Mary Verghese

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Mary Verghese Rehabilitation Institute

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Dr.Mary Verghese receiving Padma Shi award

Mary Verghese was a pioneering Indian physician and one of the early leaders in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation in India. Born in 1925 in Kerala, India, she overcame significant personal challenges to make substantial contributions to the field of rehabilitation medicine, particularly for those suffering from spinal cord injuries.

Early Life and Education

Mary Verghese graduated from the Trivandrum Medical College in 1949. Her career took a dramatic turn in 1954 when she was involved in a tragic car accident, which left her paralyzed from the waist down. This incident, however, did not deter her spirit; instead, it steered her life in a new direction. After her injury, she went on to specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, a field relatively new at the time, especially in India.

Career

Under the guidance of Dr. Mary B. McMillan, a pioneer in the field of rehabilitation in the United States, Verghese trained at the Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. Upon her return to India, she joined the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, where she established one of the first comprehensive rehabilitation centers in the country. The Mary Verghese Institute of Rehabilitation, part of the CMC, stands as a testament to her dedication and hard work in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Throughout her career, Dr. Verghese focused on the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injuries, advocating for their physical, social, and vocational rehabilitation. She was a pioneer in introducing holistic rehabilitation services in India, which included medical treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social and vocational counseling.

Legacy

Dr. Mary Verghese's work has had a lasting impact on the field of rehabilitation medicine in India. She was a trailblazer who not only advanced the medical practices of her time but also changed societal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. Her efforts have inspired countless professionals in the medical field and have improved the lives of numerous patients across the country.

In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Verghese received several awards and honors, including the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1972.

Death and Honors

Dr. Mary Verghese passed away in 1986, but her legacy lives on through the Mary Verghese Institute of Rehabilitation and the countless individuals she has inspired. Her life and work continue to be a beacon of hope and resilience for many across the world.