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| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| alma_mater = [[Madras Medical College]]
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1932|03|31}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1932|03|31}}
| birth_place = Chennai
| birth_place = Chennai
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2018|11|14|1932|03|31}} <ref>{{cite web |title=Asia’s first woman neurosurgeon, T.S. Kanaka, dies at 86 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/asias-first-woman-neurosurgeon-ts-kanaka-dies-at-86/article25510879.ece |publisher=The Hindu |access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref>
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2018|11|14|1932|03|31}}
| death_place = Chennai
| death_place = Chennai
| nationality =
| nationality =
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| occupation = [[Neurosurgery|Neurosurgeon]]
| occupation = [[Neurosurgery|Neurosurgeon]]
}}
}}
'''T. S. Kanaka''' or '''Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka''', also known as Tanjore Santhana Krishna Kanaka, (31 March 1932 – 14 November 2018) was Asia's first female [[neurosurgeon]]<ref>{{cite web|author=TNN |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-01-01/patna/27108349_1_indian-women-exhibition-science |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023195327/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-01-01/patna/27108349_1_indian-women-exhibition-science |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2012 |title=Exhibition on Indian women opens |date=1 January 2002 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/23/stories/2003042300150400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030704222527/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/23/stories/2003042300150400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-07-04 |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=Wiping out heritage? |date=2003-04-23 |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/02/stories/2008040250450200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408012813/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/02/stories/2008040250450200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2008 |title=Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : "Check newborns' brain health" |date=2 April 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref name="thestar2004">{{cite news |url=http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2004/3/2/features/7143136&sec=features |title=Devoted Healer |last=Benedict |first=Brenda |work=The Star Online |date=2 March 2004 |access-date=2012-12-17 |quote=SHE LOOKS more like an amiable aunt with whom you could string jasmines. But Dr Prof T.S. Kanaka’s smiling face and diminutive frame belie a steely character. Unknown to many, she holds the distinction of being Asia’s first female neurosurgeon. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008061154/http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2004%2F3%2F2%2Ffeatures%2F7143136&sec=features |archive-date=8 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and one of the world's first few female neurosurgeons.<ref name="spetzler"/> She was the first neurosurgeon in India to perform [[chronic electrode implants]] in the brain,<ref name="Nashold"/> having been also the first to perform deep brain stimulation as early as in 1975.<ref name="tsk">Kanaka T S. Back to the future: Glimpses into the past. Neurol India [serial online] 2016 [cited 2016 May 4];64:206-7. Available from: http://www.neurologyindia.com/text.asp?2016/64/2/206/177594</ref> She pioneered functional neurosurgery in the 1960s and 1970s<ref name="tsk"/> along with Prof. Balasubramaniam, Prof. S. Kalyanaraman; and received recognition for her research and contributions to the field of [[stereotactic surgery]].<ref name="Nashold">Nashold B.S. (1994). The History of Stereotactic Neurosurgery. Stereotactic Functional Neurosurgery, vol 62, Number 1-4, p.29–40. DOI:10.1159/000098595 [http://www.karger.com/Article/PDF/98595]</ref> She is also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of Madras Neuro Trust.<ref>http://www.madrasneurotrust.org/lifetime-achivement.html {{dead link|date=June 2021}}</ref>
'''T. S. Kanaka''' or '''Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka''', also known as Tanjore Santhana Krishna Kanaka, (31 March 1932 – 14 November 2018) was [[Asia]]'s first female [[neurosurgeon]]<ref>{{cite web|author=TNN |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Exhibition-on-Indian-women-opens/articleshow/1290124641.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023195327/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-01-01/patna/27108349_1_indian-women-exhibition-science |url-status=live |archive-date=23 October 2012 |title=Exhibition on Indian women opens |date=1 January 2002 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/23/stories/2003042300150400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030704222527/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/23/stories/2003042300150400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-07-04 |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=Wiping out heritage? |date=2003-04-23 |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/02/stories/2008040250450200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408012813/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/02/stories/2008040250450200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2008 |title=Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : "Check newborns' brain health" |date=2 April 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref name="thestar2004">{{cite news |url=http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2004/3/2/features/7143136&sec=features |title=Devoted Healer |last=Benedict |first=Brenda |work=The Star Online |date=2 March 2004 |access-date=2012-12-17 |quote=SHE LOOKS more like an amiable aunt with whom you could string jasmines. But Dr Prof T.S. Kanaka’s smiling face and diminutive frame belie a steely character. Unknown to many, she holds the distinction of being Asia’s first female neurosurgeon. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008061154/http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2004%2F3%2F2%2Ffeatures%2F7143136&sec=features |archive-date=8 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and one of the world's first few female neurosurgeons.<ref name="spetzler"/> She was the first neurosurgeon in India to perform [[chronic electrode implants]] in the brain,<ref name="Nashold"/> having been also the first to perform deep brain stimulation as early as in 1975.<ref name="tsk">Kanaka T S. Back to the future: Glimpses into the past. Neurol India [serial online] 2016 [cited 2016 May 4];64:206-7. Available from: http://www.neurologyindia.com/text.asp?2016/64/2/206/177594</ref> She pioneered functional neurosurgery in the 1960s and 1970s<ref name="tsk"/> along with Prof. Balasubramaniam, Prof. S. Kalyanaraman; and received recognition for her research and contributions to the field of [[stereotactic surgery]].<ref name="Nashold">Nashold B.S. (1994). The History of Stereotactic Neurosurgery. Stereotactic Functional Neurosurgery, vol 62, Number 1-4, p.29–40. DOI:10.1159/000098595 [http://www.karger.com/Article/PDF/98595]</ref> She is also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of Madras Neuro Trust.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.madrasneurotrust.org/lifetime-achivement.html |title=Madras Neuro Trust |access-date=16 August 2020 |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907203315/http://www.madrasneurotrust.org/lifetime-achivement.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
⚫
Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka was one of eight children born to Santhanakrishna and Padmavathi in [[Madras]].<ref name=":0" /> Her father was the deputy director of Public Instruction and principal of Madras Teachers College.<ref name="chari">{{cite web|url=http://www.harmonyindia.org/hportal/VirtualPageView.jsp?page_id=15516 |title=Carry on, doctor! |author=Srinivas Chari |publisher=Harmony Magazine |date=2011 |access-date=2016-05-04}}</ref> Early on, Kanaka was drawn to spiritual studies, but despite her interest went on to study medicine, completing her Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) in December 1954 and achieving her Master of Surgery (MS) in general surgery in March 1963.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://asianyns.org/news/obituary-prof-thanjavur-santhanakrishna-kanaka|title=Obituary: Prof. Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka {{!}} Asian Medical Students & Residents Society for Neurosurgery|website=asianyns.org|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Ganapathy|first=Krishnan|date=2018-11-01|title=IN MEMORIAM: Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka (31st March 1932 – 14th Nov 2018)|url=http://www.neurologyindia.com/article.asp?issn=0028-3886;year=2018;volume=66;issue=6;spage=1872;epage=1876;aulast=Ganapathy;type=0|journal=Neurology India|language=en|volume=66|issue=6|pages=1872–1876|doi=10.4103/0028-3886.246235|issn=0028-3886|pmid=30504615|s2cid=54630823 |doi-access=free }}</ref> In 1968, she obtained her Master of Surgery (MCh) in neurosurgery and later completed a PhD in the Evaluation of Stereotatic surgery in Cerebral Palsy in 1972.<ref name=":2" /> After over 20 years of surgery, Kanaka went back to school and obtained her Diploma in Higher Education (DHEd) in 1983.<ref name=":2" />

