Dr. Satish Krishnan: A Life Dedicated to Saving Brains and Touching Hearts
The UAE is blessed with committed healthcare professionals whose dedication goes beyond duty. Dr. Satish Krishnan, a distinguished neurosurgeon at Al Qasimi Hospital (AQH), Sharjah, stands out as a shining example of medical excellence, compassion, and service to humanity.
With over 17 years of service at AQH, Dr. Satish Krishnan has played a pivotal role in strengthening neurosurgical care in the UAE through his expertise in neurovascular and microvascular surgery.
A Career Marked by Excellence and Recognition
Dr. Satish Krishnan’s professional journey is adorned with numerous awards and recognitions:
- Excellence Award – AQH (2011)
- Outstanding Employee of the Month – January 2023
- Member, Emirati Board of Neurosurgery
- Three Certificates of Appreciation from
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Olama, Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention - Gershom Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 (Azerbaijan) for contributions to neurosciences
These accolades reflect not just his clinical expertise, but also his unwavering commitment to patient welfare in the UAE.
Life-Saving Surgeries That Defied All Odds
One of the most remarkable cases handled by Dr. Satish Krishnan involved an 11-year-old Arab boy who remained in a coma for seven months following a severe road accident. Considered a hopeless case, the child underwent three complex brain surgeries and spent months in ICU. Against all expectations, the boy recovered—an outcome hailed as nothing short of miraculous.
More Stories of Compassionate Care
- 2012: Successfully removed an orange-sized brain tumour from an 8-year-old Bangladeshi boy—free of cost under Ministry of Health policy.
- 2013: Performed a high-risk brain surgery on a pregnant Indian woman suffering from brain haemorrhage. She survived and later gave birth to a healthy baby.
- Treated an Indian expat, Rao, for a life-threatening blood clot, with the hospital waiving the medical expenses.
Each case reflects Dr. Krishnan’s belief that medicine must be guided by humanity.
Medical Education and Professional Journey
Dr. Satish Krishnan completed most of his education in Calcutta:
- MBBS – RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Calcutta (1984)
- MCh (Neurosurgery) – Sri Chitra Hospital, Kerala
- DNB (Neurosurgery) – Delhi
- Fellowship in Neurovascular Surgery
He first came to the UAE in 1996, returned to India in 2000, and was re-invited in 2010 by the hospital and the Ministry of Health to help establish and strengthen the Department of Neurosciences at Al Qasimi Hospital.
Philosophy: Treat the Brain, Touch the Heart
Deeply inspired by Mother Teresa, whom he met during his childhood in Calcutta, Dr. Satish Krishnan strongly believes:
“A doctor should be a friend, philosopher, and guide.”
He often says:
“I work on the brain, but when you touch the heart of patients, you become a true doctor. I treat, but God cures.”
His greatest satisfaction comes from helping those who have no one else to turn to.
Personal Life and Legacy
A native of Perunna, Changanacherry, Dr. Satish Krishnan comes from a family with a rich medical heritage. He is the grandson of S. Madhava Kurup Vaidyan, a gold medallist from Ayurveda College and the personal physician of Mannath Padmanabhan, founder of the Nair Service Society.
- Father: Krishnan Nair – Engineer, Ordinance Factory, Calcutta
- Mother: Sulochana – Homemaker
- Wife: Prema – Teacher
In his leisure time, Dr. Krishnan enjoys listening to music, playing badminton, and conducting quiz programmes.
An Asset to Sharjah and the UAE
Dr. Satish Krishnan is truly an asset to Sharjah and the UAE, not only for the life-saving surgeries he performs but also for the hope and dignity he restores to countless families. His journey exemplifies the highest ideals of the medical profession—skill guided by compassion.
