilities Gallery PDF
Explore the gallery PDF to view photographs of the department’s facilities, including the Administrative Block, Seminar Hall & Library, Out Patient Department, In Patient Ward, OT Block, Post-Operative Ward, Burns Ward, Burns OT, Transgender OPD & Ward, Skin Bank, and Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre.
Prof. Dr. S. ARAM PROFESSOR
M.S.MCh.,
PLASTIC SURGERY
The Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, offers comprehensive surgical care with advanced reconstructive and restorative treatment services for patients across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
Reconstructive Surgery
Comprehensive reconstruction procedures for patients affected by trauma, cancer, congenital deformities, and post-surgical tissue loss, aimed at restoring both form and function.
Trauma Reconstruction
Specialized surgical management of complex soft tissue injuries, facial trauma, limb defects, and emergency reconstructive procedures following accidents and major injuries.
Hand Surgery
Expert treatment for:
-
Complex hand injuries
-
Tendon and nerve repair
-
Fracture soft tissue coverage
-
Congenital hand deformities
-
Post-traumatic hand reconstruction
-
Functional restoration surgeries
Burn Care & Post-Burn Reconstruction
Dedicated burn management services including:
-
Acute burn care
-
Burn wound debridement
-
Skin grafting
-
Contracture release
-
Scar revision
-
Post-burn deformity correction
-
Long-term rehabilitation
Craniofacial & Maxillofacial Reconstruction
Advanced surgical correction for:
-
Facial fractures
-
Craniofacial deformities
-
Congenital anomalies
-
Post-traumatic facial reconstruction
-
Jaw and soft tissue reconstruction
Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate & Congenital Anomaly Surgery
Specialized correction of congenital deformities including:
-
Cleft lip repair
-
Cleft palate surgery
-
Craniofacial birth defects
-
Ear and facial congenital anomaly correction
Cancer Reconstruction
Reconstructive procedures following tumor excision and oncological surgeries, including facial, oral, breast, and limb soft tissue reconstruction.
Microsurgery & Free Flap Surgery
Highly specialized microsurgical procedures for tissue transfer, vascular anastomosis, and free flap reconstruction in complex defects.
Aesthetic & Scar Revision Procedures
Selected corrective aesthetic and functional procedures including scar revision, deformity correction, and reconstructive cosmetic enhancement.
Skin Bank & Grafting Services
Specialized skin preservation and grafting support for extensive burns, trauma cases, and reconstructive surgeries.
Transgender Reconstructive Support Services
Dedicated OPD and ward support with multidisciplinary surgical coordination for gender-affirming and reconstructive procedures.
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Support
Integrated rehabilitation services for post-operative recovery, burn contracture prevention, mobility restoration, and long-term functional improvement.
Our Resources
The Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, is equipped with comprehensive clinical, academic, and rehabilitation facilities that support advanced patient care, surgical training, and research activities.
Department Administrative Block
The administrative block serves as the central coordination unit for departmental operations, faculty administration, academic scheduling, and patient service management.
Seminar Hall & Library
A dedicated academic space designed for seminars, case discussions, journal clubs, CME programs, workshops, and resident presentations. The library includes reference textbooks, journals, research publications, and learning resources for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Out Patient Department (OPD)
The OPD provides consultation, diagnosis, treatment planning, follow-up care, and minor procedures for patients requiring plastic, reconstructive, burn, and hand surgery services.
In Patient Ward
A well-maintained inpatient facility for pre-operative and post-operative patient care, observation, and recovery under specialist supervision.
Operation Theatre (OT) Block
A fully equipped surgical complex for performing major reconstructive, microsurgical, craniofacial, hand, and burn-related procedures with modern surgical support systems.
Post-Operative Ward
A dedicated recovery area for immediate post-surgical monitoring, wound care, and specialist follow-up after operative procedures.
Burns Ward
A specialized inpatient unit for the management of acute burn injuries, wound dressing, skin graft care, and long-term burn rehabilitation.
Burns Operation Theatre
A dedicated operation theatre for emergency and planned burn surgeries including debridement, grafting, and contracture release procedures.
Transgender OPD & Ward
A dedicated consultation and inpatient care facility offering multidisciplinary support and surgical coordination for gender-affirming and reconstructive procedures.
Skin Bank
A specialized facility that supports the preservation and availability of skin graft materials for extensive burn care and reconstructive surgeries.
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre
An integrated rehabilitation unit focused on functional recovery, mobility restoration, scar management, contracture prevention, and long-term post-operative physiotherapy support.
Academic & Clinical Training Resources
The department provides structured academic resources including daily rounds, case discussions, seminars, journal clubs, cadaveric workshops, and microsurgical skill training for residents and students.
Events & Activities
Annual CME – Sam C. Bose Memorial CME
The Sam C. Bose CME is the flagship annual academic event of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Named after the founder of the department, Prof. Sam Chandra Bose, who established it in 1964, this Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is a tribute to his pioneering legacy in reconstructive surgery and medical education.
This CME was first started in 2017 and has been conducted every year as an academic feast to budding plastic surgeons and refining of skills & concepts of experienced surgeons alike under the guidance veterans & pioneers in the field.