⚫
Kanaka was one of eight children born to Santhanakrishna and Padmavathi in [[Madras]].<ref name=":0" /> Her father was the Deputy Director of Public Instruction and Principal of Madras Teachers College.<ref name="chari">{{cite web|url=http://www.harmonyindia.org/hportal/VirtualPageView.jsp?page_id=15516 |title=Carry on, doctor! |author=Srinivas Chari |publisher=Harmony Magazine |date=2011 |access-date=2016-05-04}}</ref> Early on, T. S. Kanaka was drawn to spiritual studies, but despite her interest went on to study medicine, completing her Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) in December 1954 and achieving her Master of Surgery (MS) in general surgery in March 1963.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://asianyns.org/news/obituary-prof-thanjavur-santhanakrishna-kanaka|title=Obituary: Prof. Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka {{!}} Asian Medical Students & Residents Society for Neurosurgery|website=asianyns.org|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Ganapathy|first=Krishnan|date=2018-11-01|title=IN MEMORIAM: Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka (31st March 1932 – 14th Nov 2018)|url=http://www.neurologyindia.com/article.asp?issn=0028-3886;year=2018;volume=66;issue=6;spage=1872;epage=1876;aulast=Ganapathy;type=0|journal=Neurology India|language=en|volume=66|issue=6|pages=1872–1876|doi=10.4103/0028-3886.246235|issn=0028-3886|pmid=30504615|s2cid=54630823}}</ref> In 1968, she obtained her Master of Surgery (MCh) in Neurosurgery and later completed a PhD in the Evaluation of Stereotatic surgery in Cerebral Palsy in 1972.<ref name=":2" /> After over 20 years of surgery, Kanaka went back to school and obtained her Diploma in Higher Education (DHEd) in 1983.<ref name=":2" />


