Soorjo Coomar Goodeve Chuckerbutty

Indian physician and medical educator

Soorjo Coomar Goodeve Chuckerbutty was a pioneering Indian physician and medical educator in the 19th century. He is notable for being one of the first Indians to receive a Western medical degree and for his contributions to medical education in India.

Early Life and Education

Soorjo Coomar Goodeve Chuckerbutty was born in the early 19th century in Bengal Presidency, British India. He was part of a progressive family that valued education, which was instrumental in his pursuit of higher learning. Chuckerbutty was among the first group of Indian students to travel to London to study medicine.

Medical Education in London

In London, Chuckerbutty attended the University College London and the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He was one of the first Indian students to be admitted to these prestigious institutions. His education in London was part of a broader movement to train Indian doctors in Western medicine, which was seen as a way to modernize medical practices in India.

Four Indian medical students in London, including Chuckerbutty

Career in India

Upon returning to India, Chuckerbutty became a prominent figure in the medical community. He was appointed as a professor at the Calcutta Medical College, where he played a crucial role in teaching and mentoring the next generation of Indian doctors. His work at the college was instrumental in integrating Western medical practices with traditional Indian medicine.

The New Medical College Hospital, Calcutta, 1853

Contributions to Medical Education

Chuckerbutty's contributions to medical education in India were significant. He advocated for the inclusion of Indian students in medical programs and worked to ensure that they received the same quality of education as their British counterparts. His efforts helped lay the foundation for a more inclusive and comprehensive medical education system in India.

Legacy

Soorjo Coomar Goodeve Chuckerbutty's legacy is marked by his pioneering role in the field of medicine in India. He is remembered as a trailblazer who helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western medical practices. His work paved the way for future generations of Indian doctors and medical educators.

Related Pages

• Calcutta Medical College
• University College London
• Royal College of Surgeons of England

Henry Goodeve, a contemporary of Chuckerbutty

See Also

• History of medicine in India
• Western medicine in India