Last Friday, I had the privilege of joining the Golden Jubilee celebrations of St. John’s Medical College Hospital – a landmark moment for an institution that has shaped countless lives, including my own. Although I am not an alumnus of the institution, being part of the Department of Surgery as faculty from 2006 and later the Department of Surgical Oncology until 2017, my journey at St. John’s spans some of the most formative years of my career. Returning to the campus felt like stepping back into a place that still feels like home.

The get-together organized by the Department of Surgery brought together a remarkable gathering of senior faculty, former students, residents, and colleagues. It was heart-warming to reconnect with those who guided, inspired, and worked alongside me through long nights, challenging cases, and the excitement of learning and evolving as surgeons. Many of my peers and former students are now leading experts in their respective surgical fields – a true testament to the strong foundation that St. John’s continues to provide.

Amidst laughter, shared memories, and stories of where life has taken each of us, the evening reminded me of the purpose and passion that first drew us into surgery. The institution not only trained us to operate with skill but also to serve with compassion – a legacy deeply instilled in every Johnite.

Cheers to 50 glorious years of healing, teaching, and transforming lives – and to many more ahead. St. John’s will always remain a cherished chapter in my professional journey.