EISRE Awards
Excellence in Service, Research, and Education
Introduced in 2023, the Excellence In Service, Research and Education (EISRE) Award acknowledges undergraduate and post-graduate alumni living in North America who exemplify the Christian Medical College, Vellore’s mission of “seeking to give witness to the healing ministry of Christ through excellence in education, service and research”.
2024 EISRE Award Honorees
Medical Alumni EISRE Award
Ajit Varki, MD (Batch 1968)
Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Medicine at UC San Diego.
Dr. Varki is also adjunct professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, and executive editor of Essentials in Glycobiology. He is also the founding director of the Glycobiology Research and Training Center and founding co-director of the UCSD/Salk Center for Academic Research & Training in Anthropogeny.
Dr. Varki has made significant contributions to open-access medical literature, founding The Journal of Clinical Investigation in 1996 and authoring the textbook Essentials of Glycobiology in 2009. He has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Faculty Medal from CMC and wrote the book “Denial” in 2013, which examines the role of denial in human evolution.
Initially, Dr. Varki focused on clinical diagnostic medicine and patient care but later shifted to basic research, particularly studying sialic acids and their roles in microbial infectivity, immune response, tumor progression, aging, and human evolution. His research has revealed differences in sialic acid biology between humans and great apes.
Dr. Varki has also contributed to biomedical and healthcare education, advocating for physician-scientists, young female faculty with children, and foreign medical graduates. He served as Associate Dean for Physician-Scientist training at UC San Diego and his textbook is widely used globally.
The Vellore CMC Foundation honors him with the 2024 EISRE Award in Medicine for his dedication to knowledge, excellence in service, research, and education.
Nursing Alumni EISRE Award
Shanthi Margoschis, MSN (Batch 1993)
Chief Operating Officer, Kaiser Permanente.
Dr. Shanthi Margoschis has developed extensive skills in implementing and managing EMR systems, Healthcare IT, and hospital protocols, enabling her to train leadership teams and enhance performance outcomes rapidly. An active alumna of the College of Nursing, she shares her professional experiences and mentors students and alumni, showing her dedication to CMC’s mission.
As Chief Nurse Executive in various hospitals, Dr. Margoschis has significantly improved patient care quality by implementing evidence-based practices, reducing hospital-acquired infections, improving emergency room wait times, and ensuring safe clinical environments. Her initiatives have also led to fewer workplace injuries and better patient flow.
Dr. Margoschis has contributed to healthcare research with pioneering studies published in leading journals, such as her work on “Prevention of Breast Engorgement,” which offered new insights into postnatal care. Her research-driven approach aims to tackle pressing healthcare challenges and elevate patient care standards.
Committed to healthcare education, she empowers future nursing professionals through her clinical and leadership expertise. Dr. Margoschis exemplifies ethical practice and compassion in her educational efforts.
Shanti embodies the spirit of service through her willingness to exceed professional expectations. Whether leading critical response efforts during the COVID-19 crisis or enhancing patient care processes through innovative strategies, she consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Allied Health Alumni EISRE Award
Joseph A. Roche, PhD (Batch 1997)
Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University
Dr. Joseph Roche, has spent his career engaged in teaching, research and service in the general area of movement-centric health care with a specific focus on regenerative muscle biology. Dr. Roche is a physical therapist and a researcher, who has been studying rare forms of muscular dystrophy.
After graduating from CMC with a degree in Physiotherapy, Dr. Roche received a Post Professional Diploma in Rehabilitation for Physiotherapists from the All India Institute of Physical Medicine, and a Ph.D. in Physical Rehabilitation Science from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. In addition, Joseph has completed postdoctoral training in Muscle Biology which included visiting fellowships at such prestigious institutions as Harvard and Stanford.
He has extensive clinical experience in physiotherapy in India and has contributed significantly to peer-reviewed journals and as an ad hoc reviewer for many prestigious journals. Dr. Roche’s publications include studies on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, resistance training, and the physiological impact of physical activity during the pandemic.
As assistant professor at WSU Applebaum, Dr. Roche is recognized as a dedicated and much-loved teacher and a very positive and active contributor to a range of cross-college initiatives.
Dr. Roche has received multiple honors, including a Faculty Recognition Award from Wayne State University and several travel awards for his research contributions. His professional memberships include the American Physical Therapy Association, and American Physiological Society
Past EISRE Award Honorees
Inaugural Medical Alumni EISRE Award
Khursheed Jeejeebhoy, MD (Batch 1954)
Dr. Jeejeebhoy is currently a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and Director of Nutrition Support at St. Michael's Hospital.