Event Objectives
-
To update surgical trainees and practicing surgeons on evolving trends in Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.
-
To foster interdisciplinary exchange and innovation through expert lectures and case-based discussions.
-
To honor the contributions of Prof. Sam C. Bose by nurturing surgical education and mentorship.
Program Highlights
Expert Lectures by national faculty and distinguished alumni
Live / Recorded Surgical Demonstrations
Hands-on Skill Workshops
-
Flap Design & Dissection
-
Microsurgical Suturing
-
Scar Revision Techniques
-
Trainee Paper Presentations & Poster Sessions
-
Panel Discussions on challenging reconstructive dilemmas and ethical considerations
Who Attends
-
M.Ch. Plastic Surgery residents and faculty from across Tamil Nadu
-
Surgeons from allied disciplines (ENT, Ortho, General Surgery)
-
Nationally recognized Plastic Surgeons and previous alumni
-
Undergraduate medical students (as observers)
Honoring Prof. Sam C. Bose
Prof. Bose was deeply committed to academic excellence and lifelong learning. Even post- retirement, he remained active in departmental teaching and planning. The CME upholds his ideals of:
-
Surgical mentorship
-
Scientific inquiry
-
Humanitarian service through reconstructive care
Save These Dates – Upcoming Events
Sam C. Bose CME – 2025
Tentative Dates: October/November 2025
Venue: New Academic Hall, Madurai Medical College
Expected Speakers: Senior APSI Fellows, International Alumni, Departmental Faculty
TANPAPS 2026 – Madurai
-
February 2026 (Exact dates announced soon)
-
Venue: Kodaikanal
-
Stay tuned for Call for Abstracts, Registration Guidelines, and Early Bird Deadlines
Research & Innovation
Thesis and Research
All postgraduate students undertake a research thesis under faculty supervision.
Ongoing research projects cover a range of areas, including reconstructive outcomes & Flap versatility, Management of Paediatric Traumatic Injuries, Post Burn Management & management of Complex Hand injuries.
We have a track record of award winning multiple Quiz competitions, Paper and Poster publications in various National and Regional Conferences.
Some of the notable accolades are:
|
S. No. |
Post Graduate |
Conference |
Category |
Ahievement |
|
1 |
Dr. A. Saleem |
TANPAPS - 2024 |
Best Paper Presentation |
1st Place |
|
2 |
Dr. A. Saleem |
APSICON - 2024 |
Best Paper Presentation |
2nd Place |
|
3 |
Dr. A. Krishnamoorthy |
APSICON - 2024 |
Poster Presentation |
1st Place |
|
4 |
Dr. R. Pradeep Rao |
TANPAPS 2024 |
Poster Presentation |
2nd Place |
|
5 |
Dr. Nitin Mariappan |
TANPAPS 2025 |
Best Paper Presentation |
1st Place |
|
6 |
Dr. Harini Mohan |
TANPAPS 2025 |
Quiz Competition |
1st Place |
CME / Conference Conducted by the Department
Annual CME – Sam C. Bose Oration & Postgraduate Clinical CME
The Sam C. Bose Oration & Postgraduate Clinical CME is the flagship annual academic event of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Named after the founder of the department, Prof. Sam Chandra Bose, who established it in 1964, this Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is a tribute to his pioneering legacy in reconstructive surgery and medical education.
This CME was first started in 2017 and has been conducted every year as an academic feast for budding plastic surgeons, while also refining the skills and concepts of experienced surgeons under the guidance of veterans and pioneers in the field.
Event Objectives
-
To update surgical trainees and practicing surgeons on evolving trends in Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
-
To foster interdisciplinary exchange and innovation through expert lectures and case-based discussions
-
To honor the contributions of Prof. Sam C. Bose by nurturing surgical education and mentorship
Department Medals (Alumni) / UG / PG Winners
“Prof. Sam C. Bose Medal”
This is an annual medal examination conducted for surgical postgraduates to provide early exposure and encouragement for budding surgeons to take up plastic surgery, in honor of Prof. Sam C. Bose’s vision of academic excellence and continued learning.
| S.No | Name | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Sathishkumar, MS General Surgery | 2025 | 1st Place |
| 2 | Dr. Krishna Shanthi, MS General Surgery | 2025 | 2nd Place |
University Rank Holders – UG / PG
Dr. M. Soundarya, M.Ch
Bagged the University Gold Medal in the examinations for the academic year 2022–2025.
Other Awards Won by PG / UG in Other Colleges and Universities
The department has a strong track record of achievements in quiz competitions, paper presentations, and poster publications at various national and regional conferences.
Some of the notable accolades are:
| S.No | Post Graduate | Conference | Category | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. A. Saleem | TANPAPS – 2024 | Best Paper Presentation | 1st Place |
| 2 | Dr. A. Saleem | APSICON – 2024 | Best Paper Presentation | 2nd Place |
| 3 | Dr. A. Krishnamoorthy | APSICON – 2024 | Poster Presentation | 1st Place |
| 4 | Dr. R. Pradeep Rao | TANPAPS – 2024 | Poster Presentation | 2nd Place |
| 5 | Dr. Nitin Mariappan | TANPAPS – 2025 | Best Paper Presentation | 1st Place |
| 6 | Dr. Harini Mohan | TANPAPS – 2025 | Quiz Competition | 1st Place |
Gallery:
I. A Tribute to the Visionaries
~ Each photograph is a chapter in our history — a tribute to those who carried the torch of excellence and left behind a legacy of learning.