== Career ==
== Career ==
Kanaka was one of the world's first female [[neurosurgeon]]s;<ref name="spetzler">{{cite journal |author = Spetzler R. F. |year = 2011 |title = Progress of women in neurosurgery |journal = Asian Journal of Neurosurgery |volume = 6 |issue = 1| pages = 6–12 |doi = 10.4103/1793-5482.85627 |pmid = 22059098 |pmc = 3205553 }}</ref> having qualified with a degree (MCh) in Neurosurgery in March 1968; after Diana Beck (1902-1956),<ref>{{cite journal |author = Gikles C.E. |date = Mar 2008 |title = An account of the life and achievements of Miss Diana Beck, neurosurgeon (1902-1956) |journal = Neurosurgery |volume = 62 |issue = 3| pages = 738–42 |doi = 10.1227/01.neu.0000317324.71483.e5 |pmid = 18425021 |s2cid = 115858044 }}</ref> and Aysima Altinok who qualified in November 1959.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Balak N, Elmaci I |year = 2007 |title = A pioneering female neurosurgeon: Dr. Aysima Altinok |journal = Acta Neurochir (Wien) |volume = 149 |issue = 9| pages = 943–8 |pmid=17700990 |doi=10.1007/s00701-007-1252-8|s2cid = 13097330 }}</ref> When [[stereotaxy]] started in Madras in 1960, Kanaka was a member of [[B.Ramamurthi]]'s surgical team that performed the first stereotaxic procedures in India.<ref name="Nashold" /><ref>{{cite web|author=Sridhar K |url=http://www.bioline.org.br/request?ni04009 |title=Bioline International Official Site |publisher=Bioline.org.br |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref>Neurosurgery in India, by A.P.Karapurkar and S.K.Pandya</ref>
Kanaka was one of the world's first female [[neurosurgeon]]s;<ref name="spetzler">{{cite journal |author = Spetzler R. F. |year = 2011 |title = Progress of women in neurosurgery |journal = Asian Journal of Neurosurgery |volume = 6 |issue = 1| pages = 6–12 |doi = 10.4103/1793-5482.85627 |pmid = 22059098 |pmc = 3205553 |doi-access = free }}</ref> having qualified with a degree (MCh) in Neurosurgery in March 1968; after [[Diana Beck]] (1902-1956),<ref>{{cite journal |author = Gikles C.E. |date = Mar 2008 |title = An account of the life and achievements of Miss Diana Beck, neurosurgeon (1902-1956) |journal = Neurosurgery |volume = 62 |issue = 3| pages = 738–42 |doi = 10.1227/01.neu.0000317324.71483.e5 |pmid = 18425021 |s2cid = 115858044 }}</ref> and Aysima Altinok who qualified in November 1959.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Balak N, Elmaci I |year = 2007 |title = A pioneering female neurosurgeon: Dr. Aysima Altinok |journal = Acta Neurochir (Wien) |volume = 149 |issue = 9| pages = 943–8 |pmid=17700990 |doi=10.1007/s00701-007-1252-8|s2cid = 13097330 }}</ref> When [[stereotaxy]] started in Madras in 1960, Kanaka was a member of [[B.Ramamurthi]]'s surgical team that performed the first stereotaxic procedures in India.<ref name="Nashold" /><ref>{{cite web|author=Sridhar K |url=http://www.bioline.org.br/request?ni04009 |title=Bioline International Official Site |publisher=Bioline.org.br |access-date=2012-12-17}}</ref><ref>Neurosurgery in India, by A.P.Karapurkar and S.K.Pandya</ref>


