It is a true privilege to celebrate a pillar of our medical community—Prof. Roy Varghese, an esteemed, longstanding AKMG member and proud alumnus of Trivandrum Medical College.
For many years, Dr. Varghese has served as Chief of Staff in the Department of Medicine at Mary Breckinridge Hospital in Hyden, Kentucky. In his roles overseeing General Medicine and Infectious Diseases, he has been far more than a department head: he has been a beacon of hope, opportunity, and guidance for scores of young doctors navigating their way into the American healthcare system.
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), breaking into the U.S. healthcare system can feel like an uphill battle fraught with uncertainty. Dr. Varghese recognized this challenge and chose to take action.
Under his direct tutelage, more than 50 Kerala medical graduates served as externs, taking active, hands-on roles in patient care. His program offered young doctors an invaluable, first-hand look into the intricacies of U.S. clinical practice—giving them the skills, clinical confidence, and strong letters of recommendation essential for securing residency positions.
Today, many of his former mentees are practicing successfully across the United States in both academic medicine and private practice.
When we reached out to Dr. Varghese’s mentees, the response was overwhelming. The testimonials we received speak not only to his clinical expertise, but to his extraordinary generosity, humility, and warmth.
Here is what his students had to say about his impact on their lives and careers:
"Roy sir started off my U.S. clinical experience by offering an observership without any prior recommendation or familiarity. His helping hand created the foundation upon which I built a well-rounded residency application."
"Describing him as a selfless person would be an understatement. Beyond the clinical experience, he was a constant source of encouragement and mental strength when you are new to this country, have no idea what to expect, and wonder if you even stand a chance. Even after we left Hyden, he would call us just to check on our progress."
"He was extraordinarily kind to me—a total stranger. I still wonder what motivated him to do so, sometimes taking on risks and facing criticism along the way to give us a chance."
"He was the golden hand that steered my career toward success. He is the very reason I am where I am today."
"My experience at Hyden came at a time when I had not passed my Step 2 CS on the 1st attempt. The hands-on experience and warm environment played an important role in reinstating my confidence."
"Having hands-on clinical experience and letters of recommendation is the most valuable part of your resume as an IMG. Roy sir was gracious enough to give us this rare opportunity without any reservations. He helped us write case reports, offered interview prep, and gave us a competitive edge."
"Under Roy sir’s mentorship, I became familiar with the U.S. healthcare system. Thanks to the strong relationship he built within the community, a few of us even became friends with the Mayor of Hyden and were honored as Honorary Citizens. That time in Hyden directly influenced my choice to pursue Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine."
"He helped us get initial exposure, assisted with residency applications, found us housing and transportation, and did it all purely out of goodwill. He is a true role model."
"Roy Sir is one of my favorite teachers. No one can beat his teaching style, his caring demeanor, and his humility, which was a profound learning experience in itself."
"Dr. Roy Varghese sir and his wife deserve all the honor and recognition an alumni organization can bestow. He was a mentor and like family, ready to help to any extent."
For his unwavering commitment to furthering the careers of scores of graduates from Kerala, AKMG was deeply honored to bestow the 2017 AKMG Distinguished Mentor Award to Prof. Roy Varghese, under the presidency of Dr. Majeed Paduvana.
Thank you, Prof. Roy, for your selfless leadership, your kindness, and the incredible legacy you continue to build across the U.S. medical landscape.
Special message from Dr. M.V. Pillai
"An eternal optimist , positive thinker and a philanthropist with a bleeding heart , Dr Ray Varghese displayed a dominant gene of public service and empathy ever since he entered the campus of Trvm MC in 1960s. Doors of his rooms were always wide open to very poor patients from Omallore and adjoining villages in eastern Pathanamthitta . Roy used to take them to various departments of TVpm MC and help them see specialist doctors . Some of them got money from him for return travel as well .
No wonder his compassionate and caring attitude followed him all the way to USA leading him to help our young medicos without expecting anything in return .."
A true icon of the simple minded rural Malayalee who epitomizes the poetic aphorism :
“ നാട്യ പ്രധാനം നഗരം ദരിദ്രം
നാട്ടിൻപുറം നന്മകളാൽ സമ്രദ്ധം ”...
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