Kottayam: Dr George Jacob, a pioneering cardiac health expert and the founding head of the Cardiology Department at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, passed away at the age of 94. The cremation was held on Thursday at St Mary’s Church, Pampady East.

Hailing from the Pullolikkal family in Kothala near Pampady, Dr George Jacob embarked on his journey at Kottayam Medical College as an Assistant Professor of General Medicine in 1964. When the Department of Cardiology was established, he took charge as its first head and professor, laying the foundation for its remarkable growth.

Dr George Jacob completed his MBBS from Kolkata Medical College and served as Registrar in Cardiology and General Medicine at Vellore Christian Medical College. Later, he joined the University of Bristol in England, where he worked as Registrar from 1960 to 1964.

After retiring from Kottayam Medical College in 1986, he continued his medical journey as the Head of the Caritas Heart Institute in Kottayam for about two decades.

His wife, Dr Mary George, is the former Director of the Anesthesia Department at Kottayam Medical College and a member of the Manappuram family in Veloor. Their children include Deepa George, Dr. Thomas George (Consultant Cardiologist, Caritas Hospital), and Dr Anila George (Consultant Paediatrician, Boston, US). His in-laws are George Paul Mullasseril, Kollad (Businessman, Delhi), Sneha Thomas Kadayath of Vadavucode, and Dr Ajith Thomas of Thiruvathukkal, Kottayam (Consultant Neurosurgeon, US).

The guardian of hearts

A mentor to several cardiac specialists, Dr George Jacob was celebrated as one of the leading cardiac experts in Central Kerala. His influence, however, reached far beyond his medical achievements, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who crossed his path.

He joined Kolkata Medical College as a teenager in 1948, despite having secured admission at Allahabad Agricultural University and Kolkata Engineering College. His choice of medicine proved to be a turning point, leading him to become one of Kerala’s master cardiologists.

His dedication was pivotal in the Cardiology Department at Kottayam Medical College, bagging so many laurels. Appointed as the founding head of the unit, which had just 28 beds, in 1970, he introduced state-of-the-art facilities such as the echo lab and catheterization unit. His students fondly remember his unwavering commitment, arriving at the medical college by 7 am and leaving only after 10 pm on most days.

Dr. George Jacob once recalled an experience during his tenure at Bristol University, where he was the only Malayali among a group of European surgeons. During a complex cardiac surgery, a renowned surgeon inserted a tube into the pericardium, causing an unexpected change in the heartbeat. While others were puzzled, Dr George Jacob realised the tube was touching the heart muscle. His quick thinking resolved the issue, earning his peers' respect, who thereafter sought his advice in critical cases.

Amidst achievements in professional career, he remained humble, never engaging in arguments or competition. He often attributed his peaceful life to his calm and composed demeanour.

Dr George Jacob was the first doctor in his family, paving the way for over three dozen medical professionals among his descendants, including two of his own children.

Dr George Jacob never referred to those seeking his help as “patients.” Instead, he would gently ask, “What is this gentleman suffering from?” His disciples remember him as a man with a “pleasing demeanour and a constant smile.” As he bids farewell, his legacy of kindness and humility lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

'Dedication personified'
Paying tribute to Dr George Jacob, former Director of Medical Education and cardiac expert Dr N Sudayakumar wrote in an article in Malayala Manorama daily: “If you ask me what makes a great cardiac health expert, my answer would be Dr George Jacob. I have never encountered anyone with his level of dedication and sincerity toward patients, colleagues, and everyone around him. When I first arrived in Kottayam in 1981, the state of the Cardiology Department was far from ideal."

"It was Dr George Jacob’s compassionate approach that convinced doctors like me, who had trained in Thiruvananthapuram, to stay back and contribute to Kottayam Medical College. His diagnostic skills and treatment strategies were exceptional. Time was never a constraint for him as he was always there for the patients, regardless of the hour. He even offered financial help from his own pocket to support destitute patients in buying medicines. His generosity knew no bounds."

"To us, his colleagues and juniors, he was more than just a department head; he was like a family elder. His leadership and administrative skills were as commendable as his medical expertise. Even after his retirement and transition to Caritas Hospital, he continued to shower us with his love and guidance. When I was appointed as the Director of Medical Education, he organised a grand reception at Kottayam Medical College. I consider it a privilege to have maintained a mentor-disciple relationship with him throughout my career."

 (Dr N Sudayakumar is a cardiac expert and former Director of Medical Education)