Kanaka served in the Indian Army as a commissioned officer during the 1962-1963 [[Sino-Indian War]].<ref>Asia's first female neurosurgeon Dr.TS Kanaka in Phoenix Pengal 1/3| News7 Tamil. Available from: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwYzNzrdfRk&list=PLMFLgBNDQhNB1l86zPtMtaHYKY5S2n2fC&index=42],
Kanaka served in the Indian Army as a commissioned officer during the 1962-1963 [[Sino-Indian War]].<ref>Asia's first female neurosurgeon Dr.TS Kanaka in Phoenix Pengal 1/3| News7 Tamil. Available from: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwYzNzrdfRk&list=PLMFLgBNDQhNB1l86zPtMtaHYKY5S2n2fC&index=42],
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In 1973, she began an international travel stint, first traveling to Tokyo, Japan, which was one of three places in the world where stereotaxic procedures were performed.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> During this time, Kanaka completed a one-year Colombo Plan Fellowship, where she studied phrenic nerve stimulation and biomedical devices, including those for pain management and diaphragmatic pacing.<ref name=":2" />
In 1973, she began an international travel stint, first traveling to Tokyo, Japan, which was one of three places in the world where stereotaxic procedures were performed.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> During this time, Kanaka completed a one-year Colombo Plan Fellowship, where she studied phrenic nerve stimulation and biomedical devices, including those for pain management and diaphragmatic pacing.<ref name=":2" />


Kanaka retired as a surgeon in 1990, but continued to offer consultancy services and refused to descend into private practice.<ref name=":2" /> In 1996, Kanaka became the Honorary President of the Asian Women's Neurosurgical Association.<ref name=":1" /> At that time she was formally acknowledged as Asia's first female neurosurgeon. She used her own funds to establish a hospital, named after her parents as the Sri Santhanakrishna Padmavathi Health Care and Research Foundation, which offers free healthcare to the needy.<ref name="chari"/><ref name="uma">{{cite web|url= http://www.deccanchronicle.com/131230/news-current-affairs/article/asia%E2%80%99s-first-neurosurgeon-teaches-art-multi-tasking|title=Asia's first neurosurgeon teaches art of multi-tasking |author=Uma Kannan |publisher=Deccan Chronicle|date=30 December 2013 |access-date=2016-05-04}}</ref> She died on 14 November 2018 at the age of 86.<ref name="tsk"/><ref>{{cite journal |pmid=26954792 |doi=10.4103/0028-3886.177594 |volume=64 |issue=2 |title=Back to the future: Glimpses into the past |year=2016 |journal=Neurol India |pages=206–7 |last=Kanaka |first=T. S.}}</ref>
Kanaka retired as a surgeon in 1990, but continued to offer consultancy services and refused to descend into private practice.<ref name=":2" /> In 1996, Kanaka became the Honorary President of the Asian Women's Neurosurgical Association.<ref name=":1" /> At that time she was formally acknowledged as Asia's first female neurosurgeon. She used her own funds to establish a hospital, named after her parents as the Sri Santhanakrishna Padmavathi Health Care and Research Foundation, which offers free healthcare to the needy.<ref name="chari"/><ref name="uma">{{cite web|url= https://www.deccanchronicle.com/131230/news-current-affairs/article/asia%E2%80%99s-first-neurosurgeon-teaches-art-multi-tasking|title=Asia's first neurosurgeon teaches art of multi-tasking |author=Uma Kannan |publisher=Deccan Chronicle|date=30 December 2013 |access-date=2016-05-04}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
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Kanaka was formerly listed in the [[Limca Book of Records]] for the highest number of blood donations by an individual. As of 2004 she was noted to have donated blood 139 times.<ref name=":1" />
Kanaka was formerly listed in the [[Limca Book of Records]] for the highest number of blood donations by an individual. As of 2004 she was noted to have donated blood 139 times.<ref name=":1" />

