Pioneer in orthopaedics, gifted Jazz musician, Dr Thomas A Chandy passes away at 76

Bengaluru: Dr Thomas A Chandy, a legendary figure in the field of orthopaedics, widely recognised as a pioneer in joint replacement surgery, and a gifted jazz musician, passed away yesterday at the age of 76 after battling a lung-related illness. He was the Founder and Chairman of HOSMAT Hospital in Bengaluru.

With over 8,000 joint replacement surgeries to his name, Dr Chandy wasn’t just a skilled surgeon but was a visionary who helped shape the future of orthopaedic care in India.  

The renowned orthopedic surgeon, celebrated for his exceptional surgical skill and precision, and regarded as one of India’s most accomplished joint replacement specialists, passed away around 11 pm on April 7 due to multiple organ failure resulting from lung disease.

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He was reportedly undergoing treatment for lung-related issues at Manipal Hospitals over the past few months. However, despite efforts, he could not recover, and his untimely demise has left the medical fraternity deeply shaken.

As per a South First news report, Dr Thomas was born in 1949 and raised in Bengaluru. He completed his MBBS from St. John’s Medical College in 1976. Shortly after, he travelled to New York to specialise in orthopaedics, and also to explore another of his lifelong passions: music. He spent 18 years in clinical practice and teaching in the United States, performing over 2,000 joint replacement surgeries during a time when the field was still evolving.

He further trained in arthroscopy and sports medicine at the University of Oklahoma and later led the orthopaedic department at Claremore Regional Medical Centre from 1983 to 1993. 

But it was in 1993 that he took his boldest step- returning home to Bengaluru with a vision. He wanted to bring world-class orthopaedic care to India at par with the standards of Western hospitals.

With the dream to create something remarkable and valuable, Dr Thomas founded HOSMAT Hospital, which is an abbreviation for Hospital for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Arthroplasty and Trauma. It is one of India’s largest and best-equipped hospitals for Orthopedics and sub-specialities, Accident-Trauma, Neuro & spine, Plastic & reconstructive surgery. The Hospital has a specialised Joint Replacement and Spine centre.

The Hospital was the Brainchild of Dr Thomas A Chandy, the healthcare pioneer, in starting a speciality Hospital in India, specialising in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Arthritis, Accident, and neurosciences. The Hospital was inaugurated 25 years ago after Dr Chandy returned from the United States after a successful stint there of 17 years.

HOSMAT Sports Medicine Centre was headed by Dr. Thomas, who had a rich experience, with over 18 years in the U.S. with a Fellowship Degree in Sports Medicine. Athletes from disciplines like cricket, football, tennis, badminton, gymnastics, and more, trusted Dr Chandy and his team to get them back on their feet

Medical Fraternity lost a gem

Doctors across the country mourned the passing of Dr Thomas A Chandy, remembering him as the pioneer and skilled surgeon whose contributions transformed orthopaedic care in India. 

Many took to social media to express their grief and extend heartfelt condolences. A doctor on 'X' sharing the unfortunate news said, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Thomas Chandy Chairman MD & Chief of Orthopedics at Hosmat Hospitals. Condolences to his family, colleagues and the medical community. May his soul rest in peace."

Another said, "He was a pioneer in his field, redefined medical care & was a kind-hearted human being whose contribution to healthcare and society will be remembered with great respect."

Speaking to South First, calling him a visionary, Dr Sharan Shivaraj Patil, chairman and chief orthopaedic surgeon of Sparsh Hospitals, said, "I owe him a lot. I have been associated with HOSMAT for almost 30 years now. We have lost a legend in the field of orthopaedics, and it’s irreplaceable. He was a legend in the field of orthopaedics. 

Dr Chandy gave tremendous opportunities to young ortho surgeons and was extremely supportive and at the same time receptive to suggestions. He was ever willing for improvement in treatment for patients, and we are all indebted eternally for being under his shadow. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Dr Patil said.

Beyond the hospital walls, Dr Chandy lived a life rich in melody. A trained jazz vocalist, he led a 17-year-old band called ‘The Jazz and Rock Revival’ and often performed with his six-member group in Bengaluru. He was equally known for his deep love for music. To him, medicine and music were not separate worlds — they were performances that demanded perfection, coordination, and passion.

TNIE reports that his love for music went far beyond performance. Over six decades, he built an extraordinary collection of over 300 rare musical instruments, including harpsichords, clavichords, 80 unique guitars, and a custom-made concert harp. One floor of his Richmond Road home in Bengaluru was dedicated to these instruments, representing genres from across the world.

Even in the operating theatre, music was part of his practice. He often played soft jazz or blues during surgeries, not just to calm himself, but to ease his patients, too, during procedures where they were conscious.

Condolences from HOSMAT Hospital

The official Instagram handle of the hospital shared a post and said, "In Loving Memory of Dr. Thomas A. Chandy (1949–2025) Chairman & Chief of Orthopaedics, HOSMAT Hospital. With great sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved founder and visionary, Dr. Thomas Chandy, on April 7, 2025.

A pioneer in orthopaedics, a humanitarian at heart, and a gifted musician, Dr. Chandy dedicated his life to healing bodies and uplifting lives. From founding HOSMAT Hospital to giving the gift of mobility to over 1,200+ underprivileged children through the HOSMAT Foundation, his impact is immeasurable.

He believed that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and lived every day working toward that mission. His music band, Jazz for A Cause, turned melodies into medicine, raising funds for children’s surgeries and rehabilitation.

His loss is a great shock to the HOSMAT family and to all who had the honour of knowing him. We pledge to carry forward his vision, serving with the same compassion and excellence that defined his life."

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