Race for VC post at Medical university

APPLICANTS CALLED

Race for VC post at TN med univ begins

3-Member Panel Formed To Shortlist Candidates

Pushpa.Narayan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:

Setting a healthy precedent for selecting a new vice-chancellor for the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, authorities have come out with a 10-page form requiring personal, academic and administrative particulars of the aspirants, besides a write-up on their vision for the state medical university.

The three-member search committee, mandated to short-list candidates for the 10th vice-chancellor of the university, has already called for applications from the candidates. The state health department too has released the academic, administrative and research qualifications required for the post.

Prospective candidates will have to fill a 10-page form with personal details, academic qualification, administrative and research experience, along with 100-word description about their strengths and 500-word vision statement for the university. The applications are to be submitted by November 30.

“This is one of the toughest forms I have ever filled. But unless applicants are put through this filter, it may be difficult to find the right candidate,” said a senior doctor, who is applying

for the post.

The term of the incumbent vice-chancellor, Dr S Geethalakhsmi, ends in December and selection process for her successor began ahead of completion of her term as per the new rules, officials said. The members of the selection committee – Dr Sithy Athiya Munavarah (government nominee), Dr Sembon David (senate nominee) and Dr Mohan Kameswaran (governing council) – will recommend three names from the list of applicants to Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is also chancellor of the university.

Several senior doctors in government service, retired professors, deans and directors of medical education told TOI that they were planning to apply for the post. But some senior doctors were disappointed by the clause that they should have had at least six years of administrative experience as dean/principal/viceprincipal/medical superintendent of medical colleges and hospitals, director of King Institute/upgraded medical college, selection committee secretary or additional director of medical university, registrar or controller of examination of the state medical university/any other deemed university.

“I was more in clinical postings doing surgeries and research. Although I was posted as a director of my speciality, I never had any other administrative experience,” said a senior surgeon.

The October 23 notification of the state health department said every person recommended by the threemember search committee should have a post-graduate degree in the field of medical sciences and published at least five research papers in indexed or national journals.

He/she should have at least 20 years of experience as medical practitioner and 10 years teaching experience as professor.