==Death and legacy==
Kanaka died in Chennai on 14 November 2018.<ref name=Satyarthee2019>{{cite journal |last1=Satyarthee |first1=Guru Dutta |last2=Jagdevan |first2=Aman |title=T. S. Kanaka: First Asian Woman Neurosurgeon, Who Pioneered Stereotactic, Functional and Cerebral Electrode Implant Surgery and Developed Separate Neurosurgical Speciality in India Early 1970 |journal=Asian Journal of Neurosurgery |date=2019 |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=1050 |doi=10.4103/ajns.AJNS_287_18 |doi-access=free |pmid=31497164 |pmc=6703064 |issn=1793-5482}}</ref>

==Selected publications==
*{{cite journal |last1=Kanaka |first1=T. S. |last2=Ramamurthi |first2=B. |title=Management of depressed fractures of the skull |journal=Neurology India |date=1967 |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=10–11 |pmid=6061471 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6061471/ |issn=0028-3886}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Kanaka |first1=T. S. |last2=Balasubramaniam |first2=V. |title=Stereotactic cingulumotomy for drug addiction |journal=Applied Neurophysiology |date=1978 |volume=41 |issue=1–4 |pages=86–92 |doi=10.1159/000102404 |pmid=365103 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/365103/ |issn=0302-2773}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Kanaka |first1=T. S. |last2=Kumar |first2=M. M. |title=Neural stimulation for spinal spasticity |journal=Paraplegia |date=July 1990 |volume=28 |issue=6 |pages=399–405 |doi=10.1038/sc.1990.53 |pmid=2235051 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2235051/ |issn=0031-1758}}
*{{cite journal |pmid=26954792 |doi=10.4103/0028-3886.177594 |volume=64 |issue=2 |title=Back to the future: Glimpses into the past |year=2016 |journal=Neurol India |pages=206–7 |last=Kanaka |first=T. S. |doi-access=free }}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Yoko Kato]]
*[[Yoko Kato]]
*[[Diana Beck]]


==References==
==References==
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* "A lifelong passion to heal" by Sofianni Subki: [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-21830632_ITM AML-632]
* "A lifelong passion to heal" by Sofianni Subki: [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-21830632_ITM AML-632]
* http://greatindianheroes.com/uncategorized/dr-ts-kanaka-asias-first-female-neurosurgeon/
* http://greatindianheroes.com/uncategorized/dr-ts-kanaka-asias-first-female-neurosurgeon/
* http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article404878.ece


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[[Category:Medical doctors from Chennai]]
[[Category:Medical doctors from Chennai]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian medical doctors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian medical doctors]]
[[Category:Indian neuroscientists]]
[[Category:Indian women neuroscientists]]
[[Category:Indian women neuroscientists]]
[[Category:Indian women surgeons]]
[[Category:Indian women surgeons]]
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[[Category:20th-century Indian women scientists]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women scientists]]
[[Category:Women scientists from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Women scientists from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:20th-century women physicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women medical doctors]]
[[Category:20th-century surgeons]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian surgeons]]