Academics
Training the Future of Reconstructive Surgery
The Department of Plastic Surgery at Government Rajaji Hospital, affiliated with Madurai Medical College, is dedicated to cultivating surgical excellence through rigorous academic programs and hands-on clinical exposure.
Postgraduate Program (M.Ch. Plastic Surgery)
We offer a comprehensive Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch.) in Plastic Surgery, a three- year superspecialty course that admits qualified candidates through the NEET-SS examination. The program provides:
Structured Clinical Training in all subspecialties, including:
-
Reconstruction of Traumatic Injuries
-
Management of complex hand injuries
-
Burn care and post-burn deformity correction
-
Cleft lip/Palate & Congenital Anomalies surgeries
-
Maxillofacial Reconstruction
-
Aesthetic surgery
-
Microsurgery and Free Flaps
Rotational Postings across allied departments such as General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery, and Anesthesia.
Case-based Learning with exposure to high-volume surgical wards, trauma cases, and advanced operating techniques.
Academic Activities
1. Daily Clinical Rounds and Case Discussions
Residents participate in morning rounds, case presentations, and surgical planning discussions to reinforce clinical decision-making.
2. Weekly Seminars and Journal Clubs
Critical appraisal of literature and updates on evidence-based practices are emphasized.
3. Monthly Interdepartmental CMEs
Collaborative sessions with Radiology, Pathology, and other surgical specialties enhance interdisciplinary understanding.
4. Surgical Skills Workshops
Regular cadaveric dissection courses and hands-on workshops in flap design, suturing, and microsurgical anastomosis.
Undergraduate Involvement
While the department focuses on superspecialty training, it also contributes to clinical demonstrations and early exposure modules for MBBS students as part of integrated surgical teaching.
POST GRADUATE STUDENTS DETAILS:
| S.No | Name | Year | Batch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Melvin Varghese | Final Year | 2024–2027 |
| 2 | Dr. Amanyu T | Final Year | 2024–2027 |
| 3 | Dr. Gayathri K | Final Year | 2024–2027 |
| 4 | Dr. Vasundharan M. S | Final Year | 2024–2027 |
| 5 | Dr. Karthikeyan P | Second Year | 2026–2029 |
| 6 | Dr. Ganesh C Kumar | Second Year | 2026–2029 |
| 7 | Dr. Rohini R | Second Year | 2026–2029 |
PG – Postgraduate Program (M.Ch. Plastic Surgery)
The Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, offers a comprehensive M.Ch. Plastic Surgery postgraduate superspecialty program under Madurai Medical College. The course is designed to provide advanced academic knowledge, intensive clinical exposure, and hands-on surgical training in all major subspecialties of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Course Overview
The M.Ch. Plastic Surgery is a three-year superspecialty postgraduate program offered to candidates who qualify through the NEET-SS entrance examination. The curriculum is structured to develop residents into highly skilled reconstructive surgeons through evidence-based learning and high-volume surgical practice.
Clinical Training
Postgraduate residents receive extensive training in:
-
Reconstructive surgery for traumatic injuries
-
Complex hand injury management
-
Burn care and post-burn deformity correction
-
Cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries
-
Congenital anomaly correction
-
Craniofacial and maxillofacial reconstruction
-
Microsurgery and free flap procedures
-
Aesthetic and scar revision surgeries
-
Cancer reconstruction procedures
Rotational Postings
Residents undergo rotational postings in allied departments to strengthen interdisciplinary clinical exposure, including:
-
General Surgery
-
Orthopedics
-
ENT
-
Ophthalmology
-
Neurosurgery
-
Anesthesia
Academic Activities
The postgraduate curriculum includes regular academic programs such as:
-
Daily clinical rounds
-
Case discussions
-
Surgical planning meetings
-
Weekly seminars
-
Journal clubs
-
Monthly interdepartmental CMEs
-
Morbidity and mortality discussions
Surgical Skills Training
Residents are trained through practical workshops and supervised operative exposure in:
-
Flap design and dissection
-
Suturing techniques
-
Microsurgical anastomosis
-
Cadaveric dissection workshops
-
Advanced reconstructive procedures
Research & Thesis
All postgraduate students are required to undertake a research thesis under faculty supervision. Research areas include reconstructive outcomes, flap versatility, burn management, pediatric trauma, and complex hand injuries.
Conference & Presentation Opportunities
PG residents are actively encouraged to participate in:
-
State and national conferences
-
Paper presentations
-
Poster presentations
-
Quiz competitions
-
CME workshops
-
Research publications
The department has consistently produced award-winning presentations and academic achievements at various regional and national conferences.
Mentorship & Career Development
The program emphasizes strong academic mentorship, hands-on learning, and professional development to prepare residents for careers in advanced reconstructive and plastic surgery practice.