Shan Ratnam facts for kids

Professor Shan Ratnam (born Sittampalam Shanmugaratnam) was a very important doctor from Singapore. He was born on July 4, 1928, and passed away on August 6, 2001.

He was a specialist in human reproduction. This means he focused on how babies are made and born. He was a leader in the field of Obstetrics (caring for pregnant women and childbirth) and Gynaecology (women's health). He worked at the National University Hospital of Singapore.

Professor Ratnam's work helped Singapore become well-known in the medical world. He was a prominent figure globally in his field. He also helped start a special research lab at the National University Hospital.

A Doctor's Journey: Shan Ratnam's Career

Starting Out in Medicine

Shan Ratnam began his medical career in 1959. He worked as a trainee doctor at the Singapore General Hospital. In 1963, he also started teaching at the University of Singapore.

Becoming a Specialist

In 1964, he went to England to get more medical training. He earned important qualifications there. After returning to Singapore, he became a Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He held this important position for 25 years.

Global Recognition and Research

In 1972, Professor Ratnam's department received a special honor. The World Health Organization recognized it as one of the top 13 research centers for human reproduction in the world. This was a huge achievement for Singapore.

He was also a Chief Examiner for medical students. He helped guide postgraduate medical studies at the National University of Singapore. His work was published in many important medical journals.

Awards and Achievements

In 1977, Professor Ratnam received the Singapore Gold Public Administration Medal. This award recognized his excellent service to the country. He wrote hundreds of articles and papers. He also edited or co-edited 15 books.

Professor Ratnam was a key leader in international medical groups. He served as the Secretary-General of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for 17 years. He was also the President of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from 1985 to 1988.

He received special awards from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. These included the Sims Black Travelling Professorship in 1982 and a Visiting Professorship in 1994.

Pioneering New Medical Procedures

In 1987, Professor Ratnam led a team that achieved a medical first. They helped a baby be born from a frozen embryo transfer. This was a major breakthrough in fertility treatment.

In 1991, he was part of another pioneering team. They helped create the world's first baby born using a method called microinjection with human ampullary coculture. These advancements helped many families.

Professor Ratnam also did a lot of research. He published 378 research papers in international journals. He also had 232 papers in local and regional journals.

Even after officially retiring in 1998, he continued his work. He remained an Emeritus Professor at the National University of Singapore. He kept teaching and doing research in Gynaecology and Obstetrics.

Professor Ratnam's Personal Life

Professor Ratnam faced health challenges in his later years. He had a stroke in 1999. He passed away on August 6, 2001, at the age of 73. He died at the National University Hospital of Singapore.

His Lasting Legacy

Professor Ratnam left a big impact on medicine. Many of his former students became important doctors in the O&G field. For example, Dr. P. C. Wong, the current head of department at the National University Hospital, was his student.

Professor Ratnam was a Hindu. He had two children, a son and a daughter. A medical center in Singapore, SSR International, was named after him. His nephew, C. Anandakumar, now runs this center.