Latest revision as of 16:43, 24 November 2024

Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka
Born(1932-03-31)31 March 1932
Chennai
Died14 November 2018(2018-11-14) (aged 86)
Chennai
Other namesTanjore Santhana Krishna Kanaka
Kanaka Santhanakrishna
Alma materMadras Medical College
OccupationNeurosurgeon
Known forAsia's first female neurosurgeon

T. S. Kanaka or Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka, also known as Tanjore Santhana Krishna Kanaka, (31 March 1932 – 14 November 2018) was Asia's first female neurosurgeon[1][2][3][4] and one of the world's first few female neurosurgeons.[5] She was the first neurosurgeon in India to perform chronic electrode implants in the brain,[6] having been also the first to perform deep brain stimulation as early as in 1975.[7] She pioneered functional neurosurgery in the 1960s and 1970s[7] along with Prof. Balasubramaniam, Prof. S. Kalyanaraman; and received recognition for her research and contributions to the field of stereotactic surgery.[6] She is also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of Madras Neuro Trust.[8]

Early life and education

[edit]

Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka was one of eight children born to Santhanakrishna and Padmavathi in Madras.[9] Her father was the deputy director of Public Instruction and principal of Madras Teachers College.[10] Early on, Kanaka was drawn to spiritual studies, but despite her interest went on to study medicine, completing her Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) in December 1954 and achieving her Master of Surgery (MS) in general surgery in March 1963.[11][12] In 1968, she obtained her Master of Surgery (MCh) in neurosurgery and later completed a PhD in the Evaluation of Stereotatic surgery in Cerebral Palsy in 1972.[12] After over 20 years of surgery, Kanaka went back to school and obtained her Diploma in Higher Education (DHEd) in 1983.[12]

Career

[edit]

Kanaka was one of the world's first female neurosurgeons;[5] having qualified with a degree (MCh) in Neurosurgery in March 1968; after Diana Beck (1902-1956),[13] and Aysima Altinok who qualified in November 1959.[14] When stereotaxy started in Madras in 1960, Kanaka was a member of B.Ramamurthi's surgical team that performed the first stereotaxic procedures in India.[6][15][16]

Kanaka served in the Indian Army as a commissioned officer during the 1962-1963 Sino-Indian War.[17] She was predominantly associated for most of her career with the Government General Hospital. Kanaka also taught at the Madras Medical College,[18] Epidemiological Research Centre, Adyar Cancer Institute, Hindu Mission Hospital and other hospitals. She worked with several organisations to aid provision of healthcare to economically disadvantaged people, including Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams TTD (Tirumala) for over 30 years.[19]

In 1973, she began an international travel stint, first traveling to Tokyo, Japan, which was one of three places in the world where stereotaxic procedures were performed.[9][12] During this time, Kanaka completed a one-year Colombo Plan Fellowship, where she studied phrenic nerve stimulation and biomedical devices, including those for pain management and diaphragmatic pacing.[12]

Kanaka retired as a surgeon in 1990, but continued to offer consultancy services and refused to descend into private practice.[12] In 1996, Kanaka became the Honorary President of the Asian Women's Neurosurgical Association.[11] At that time she was formally acknowledged as Asia's first female neurosurgeon. She used her own funds to establish a hospital, named after her parents as the Sri Santhanakrishna Padmavathi Health Care and Research Foundation, which offers free healthcare to the needy.[10][20]

Personal life

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After Kanaka successfully obtained her MS degree, her younger brother became ill and died at the age of nine.[9] This tragedy influenced Kanaka's decision to remain unmarried and instead pursue a career in medicine to dedicate her life to helping patients.[9]

