Dr Devaunshi Kaul makes history as first woman president of FORDA

New Delhi: In a remarkable achievement, Dr Devaunshi Kaul from Safdarjung Hospital has been unanimously elected as the new President of the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) India.

She has created history by becoming the first woman to head a national-level resident doctors’ body in India, which was previously headed only by men. Not only does she break the tradition of male leadership, but she also takes pride in her role and emphasises that women can excel in leadership positions when given equal opportunities.

Similarly, Dr Meet Ghonla from the National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases and Dr Sarada Prasad Sahoo from Lady Hardinge Medical College have also been elected as the new General Secretaries of the association.

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The decision was taken during the National Governing Council Meeting of FORDA, held at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, on September 22, 2025. RDA Presidents, Secretaries, and Representatives from Safdarjung Hospital, RML Hospital, LHMC, MAMC, GTB Hospital, NITRD, SGH, and St Stephen’s Hospital attended the meeting in person, while other State RDAs joined online.

"Important issues concerning Resident Doctors across India were discussed, and the way forward was deliberated. The outgoing National Team (2022–2025) congratulates the newly appointed leadership and extends best wishes for their tenure. Further expansion of the team will be announced in due course by the new office bearers," said the press release.

In an interview with TNIE, she said, "Honestly, it feels both humbling and a privilege. Women have had very limited representation in such positions, not because we cannot lead, but because opportunities are rarely given to us. For men, leadership often comes naturally through networks; for women, it is an uphill climb. I am grateful to my seniors who believed in me and gave me this chance. I am also the first woman president of the Safdarjung RDA. I hope this inspires other women to step forward. Personally, I believe women bring a different style of leadership—less aggressive, more balanced, and more empathetic. That balance is vital for associations constantly negotiating between doctors, hospital administrations, and the government."

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