Temple of Healing - SSSIHMS - BEST AMONG THE BEST

[Guest guest]

This article was written by Dr. Valluvan Jeevanandam, for ' Sai Spandan'- an

offering to Bhagawan on His 75th Birthday. Dr Valluvan Jeevanandam graduated

medical school from Columbia University in NY at the top of the class. Had

surgical training also at Columbia University. Became director of the heart

transplant program at Temple University in 1992 and stayed there until 1998.

The program was the largest in the US for three of those years. He has since

moved to University of Chicago where he is the Chief of Cardiac and Thoracic

Surgery and Director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Assist Device. Has the

distinction of being the youngest CT surgery chief in the US of any major

institution.

In this article, Dr. Jeevanandam recounts his experiences of working in SSSIHMS.

SSSIHMS - BEST AMONG THE BEST

I often get asked what type of hospital is the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of

Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS)? Can the equipment match those in advanced

centers around the world? What is the quality of the personnel working there?

Are they actually doing that many cases? Is the medical care truly free? After

being given the privilege and honor of working at the SSSIHMS many times, my

answer to all those questions is unequivocal - not only is patient care

absolutely superb, but the institution is unmatched by any other in the world.

It has the most advanced equipment available - there is barely any difference

between working in the operating rooms at Puttaparthi or in any one in the

United States. The health care professionals are also unique - most do not have

specialized training in their particular field of work. They are a few chosen,

very intelligent, devoted students Swami had assigned particular tasks to - and

then they received "on the job training." For example, an economics student

becomes a perfusionist. Incredibly, they are the best support staff I have ever

worked with. They are extremely knowledgeable and devoted to their jobs. They

are there for the love of Swami - and it is clearly reflected by their actions

and work ethic.

Ultimately, SSSIHMS has the biggest advantage over all other institutions - the

chief administrator is God himself.

How can other institutions match up to that type of compassionate leadership? In

the US, we often have to justify what we do for patients. Between the insurance

companies and hospitals, financial considerations can often take precedent over

patient care. At SSSIHMS, Swami asks that we do our best - He takes care of all

the other details. Patient care is paramount as each person is given the most

advanced care possible. We have done homograft valves (human valves that are

transplanted to replace a patients diseased valve), multiple valves and

coronary artery bypass using complete arterial grafts. These are procedures

done in only one or two centers in India and in fewer than 10% of all hospitals

around the world. With Swami's grace, we are able to extend His helping hand and

deliver the best care to some of the

poorest people in the country. Not only is the care advanced, it is delivered

with compassion and understanding. Swami's grace and love is always present.

Melodious Bhajans permeate the air. The patients can sense the peaceful bliss.

They recover remarkably fast and with few complications. For instance,

intravenous lines that are usually required for at least a week are removed

within 2 days.

On a personal note, being permitted to work at SSSIHMS has changed my outlook on

life tremendously. Swami has a great way of using us to help humanity, but

equally using His guiding Hand to shape our character. For instance, early in

my career, before I was acquainted with Swami's teachings, I considered myself

intelligent, technically gifted, and able to save patients who were practically

dead.

My ego swelled as I began to think that my actions were saving patients lives.

One can develop quite a "power" complex. After discovering and being in the

presence of Swami, I have realized that this is merely an illusion. An incident

during my second visit to SSIHMS really brought this to light. There was one

case remaining for the day. It was getting late and the staff wanted to have an

educational meeting. Being full of ego, I claimed that the case would be done in

2 hours as I was going to take over. It was a relatively simple case and I could

not foresee any difficulties. Needless to say,

I was taught a very valuable lesson. The patient developed complications and a

short case became a 5-hour exhausting ordeal. The patient ultimately did well

but after a struggle. The next day during Darshan, my mind was obsessed with

all the difficulties of that case.

Swami came over and did not say a word. He just looked at me with a twinkle in

his eye and smiled. From that moment, I realised that it was not my ability or

talent or intellect. Each one of us put on earth by Swami has a role He has

determined for us - we are just instruments of God. With that one episode,

Swami sucked out a large amount of my bloated ego. Everything we accomplish is

because Swami, in His infinite compassion, wills it so. We have to do our best;

the rest is in His hands. That experience humbled me and made me grow up in a

hurry. I realize it is not my abilities but rather His Will. Everyday now, I

spiritually give Him my patients and He takes care of them - I am an extension

of His

Hands and just do the duty that Swami has put me on this earth for.

If my experiences are any indication, SSSIHMS is truly a Temple of Healing. Not

only is there treatment for the patient, but there is also the 'Presence' of

the Caregiver as well. Not only is there the repairing of the body, but also

that of the mind and spirit. SSSIHMS supplies the best care because it is

Swami's care - His selfless love and compassion for humanity. This makes

SSSIHMS unrivalled in the entire world.

Volume 01: PDS / 05-NOV 01 2003

 

Protect your identity with Mail AddressGuard