An International Journal for Biomedical Sciences - Biomedicine

Former Presidents of IABMS - 5 (1987-1989) Biomedicine; 2011; 31 (1): 2
Dr.B.S.Gajalakshmi
M.B.B.S.,M.Sc.,Ph.D.,MNAMS,FIABMS
Bandi Santhana Krishnan Gajalakshmi(Dr BSG)
was born in Chennai.She is a founder member of
IABMS and a life member from 1979.Dr BSG
had early education in Chennai. She was a student
of Andhra Medical college, Visakhapatnam and
obtained MBBS degree in 1957. Her professional
career began in Stanley Medical College, Chennai
in 1959 as tutor in Physiology.Under the guidance
of Dr Sarada Subramaniam, she specialised in
Physiology with an M.Sc. degree in 1966 and
later with Ph.D. degree in 1980.She worked in
several medical colleges of TamilNadu in different
capacities as Assistant Professor, Associate
Professor ,and Professor in Physiology.Sh e retired
as Director and H.O.D. of Physiology from the
Institute of Physiology and Experimental Medicine,
Madras Medical College, Chennai. Dr Gajalakshmi
developed a keen interest in the study of the
pathophysiological effects of scorpion venom of
buthus tamulus in different animals.She investigated
the beneficial effects of Lytic Cocktail therapy in
mitigating the toxic effects of the venom.These
studies enabled her to obtain Ph.D. in Physiology
from the University of Madras. Her contributions
to the clinico physiological problems of scorpion
venom received wide recognition especially from
child specialists.Her other fields of interest are
Diabetes, Stress and Occupational hazards.She has
published several research communications and
scientific papers of topical interest in National and
International journals. Dr Gajalakshmi is associated
with the activities of several professional bodies.
She is a founder member of the Indian Association
of Medical Scientists (IABMS), Women Doctors’
Association,and Madras Institute of Magneto
Biology. She is a life member of Association of
Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India(APPI),
Indian Science Congress Association, Altrusa
International Inc. and Madras Club Women Service
Organisation. Dr Gajalakshmi has organised several
Scientific meetings, conferences and workshops
under the auspices of IABMS to update information
especially to young scientists.She was the first person
to introduce a separate session for medical students
as well as other faculties in 1982 during the 3rd
Annual Conference of IABMS at Stanley Medical
college, Chennai. She was conferred the Fellowship
title of IABMS, instituted for the first time during
the Annual Conference held at MMC, Chennai, in
1989.She delivered the prestigious M.K.Nambiar
Oration at the 15th Annual Conference of IABMS
in 1994. Dr Gajalakshmi was elected unanimously
as President of the 75th platinum jubilee conference
of the Indian Science Congress held at Pune, in
1988.In 1991, she gave J.N.Maitra memorial oration
at the 18th Annual Conference of Physiological
Society of India.In 1999, at the 86th Indian Science
Congress she delivered N.M. Basu memorial
oration. Dr.Gajalakshmi, after retirement from
Government service, has joined BRS Hospital as
Director. She is continuing to work part time at this
hospital. To update knowledge in medical sciences,
she organises CME programmes and Seminars. She
became interested in community service after being
inducted into Altrusa International Inc. Madras.
She conducted several medical camps covering
dental,diabetes, speech & learning disability,
eye,and cancer detection in women. She was the
course director for Auxilliary Nurse Aid Programme
of one year duration for Harijan Adidravida girls
from 1995 till 2000 and 125 girls were trained in
this programme and absorbed by varioius hospitals
and clinics. Dr Gajalakshmi has shifted her interest
now to study Vedanthic literature.She disires to
be a Vanaprastha. Biomedicine on behalf of all its
readers sends good wishes to this scientist for a
happy retired life.
www.biomedicineonline.org Biomedicine - Vol 31; No.1: 2011
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