Dr. Khursheed Jeejeebhoy, following his grandfather’s path, began his medical journey at Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore, India, where he earned his degree in 1959. He then pursued further education in London, obtaining his MRCP and PhD. After returning to India to work at the Baba Atomic Research Institute, he moved to Canada in 1967. Dr. Jeejeebhoy is currently a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and Director of Nutrition Support at St. Michael’s Hospital. His extensive work spans education, service, and research in gastroenterology, particularly focusing on nutritional assessment and requirements in sick patients. Notably, he established the Gastroenterology training program at the University of Toronto and pioneered the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) for nutritional status evaluation, widely used in medical literature. His research, featured in numerous peer-reviewed papers, encompasses areas like inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption, and colon cancer. Dr. Jeejeebhoy’s contributions include setting up home intravenous nutrition programs and establishing the Canadian Malnutrition Task force. Additionally, he created the CHANGE program for health promotion through diet and exercise. His remarkable career was honored by Christian Medical College for his enduring contributions to medicine.
Inaugural Nursing Alumni EISRE Award
Vinciya Pandian, PhD (CON Batch 1992)
Vinciya Pandian is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Immersive Learning and Digital Innovations at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.
Vinciya Pandian exemplifies dedication to interprofessional research, service, and education. With over 100 scientific manuscripts and numerous presentations, Vinciya’s research focuses on improving the quality of life and safety of mechanically ventilated patients. As a committed educator, she teaches critical care courses globally and has been a sought-after speaker during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Vellore CMC Foundation’s Board, she has played an instrumental role in establishing and raising funds for the Aleyamma Kuruvilla nursing scholarship for underprivileged nursing students. Vinciya also coordinated an MOU between Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and College of Nursing, CMC. Vinciya’s contributions to nursing and healthcare education, research, and service make her a standout candidate for recognition. Her humility and hard work are widely admired, reflecting her commitment to advancing healthcare.
Celebrating at the North American Alumni Association's GOTC
The EISRE Award recognizes alumni for their outstanding achievements in clinical work, research, or education, along with their exceptional leadership and service that goes beyond their professional duties. They uphold CMC’s legacy of excellence, compassion, and service. Recipients of the award are revealed at the annual GOTC gatherings in North America.
Eligibility and Criteria
The Foundation invites nominations for undergraduate and/or post-graduate CMC alumna or alumnus who has inspired you with their passion, drive, and commitment to excellence. In addition to honoring those who have excelled in clinical work, research, or education, we also encourage nominations for alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service beyond their professional roles, upholding the legacy of excellence, compassion, and service that defines CMC.
All CMC medical, nursing, and allied health graduates are welcome to submit the name(s) of a deserving alumnus/alumna for (1) the medical alumni EISRE award, (2) the nursing alumni EISRE award, and/or (3) the allied health alumni EISRE award.
To be eligible for an EISRE Award nomination, a candidate must have contributed to one or more of the following:
- Contribution Towards Education: Nominees should have made significant contributions to healthcare education, inspiring and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Their efforts should reflect a commitment to nurturing compassionate, competent caregivers who uphold the highest standards of ethical practice.
- Contribution Towards Clinical Work: Nominees should have exhibited exemplary clinical skills and a compassionate approach to patient care. Their clinical work should embody the spirit of service, addressing the most critical needs of the communities they serve and striving for excellence in every interaction.
- Contribution Towards Research: Nominees should have conducted groundbreaking research that has contributed to advancements in healthcare knowledge and practice. Their research endeavors should address pressing healthcare challenges and have the potential to positively impact patient outcomes and public health.
- Contribution Towards their Alma Mater: Nominees should have demonstrated a deep commitment to their alma mater, actively engaging in initiatives that support the institution’s mission and values.
- Going Beyond the Call of Duty: Nominees should have gone above and beyond their professional responsibilities to serve others and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they encounter.
To submit your nominee, please complete the online nomination form by May 15th, 2024. Be sure to provide detailed information about the nominee’s achievements and why you believe they deserve this recognition.
For any questions or additional assistance, please contact Mabel Haro at mabel.haro@vellorecmc.org
CMC Alumni in the News
Pandian Named Nese College of Nursing Associate Dean for Graduate Education
The Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing has named Vinciya Pandian (CON Batch ’92) as associate dean for graduate education, effective July 1.
Dr. Beena Koshy (Batch ’94) Named as Top Achiever in Awards to Celebrate 75 years of Indian Independence
Beena Koshy is one of 75 Indian nationals who have studied at a UK university to be recognized in the India UK Achievers Honours, hosted by the British Council and NISAU UK (National Indian Students & Alumni Union UK). She is recognized for her contributions
How India Can Put the Spotlight Back on Neglected Tropical Diseases
A boost in research and development will be the first step toward the elimination of these diseases. CMC Alumni Priscilla Rupalli (Batch 1987) and Winsley Rose (Batch 1991) discuss the challenges and way forward for such diseases. Listen to the Podcast on Nature by clicking
Dr. Gagandeep Kang Elected to US Medical Academy
Dr. Gagandeep Kang, professor, division of gastrointestinal sciences, Christian Medical College (CMC), has been elected to the US-based National Academy of Medicine (NAM) for her contributions to understand and improve child health through her research in enteric infectious diseases and vaccinology. Read more at the
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