13 Indian Endocrinologists Shine in Top 2% Scientists in Stanford's Global 2024 List

New Delhi: Stanford University released its updated ranking, highlighting the world’s top scientists across 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields based on standardized citation metrics. This year, India boasts 5,352 researchers in the top 2% of the 223,252 scientists worldwide, an increase from 4,635 in 2023. 

Notably, the field of endocrinology includes several prominent Indian names who have made significant contributions to diabetes and metabolic research. Here is a list of the persons whose names are mentioned in Stanford’s 2% list.

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Anoop Mishra: Dr. Misra is the Chairman of the Fortis-CDOC Center of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases, and Endocrinology in New Delhi. He also directs the National Diabetes, Obesity, and Cholesterol Foundation and the Diabetes Foundation (India). Notably, he is one of the few endocrinologists in India recognized in the Stanford 2% list, ranking 4,323 globally across all disciplines while holding the top position among endocrinologists in India. 

With over 41 years of experience, his impressive achievements include delivering 38 orations, publishing 370 research papers on diabetes, authoring 1,300 general articles, and contributing to 34 books and chapters. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews (Elsevier) and is an Associate Editor for both the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the Journal of Diabetes (Wiley). Additionally, he is an editor for Clinical Keys (Elsevier).

In a recent conversation with the medical Dialogues team, Dr Misra highlighted that his current research focuses on nutrition, metabolism, and diabetes, particularly investigating liver fat, pancreatic fat, lean skeletal muscle mass, and vitamin D. He underscored the importance of conducting practical research in India to help clinicians and policymakers effectively adapt their methods for improved health outcomes.

Viswanth Mohan: Dr. V. Mohan is a prominent figure in diabetes care, serving as Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre in Chennai, an IDF Centre of Excellence. He oversees 50 centers across eight states in India, managing over 640,000 registered patients. Additionally, he chairs the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Asia's largest standalone diabetes research center, focusing on diabetes epidemiology, genomics, and precision medicine.

Dr. V. Mohan is a highly esteemed figure in diabetes research, boasting over 1,700 peer-reviewed publications and an impressive h-index of 155. His work has attracted more than 209,000 citations, placing him among the top 2% of scientists worldwide and in the top 0.01% for type 2 diabetes research specifically. Beyond his prolific publishing, Dr. Mohan has made significant contributions to training healthcare professionals, including physicians, dieticians, and nurses, both in India and globally, enhancing the field of diabetes care and education. His influence extends far beyond his research, shaping the future of diabetes management and treatment.

Dr. V. Mohan has received over 220 awards for his outstanding contributions to medicine, including the prestigious Padma Shri. He is also committed to social causes, providing free treatment to underprivileged patients. In addition to his extensive research, he has authored nearly 40 books, including bestsellers like ‘Making Excellence a Habit’ further sharing his knowledge and insights with a wider audience. His dedication to both healthcare and education makes him a truly influential figure in the field of diabetes and beyond.

S. Chittaranjan Yajnik: Dr. Chittaranjan Yajnik is a distinguished MD and FRCP, serving as the Professor and Director of the Diabetes Unit at KEM Hospital and Research Centre in Pune, India. He also holds positions as an Adjunct Professor at IISER, Pune, and a Visiting Professor in Molecular Medicine at the University of Exeter, UK. He is renowned for his significant contribution to diabetes research, particularly his description of the "thin-fat" Indian phenotype.

With over 300 publications and an impressive h-index of 83, he ranks in the top 2% of his specialty according to Stanford's World Ranking, and in the top 0.5% as of 2022.

In a recent conversation with Medical Dialogues Dr. Yajnik's highlights his interests focus on the high susceptibility to diabetes in Indians, the intrauterine programming of diabetes, and the metabolism of Vitamin B12 and 1-C, contributing significantly to our understanding of diabetes and its implications.

His extensive contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Hellmut Mehnert Award from the International Diabetes Federation in 2009, the David Barker Medal from the International DOHaD Society in 2011, and the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award in 2019.

Awadhesh Kumar Singh: Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Singh is a prominent figure in endocrinology, serving as a Senior Consultant Endocrinologist at G.D Hospital & Diabetes Institute and Horizon Multi-specialty Hospital in Kolkata. His significant contributions to diabetes care and research have established him as a respected authority in the medical community. Driven by a passion for endocrinology, he completed his DM in Diabetes & Endocrinology at India PGMER Kolkata, earning recognition as India's youngest endocrinologist in 2004.

Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Singh's accomplishments in endocrinology are indeed remarkable. His ranking of 5th in the Stanford 2% list for 2024, following a 2nd place in 2023, underscores his influential role in the field. With 163 publications, including 52 meta-analyses, his h-index of 44 and i10-index of 167 speak to the significant impact of his research.

In addition to his research, Dr Awadhesh Kumar Singh serves as the Editor for the South Asian Edition of the Williams Textbook of Endocrinology (14th Edition, 2020) and as Executive Editor of Clinical Keys/India Point of Care in Diabetes & Endocrinology. He is also the Deputy Editor of Clinical Diabetology and an Associate Editor for journals like Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews and World Journal of Diabetes. His contributions significantly advance endocrinology and improve diabetes care practices.

Dr. Singh has received several prestigious awards, including the “Most Inspiring Diabetologist & Endocrinologist of India,” presented by former President Sri Pranab Mukherjee in 2020, and the “Young Achiever Award” Gold Medal from NUCD, Bhubaneswar, in the same year. Such honors underscore his role as a mentor and leader in endocrinology, inspiring a new generation of healthcare professionals.

Rimesh Pal: Dr. Rimesh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Endocrinology at PGIMER in Chandigarh and serves on the editorial boards of several publications, including Frontiers in Endocrinology: Bone Research and the Journal of Osteoporosis.

His research interests focus on bone and mineral metabolism, metabolic bone diseases like osteoporosis and primary hyperparathyroidism, sarcopenia, and diabetes mellitus and its complications. This focus reflects his commitment to understanding endocrine interactions and improving patient care through innovative research, ultimately aiming to enhance treatment options and health outcomes.

Dr. Rimesh has made significant contributions to his field, with his research cited 4,339 times. He has an h-index of 30 and an i10-index of 56, reflecting his impactful academic output in endocrinology and related areas. With 64 publications in peer-reviewed journals, he has contributed valuable insights that enhance the understanding of complex endocrine issues.

Dr. Rimesh has received recognition for his outstanding research contributions, including the Second Best Research Paper award in the "COVID-19" category at the 8th Annual Research Day (October 2021) and the First Prize in the E-poster Session 2 at ISBMR 2021 (October 2021). These honors underscore his dedication to addressing critical health issues, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nikhil Tandon: Dr. Nikhil Tandon is a Professor and Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at AIIMS, with 25 years of experience in cardio-metabolic disease research. He co-founded the CARRS Cohort to study cardiometabolic risk in urban populations and has led significant studies on childhood obesity genetics.

He focuses on improving diabetes and hypertension care through innovative interventions and has led projects like I-TREC and the mPower Heart Study. His recent work includes a significant study on diabetes prevention in women with a history of gestational diabetes across multiple countries.

Dr. Tandon is a member of several WHO expert groups and national committees focused on chronic disease care guidelines, and he chairs the Technical Advisory Group for the ICMR Young Diabetes Registry. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, cited more than 1,800 times, and has received numerous accolades, including the Dr. BC Roy Award for Eminent Medical Teacher in 2005. He is widely recognized as a leading figure in his field.

Anjana Ranjit Mohan: Dr. R. M. Anjana is a renowned figure in the field of endocrinology and diabetes care, currently serving as the Director of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) and a prominent consultant in diabetes management.

As a principal investigator, Dr. Anjana has led several significant studies that explore the epidemiology of diabetes and its risk factors in the Indian population. Her work includes CARRS Cohort and Childhood Obesity Research. Anjana has published over 350 papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Anjana has received numerous prestigious awards for her research in diabetes and biomedical sciences, including the Dr. Leela Krishnamoorthy Award (1999), ICMR Summer Research Fellowship (2000), and KVPY Scholarship (2002). She was honored with the Boehringer-Knoll Junior Lectureship (2012), Young Outstanding Women Achievers Award (2012), and the Young Innovator Award (2013).

Vijay Viswanathan: Dr. M.V. Hospital for Diabetes and Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre in Royapuram, Chennai, is led by the Head and Chief Diabetologist, who is also the President of the center, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research, Education, and Training in Diabetes. He holds a PhD in Diabetic Nephropathy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and completed his MD in Internal Medicine.

He has served as Editor of the Journal of Association of Physicians of India, Tamil Nadu Chapter, and held various leadership positions within the API and RSSDI. With around 270 research publications and over 250 research papers on diabetes-related topics, he established a modern Diabetic Foot clinic that has successfully operated for 25 years. In 2021, he was appointed President of D-Foot International, promoting global awareness and care for diabetic foot prevention.

