Dr. Antan Uresh Kumar - The Youngest Kidney Transplant Surgeon and Urology Specialist

 

Dr. Antan Uresh Kumar, Senior Consultant in Urology, Laparoscopic Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Madras Kidney Foundation

 

Dr. Antan Uresh Kumar, Senior Consultant in Urology & Laparoscopic Kidney Transplant Surgeon; born and brought up in Villupuram, native of Tirunelveli district, is now currently a consultant at Divine Uro Clinic, Valasaravakkam, and Founder of Madras Kidney Foundation, Excellence for Transplant. He is a passionate surgeon and urology faculty member who instills confidence in his patients to recover from ailments, even in the most challenging stages of their disease. His speciality lies in helping patients face their issues with a smile, making them feel comfortable and assured throughout their treatment journey. With his expertise, he performs a wide range of urological surgeries, including those for kidney stones, prostate issues, kidney cancer, and kidney transplants, catering to patients of all ages from children to the elderly. He is also the first surgeon to perform a live kidney transplant through his foundation entirely free of charge, including drug expenses. He employs advanced techniques such as laparoscopic, endoscopic, and laser surgeries to provide optimal medical and surgical management.

 

 

Madras Kidney Foundation

 

He recognizes that a successful transplant program at the Madras Kidney Foundation requires a collaborative team effort. To achieve exceptional patient outcomes, he is committed to assembling a skilled and dedicated team. Unlike many other consultants, he prioritizes building a cohesive unit that can provide individualized attention and comprehensive care. His goal is to create a supportive environment where patients receive meticulous counseling, follow-up care, and empowerment to navigate the challenges and triumphs of their journey with confidence and equanimity.

 

 

Educational Qualifications

 

He completed his schooling in Villupuram, where he emerged as the district topper in the higher secondary exam. This achievement earned him a unique scholarship sponsored by the Government of Tamil Nadu; a scheme introduced by the Kalaignar government that covered his entire undergraduate studies. He pursued his MBBS at Kilpauk Medical College, followed by an MS in General Surgery at Stanley Medical College and an MCh in Urology at Madras Medical College. Throughout his academic journey, he received numerous accolades, including a Gold Medal in Surgery and several prizes in both academic and extracurricular activities. Additionally, he holds a fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS).

 

 

Professional Journey

 

During his MS residency, he acquired expertise in laparoscopy. He then worked at Villupuram Medical College for three years, where he trained numerous junior surgeons in laparoscopy and endoscopy. In 2009, he founded Koncpt PG and Superspecialty Medical Coaching Centre, which has since produced nearly 5,000 postgraduates and 2,000 superspecialists. He takes great pride and happiness in tackling challenging and high-risk cases, showcasing his exceptional skill. Notably, he is the first surgeon to initiate pediatric kidney transplant at the Institute of Child Health, Egmore. Furthermore, he is the second surgeon in the Government of Tamil Nadu to perform laparoscopic kidney transplant surgery.

 

 

Achievements and Accomplishments

 

He is a skilled laparoscopic transplant surgeon, urology faculty, entrepreneur, and gold medalist in surgery. He achieved impressive scores in the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam), with 94% in Step 1 and 97% in Step 2. His journey to becoming a surgeon began in his second year of MBBS, inspired by his professor, Dr. R. P. Singh. He dedicated himself to acquiring knowledge and skills, even working 48-hour emergency duty shifts to learn.

 

He is a passionate surgeon but became a urologist by chance, encouraged by his spouse. However, he soon developed a deep love for the profession. Urology is a challenging field with many subspecialties, each requiring specific skills to achieve near-perfect results. He was fortunate to have excellent teachers, skilled professors, and supportive colleagues, which enabled him to acquire advanced surgical skills early in his career. This is a rare achievement in Indian medical education. He became the second laparoscopic donor transplant surgeon in a government hospital in Tamil Nadu, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication.

 

 

Advice to Medical Aspiring Students

 

He advises that if one truly wishes to become a doctor, they should not spend money to join a private medical college. Instead, they should focus on studying well and joining a government medical college to become a doctor. The tuition fees for private medical colleges are exorbitant, making it a financially unviable option with poor returns. The medical profession requires dedication, love, and a willingness to learn and treat patients, with financial gain being a secondary consideration.

 

The government's decision to increase the number of medical professionals beyond the recommended doctor-population ratio has led to intense competition in the field, making it challenging to practice. He urges prospective medical students to carefully consider the following factors before making a decision: the lengthy duration of medical education, spanning 11.5 years to become a superspecialist; high competition in the field; poor pay in both the government and private sectors; an unhealthy increase in medical professionals’ numbers; and difficulty in changing fields after completing MBBS, post-graduation, or super specialization. He advises students to think carefully and make an informed decision before embarking on this journey.