T. S. Kanaka, or Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka, holds a distinguished place in medical history as Asia’s first female neurosurgeon. Born on March 31, 1932, in Chennai (then Madras), Kanaka made groundbreaking contributions to the field of neurosurgery, especially in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. She was also one of the first few female neurosurgeons in the world. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring medical professionals, particularly women, across the globe.
Early Life and Education of T.S. Kanaka
Kanaka was born into a well-educated family as one of eight children. Her father was the deputy director of Public Instruction and principal of Madras Teachers College. Although initially drawn toward spiritual studies, Kanaka pursued medicine instead, completing her MBBS in 1954 and later obtaining an MS in General Surgery in 1963. Her determination led her to achieve a Master of Surgery (MCh) in Neurosurgery in 1968, making her one of the first female neurosurgeons globally.
T.S. Kanaka as First Female Neurosurgeon in India
T. S. Kanaka’s career is defined by her pioneering work in neurosurgery. She was the first neurosurgeon in India to perform chronic electrode implants in the brain, a significant innovation in the treatment of neurological disorders. Kanaka was also one of the first to perform deep brain stimulation as early as 1975, which laid the foundation for modern treatments of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. She, along with other prominent neurosurgeons, spearheaded functional neurosurgery during the 1960s and 1970s.
Military Service and Career Milestones
Kanaka briefly served as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army during the 1962-1963 Sino-Indian War. For most of her career, she was associated with the Government General Hospital in Chennai and also served as a professor at Madras Medical College. In addition to her surgical work, Kanaka was heavily involved in charitable healthcare, helping provide services to economically disadvantaged communities. She worked with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for over 30 years, among other organizations.
T.S. Kanaka – Legacy and Awards
Even after her retirement in 1990, Kanaka continued to consult in the medical field and remained dedicated to public healthcare. She founded the Sri Santhanakrishna Padmavathi Health Care and Research Foundation, offering free medical services to the underprivileged. Her groundbreaking achievements in neurosurgery, her dedication to charity, and her recognition as Asia’s first female neurosurgeon have earned her a lasting legacy. Kanaka was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Madras Neuro Trust for her contributions to the field.
Personal Life and Challenges
Despite her professional accomplishments, Kanaka faced significant personal challenges. After the tragic death of her younger brother, she chose to remain unmarried and fully dedicated herself to medicine. She also faced discrimination as a woman in a male-dominated field, which made it difficult for her to gain trust and opportunities early in her career. However, her perseverance paid off, and she became a role model for many. In addition to her medical contributions, she was known for her philanthropic activities, including donating blood 139 times—a record that placed her in the Limca Book of Records.
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