Close on the heels of Dr OP Gupta, a true legend in the world of medicine, we bid farewell to another remarkable stalwart todayโ€”the incredible Dr AP Jain.

He also decided to hang up his boots today.

If Dr OP Gupta was the renowned Sachin Tendulkar, then there’s no doubt that Dr AP Jain embodied the fearless and swashbuckling spirit of Virender Sehwag. His illustrious career spanning five glorious decades at MGIMS has left a lasting mark in Sevagram, and his influence on thousands of medical students through his teaching and clinical skills is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Dr AP Jain’s journey from Bulandshahr to Sevagram in the summer of 1974, spanning nearly 1100 kilometers, speaks volumes about his passion for academic medicine. As a distinguished alumnus of KGMC, he carried with him the knowledge and values instilled by his alma mater, ready to tread on a path that would shape the lives of countless medical students and residents.

Though coming from a family with strong business roots, Dr Jain’s decision to take on a full-time teaching assignment with no private practice might have been surprising to some, but it showcased his deep desire to make a meaningful impact in the medical education landscape.

Dr AP Jain’s teaching methods were designed to be dynamic, making the pursuit of knowledge an exhilarating experience. He was never one to shy away from taking innovative approaches to complex medical cases, just as Sehwag would fearlessly take on the fiercest of bowlers.

His love for teaching was evident in the way he engaged with medical students and residents, sharing his wisdom and expertise selflessly. For him, the joy of witnessing his students grow and excel was akin to the joy of a business visionary witnessing the flourishing of their enterprises.

A true teacher at heart, Dr Jain believed in the power of preparation. Before every class, he immersed himself in textbooks, taking copious notes to ensure that he taught in a style that touched the chordae of the students in the classrooms. Teaching was not merely a profession for him; it was a passion that allowed him to grow as a clinician and improve his ability to convey complex medical concepts to his patients with clarity and compassion.

Dr Jain’s insatiable appetiteโ€”he was a compulsive book loverโ€”for learning defined him as a lifelong student. He understood that the journey of medicine was one of continuous exploration and discovery, and he embraced this ethos wholeheartedly.

In an era where the department heads and the Deans are struggling to find dedicated and proficient preceptors for medical students, Dr AP Jain stands as a shining example of someone who poured his heart into teaching. Although his teaching sessions were known for his caustic wit and sarcastic remarks, they reflected his refusal to compromise on the quality of education he provided.

His approach to patient care was not only highly skilled but also unorthodox and unconventional, making him a standout personality in the medical world. Just like Sehwag’s unyielding confidence on the cricket pitch, Dr AP Jain’s confidence in his abilities was infectious, instilling a sense of assurance in all those around him.

He firmly believed that history and physical examination were the very essence of medicine, and he took great pride in applying these principles at the patient’s bedside.

His ward rounds and teaching sessions were filled with captivating moments and legendary one-liners that left a lasting impact on his students. Learning from him was a genuine delight, as his words carried the wisdom of a seasoned player and the enthusiasm of an ardent fan.

With a keen sense of punctuality and discipline, Dr Jain would arrive precisely at 8 am in the department for the PG session. His presence in the room set the tone for an attentive and focused learning environment. As a stickler for preparedness, he pushed the postgraduates to excel, ensuring they mastered the subject matter and delivered their presentations and cases, accurately and precisely. As one who seldom suffered fools gladly, his mere presence in the seminar hall was enough to create a sense of discipline and expectancy in the hall.

He fervently encouraged students, residents, and professionals to practice medicine in a humane, holistic, and individualized mannerโ€”values he believed to be the essence of medical education. During his bedside rounds, he often quoted Osler’s wise words, emphasizing the importance of treating the patient, not just the disease. His teaching philosophy centered on shifting the focus from the ailment to the person behind it, fostering a deeper connection between the medical practitioner and the patient.

Dr AP Jain’s last decade was a testament to his unwavering dedication to medical education and his profound love for teaching. Even after stepping down as the department head in 2010, his commitment to shaping the future of medical professionals extended far beyond his institute’s boundaries.

His association with the National Board of Examinations, Geriatric Medicine, and Diabetes courses showcased his immense pride in contributing to aspiring doctors’ academic progress. Dr Jain’s deep interest in DNB Family Medicine led him to spearhead this course at MGIMS for almost a decade. His goal was to equip his students with the same competence as MD residents, preparing them to handle diverse medical challenges. Under his devoted guidance, the DNB Family Medicine program at MGIMS earned the prestigious distinction of being rated number one in the country, a true testament to his exceptional teaching and mentoring prowess.

Beyond his remarkable clinical skills, Dr AP Jain’s ability to mentor and shape the careers of countless medical students has been nothing short of extraordinary. His residents consider him almost like a demigod. Many of us owe our passion for medicine and our success as healthcare professionals to his invaluable guidance and unwavering support.

As we bid farewell to Dr Jain, an extraordinary teacher and clinician, we acknowledge the end of an era filled with brilliance and dedication, much like the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag from the cricket pitch. His legacy as an inspiring teacher, a compassionate physician, and a lifelong learner will continue to shine bright, leaving a lasting impact on all those whose lives he touched. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and admiration for his remarkable journey.

Thank you, Dr Jain, for being a true maestro in the field of medicine and for leaving an enduring impact on all of us who were fortunate enough to be under your tutelage. Your contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary, and you will forever be remembered as a beacon of inspiration in the medical community. As Dr Karunakar Trivedi wrote today, may your retirement be as fulfilling and enriching as your remarkable career.

Very few are aware of Dr Jainโ€™s fascination with the golden era of Hindi cinema, particularly his admiration for Hemant Kumar. May I borrow Hemant Kumarโ€™s famous song from “Bees Saal Baad” to pay homage to Dr AP Jain-

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เค†เคชเค•เฅ‹ เคนเคฎเคพเคฐเฅ€ เค•เคธเคฎ เคฒเฅŒเคŸ เค†เค‡เคฏเฅ‡