Dr Hemangi Jerajani: A legend of Indian dermatology

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Dr Hemangi Jerajani (1952-2024)

On 21st September 2024, Dr Hemangi Jerajani, a dynamic and multifaceted personality, left for her heavenly abode. Her sad dismissal is a huge loss to the entire dermatology fraternity. She was a great teacher, brilliant dermatologist, astute clinician, inspiring educator and expert administrator, and yet a humble and cheerful person.

Journey of Dr Jerajani, as a simple girl, from Gujarati family to an eminent personality in IADVL and globally renowned dermatologist is remarkable and inspiring. She completed her MBBS (1975) and diploma DVL (1979), from Seth G S Medical College and KEM General Hospital, and MD from LTMG Medical College and Hospital in 1981. She joined the same department as tutor rising to become Professor and Head for 30 years. She established many facilities like phototherapy, immunofluorescence, patch testing, aesthetics and so on for patients at reasonable cost. She later headed the dermatology department at MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai, for 5 years.

She was a teacher par excellence, who took keen interest in her students. She made an immense contribution in guiding them, attaining the status of a legend and a mother figure. She inculcated keen observational skills, bedside manners, discipline and taught them to empathize with patients. She imparted them the art of examining patients, communication skills and ethical practice. She always stressed on the importance of punctuality and immaculate record keeping.

Her hunger and zest for knowledge was unparallel and she constantly encouraged students to remain abreast with recent advances. She trusted her students capabilities and brought out the best in them and in her colleagues. She encouraged research and gave opportunities to the students and younger colleagues in academic endeavours and scientific writings. A true leader, she appreciated good work and never hesitated in showering compliments. Her prowess in administration was scintillating, remarkably contributing to improving infrastructure and raising standards of patient care.

She has won many laurels, including the prestigious Maria Duran Medal awarded in 2019 at World Congress of Dermatology Milan, Professor K. C. Kandhari Foundation Award during E-DERMACON 2021, Professor Ratan Singh Award at Dermacon 2015 and Best Teacher Award at Dermacon 2012. She had over 200 publications and numerous chapters to her credit. She was an eloquent speaker and delivered more than 525 lectures at national and international forums. She has the distinction of being the first woman president of IADVL (2010) that encouraged women dermatologists across India to take up administrative posts in the association.

She performed pioneering research work in contact dermatitis in India and was a founder member and a former president of CODFI (Contact and Occupational Dermatitis Forum of India). She established centre for MSM and transgender community, providing hope for this community in Mumbai.

Despite her illustrious career, she was known for her warmth, kindness, and love for others. She personified simple living and high thinking and always motivated students and colleagues to achieve greater professional heights. She faced health challenges but her determination never faltered. She remained unfazed and faced difficult times with courage and poise.

A professional to the core, she spent her entire life for the cause of dermatology. Her legacy will endure through her contributions to dermatology and the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered as a true “Hem”, which means Gold in Sanskrit. Her inspiring words were “Be like an eagle in the sky and not like a frog in the well.” To practice her ideals, walk upon the path shown by her and follow her teachings which would be the best way to remember her.

Dr Meghana Phiske

Associate Professor

Department of Dermatology

Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College,

Kamothe, Navi Mumbai