Renowned Neurosurgeon Dr Jacob Abraham passes away at 94
Chennai: Dr Jacob Abraham, a pioneering neurosurgeon and the former Head of Neurological Sciences and Medical Superintendent at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has passed away at the age of 94.
A heartfelt tribute was paid to him whose passing has left family, colleagues, and the medical community in deep sorrow. He was the son of the late Reverend Dr C. Abraham and Thangamma Abraham, and lived a life marked by simplicity, dedication, and service to humanity.
Dr. Abraham dedicated his career to medicine at CMC Vellore, serving as a student, and later rose to become a renowned neurosurgeon and head of the Department of Neurosurgery. A native of Kerala, he made significant contributions to the field of neurosurgery through his research and clinical work after joining CMC in 1949. After his master's, he went on to Dartmouth Medical School and came back in 1966, and immersed himself thoroughly in teaching, research, and neurosurgery.
He also served as a visiting professor at several institutions in India and abroad, and was a former president of the Neurological Society of India. In addition, he authored multiple books in neuroscience and was honoured with the Basanti Devi Amir Chand ICMR Award for his research excellence.
While paying tribute to him, Dr. Ashoke Matthew stated that colleagues remembered him as a man of few words, yet full of compassion and wisdom. Many acknowledged his guidance throughout their careers, highlighting his role as a mentor and advisor. He was closely associated with fellowship groups and played a key role in encouraging participation and guiding members.
Dr. Matthew also stated that former students and colleagues described him as a pioneering neurosurgeon whose work influenced generations. He trained numerous specialists over a long teaching career, instilling values of discipline, integrity, and critical thinking. Known for his surgical expertise and innovative approach, his contributions significantly impacted the field.
One of his students, Dr. Matthew Chandley, who trained under Dr. Abraham in CMC neurosurgery batch of 1972 and succeeded him as the head of department of neurosciences when professor Abraham retired in 1991 stated, “Dr. Abraham's life work and legacy can actually be summed up in one verse: Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works. He had high ethical standards and a passion for what he did. He had no pomp, no splendour, no media attention, just hard work. His research interest was in cerebral ischemia, and he did a lot of basic science work in its pathophysiology modulation and finally cerebral revascularization. His contribution to clinical neurosurgery actually changed the course of neurosurgery for a time in the world.”
His funeral service was held at Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Chetpet, Chennai, at 10 am on 20.4.2026, followed by the burial at Kilpauk Cemetery, Chennai. The public conveyed their respects and condolences from 7 am at his residence on Harrington Road, 15th Avenue, House No. 10, Chennai.