He received the first Vivian Fonseca Award from the American Diabetes Association in 2013 for his work on diabetes and tuberculosis and has trained over 2,000 physicians in amputation prevention. An Adjunct Professor at Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, he has been awarded a Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians, London, for his research contributions to diabetes.

Anil Bhansali: Dr. Bhansali is esteemed as one of the leading endocrinologists in both India and worldwide. He spent 34 years at PGI Chandigarh, including 18 years as the Head of the Department of Endocrinology. His extensive research on diabetes has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of complications like diabetic foot and diabetic retinopathy.

Notably, his study on the role of HbA1c in diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is regarded as a seminal contribution to the field. With over 600 publications to his credit, his work has been cited more than 42,000 times, highlighting his influence in endocrinology. In 2017, he was honored with the country's highest award for physicians, reflecting his remarkable achievements.

Dr. Bhansali is also the author of two well-regarded books in endocrinology, which are essential reading for training doctors specializing in diabetes care across the nation.

Pradeepa Rajendra: Pradeepa Rajendra serves as the Executive Scientific Officer and Head of Research Operations & Diabetes Complications at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. In her role, she leads innovative research initiatives aimed at understanding and managing diabetes complications, contributing significantly to advancements in diabetic care. Her expertise and leadership play a crucial role in fostering a collaborative research environment that prioritizes impactful findings to improve patient outcomes in diabetes management.

Pradeepa Rajendra's work has received significant recognition, with her research cited 41,763 times, reflecting her influential contributions to the field. She has an h-index of 65 and an i10-index of 136, underscoring her impact and productivity in academic publishing. With 197 published articles and 34 chapters in textbooks, she has co-authored numerous studies, collaborating with five other researchers, which further enhances her expertise in diabetes complications and management.

Pradeepa Rajendra is a member of several key committees, including the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee at Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (since 2003) and the Institutional Human Ethical Committee at Saveetha Dental College (since 2017). She is also involved with the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) and its Tamil Nadu Chapter, as well as the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), highlighting her commitment to ethical research practices in diabetes and ophthalmology.

Jamal Ahmad: Dr. Jamal Ahmad is a renowned endocrinologist with an MD, FCCP, PhD, FRCP, and D.Sc in Endocrinology. He served as Ex-Director of the R. G. Centre for Diabetes & Endocrinology and was a Professor and Dean at J.N.M.M. AMU, Aligarh.

He holds an international patent for a dual model-based early prediction system for heart disease in Indian type-2 diabetes patients. With 162 international and 80 national publications. He authored 22 chapters in a medicine textbook. He received the RSSDI Fellowship Award in 2015 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Diabetes India in 2019.

Deepa Mohan: Dr. Deepa Mohan is a Senior Scientist at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, where she earned her Ph.D. Her research focuses on diabetes epidemiology and public health. Dr. Mohan envisions strengthening public health strategies in India to combat non-communicable diseases. Through the PH-LEADER training program, she aims to enhance her knowledge and expertise in the field of public health.

Dr. Deepa Mohan has significantly advanced diabetes research, particularly through her work with the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES). She has examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and developed a diabetes risk score for identifying metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risks in Indians, published in Diabetes/Metabolism Research Review and Diabetes Obesity Metabolism. Additionally, her research has addressed community empowerment for preventing non-communicable diseases and analyzed trends in diabetes prevalence and mortality in urban South India. With over 600 publications, Dr. Mohan remains dedicated to enhancing the understanding and management of diabetes in the region.

In recognition of her research potential, Dr. Deepa Mohan received the Junior Research Fellowship award in 2001 from the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) during its 34th Annual Conference in Bhopal. Additionally, she ranks in the top 2% of her specialty according to Stanford's World Rankings, highlighting her significant contributions to the field of endocrinology.

Ambarish Mithal: Dr. Ambrish Mithal is a prominent figure in endocrinology, currently serving as the Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Healthcare since December 2019. With over 35 years of experience, he previously led the Endocrinology and Diabetes division at Medanta the Medicity from 2009 to 2019, significantly advancing the field. Recognized as a thought leader in the medical community, Dr. Mithal has made substantial contributions to diabetes and metabolic bone diseases.

Dr. Mithal has received several prestigious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2015 and the Laureate Award for International Excellence in Endocrinology in 2021. He also earned the International Osteoporosis Foundation President's Award in 2016 and the BC Roy Award in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed to the Governing Council of the National Health Authority and serves as the honorary President of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Gorakhpur, highlighting his leadership in medicine.

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