Renowned Indian Neurosurgeon Visits UCF College of Medicine for Lecture on India’s Legacy in Brain Surgery
On August 12, The India Center at UCF, in collaboration with the South Asians in Medicine Orlando Student Association (S.A.M.O.S.A.), welcomed Varindera Paul Singh, M.B.B.S. to the UCF College of Medicine for the launch of The India Center’s Fall 2025 Annual Lecture Series. The discussion highlighted India’s historical and contemporary contributions to neurosurgery.
Singh was welcomed by Edward Ross, M.D., Chair of the Department of Medicine and Professor of Internal Medicine. Singh, a distinguished pediatric neurosurgeon and former president of the Indian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery, addressed an audience of more than 100 attendees, including medical and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.
His presentation explored the legacy of Susruta, an ancient Indian physician whose pioneering surgical techniques continue to influence modern medical practices. Singh also discussed the intersection of neurology and surgery in India’s medical history, offering insights into how these disciplines have evolved and converged in the field of neurosurgery.
“Dr. Singh’s presentation on the origins and history of surgery was both eye-opening and inspiring,” said S.A.M.O.S.A. co-president Jay Patel. “It emphasized how the roots of surgery lie in non-conventional Eastern medicine, reminding us how much we can still learn from our ancient preceptors in the field.”
The lecture was moderated by Jogi Pattisapu, M.D., a respected pediatric neurosurgeon and retired UCF College of Medicine faculty member, whose guidance helped frame the discussion and connect Singh’s insights to the broader academic and clinical context.
The event marked a meaningful milestone for first-year UCF medical students, who had just begun their academic journey the day prior. For second-year students preparing to enter the neurology curriculum later this year, the lecture served as an engaging introduction to the subject matter.
The lecture underscored The India Center’s commitment to fostering dialogue around India’s contributions to global knowledge and innovation. By connecting historical scholarship with contemporary medical practice, the event offered students and faculty a deeper appreciation for the cultural and scientific legacy that continues to shape modern neurosurgery.
“This event truly brought to life what The India Center stands for—sharing ideas, knowledge, and innovation about contemporary India here at UCF. By exploring India’s long tradition of science and medicine, from the pioneering work of Susruta to modern neurosurgery, we gave our students and community a chance to connect with a legacy that continues to shape the future,” said Joshi. “It was a powerful reminder of how India’s story of discovery and healing resonates right here at UCF.”
Watch the Full Lecture
To watch a full recording of the webinar, visit The India Center’s YouTube page or watch it below: