Prof D.K. Gupta has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University in Lucknow. Prof Gupta will take over the charge from Prof Saroj Chooramani Gopal. Dr. Gupta's appointment was announced by Principal Secretary to governor, GP Patnaik. Gupta is the head of pediatric surgery department at All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The present V-C's term ends on March 7, 2011. However, Dr Gupta's joining date is yet to be confirmed. Dr Gupta has been extensively related with stem cell research. This has given the team here in CSMMU a chance to feel happy. Sharing his views on CSMMU, Gupta said, “This is one of the most revered medical institutions in the world. It has a high place in every medico's heart including me.” Dr Gupta, a known workaholic, is capable of handling many responsibilities simultaneously. “He is into teaching, research, academics, clinical work and innumerable national and internatinal obligations,'' said his daughter Deepika. Dr. Gupta holds the post of president-elect of World Federation of Association of Paediatric Surgeons (the apex body of paediatric surgeons) and editor of Journal of Association of Paediatric Surgeons of India, besides other assignments Dr. Gupta's area of interest lies in the stem cell research which he has been pursuing for past 5-6 years. Dr Gupta hopes to take CSMMU to new heights in the field. “My aim would be to take a lead. But a lot of things depend on the kind of environment that I get,'' he said. But stem cell research would be just one of his focus areas. “I would add other things in the list after meeting faculty, students and staff of CSMMU,'' he said. Asked about the problems that CSMMU faces like private practice, infighting, manpower crunch, he said, “I would like to be positive at the moment. There is no problem which cannot be sorted out.''