Kanaka also faced much discrimination as a pioneering woman in a male-dominated field, as program leaders in her MS program were untrusting of her medical capabilities, often not choosing Kanaka for surgical procedures and limiting the cases she worked in the ER.[9][12] When taking her examinations, Kanaka had to appear multiple times before she was taken seriously.[12]

Kanaka was formerly listed in the Limca Book of Records for the highest number of blood donations by an individual. As of 2004 she was noted to have donated blood 139 times.[11]

Death and legacy

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Kanaka died in Chennai on 14 November 2018.[21]

Selected publications

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  • Kanaka, T. S.; Ramamurthi, B. (1967). "Management of depressed fractures of the skull". Neurology India. 15 (1): 10–11. ISSN 0028-3886. PMID 6061471.
  • Kanaka, T. S.; Balasubramaniam, V. (1978). "Stereotactic cingulumotomy for drug addiction". Applied Neurophysiology. 41 (1–4): 86–92. doi:10.1159/000102404. ISSN 0302-2773. PMID 365103.
  • Kanaka, T. S.; Kumar, M. M. (July 1990). "Neural stimulation for spinal spasticity". Paraplegia. 28 (6): 399–405. doi:10.1038/sc.1990.53. ISSN 0031-1758. PMID 2235051.
  • Kanaka, T. S. (2016). "Back to the future: Glimpses into the past". Neurol India. 64 (2): 206–7. doi:10.4103/0028-3886.177594. PMID 26954792.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ TNN (1 January 2002). "Exhibition on Indian women opens". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  2. ^ "Wiping out heritage?". The Hindu. 23 April 2003. Archived from the original on 4 July 2003. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  3. ^ "Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : "Check newborns' brain health"". The Hindu. 2 April 2008. Archived from the original on 8 April 2008. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  4. ^ Benedict, Brenda (2 March 2004). "Devoted Healer". The Star Online. Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012. SHE LOOKS more like an amiable aunt with whom you could string jasmines. But Dr Prof T.S. Kanaka's smiling face and diminutive frame belie a steely character. Unknown to many, she holds the distinction of being Asia's first female neurosurgeon.
  5. ^ a b Spetzler R. F. (2011). "Progress of women in neurosurgery". Asian Journal of Neurosurgery. 6 (1): 6–12. doi:10.4103/1793-5482.85627. PMC 3205553. PMID 22059098.
  6. ^ a b c Nashold B.S. (1994). The History of Stereotactic Neurosurgery. Stereotactic Functional Neurosurgery, vol 62, Number 1-4, p.29–40. DOI:10.1159/000098595 [1]
  7. ^ a b Kanaka T S. Back to the future: Glimpses into the past. Neurol India [serial online] 2016 [cited 2016 May 4];64:206-7. Available from: http://www.neurologyindia.com/text.asp?2016/64/2/206/177594
  8. ^ "Madras Neuro Trust". Archived from the original on 7 September 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Interview: Dr T S Kanaka, Asia's First Female Neurosurgeon – indiamedicaltimes.com". Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  10. ^ a b Srinivas Chari (2011). "Carry on, doctor!". Harmony Magazine. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  11. ^ a b c "Obituary: Prof. Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka | Asian Medical Students & Residents Society for Neurosurgery". asianyns.org. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Ganapathy, Krishnan (1 November 2018). "IN MEMORIAM: Thanjavur Santhanakrishna Kanaka (31st March 1932 – 14th Nov 2018)". Neurology India. 66 (6): 1872–1876. doi:10.4103/0028-3886.246235. ISSN 0028-3886. PMID 30504615. S2CID 54630823.
  13. ^ Gikles C.E. (March 2008). "An account of the life and achievements of Miss Diana Beck, neurosurgeon (1902-1956)". Neurosurgery. 62 (3): 738–42. doi:10.1227/01.neu.0000317324.71483.e5. PMID 18425021. S2CID 115858044.
  14. ^ Balak N, Elmaci I (2007). "A pioneering female neurosurgeon: Dr. Aysima Altinok". Acta Neurochir (Wien). 149 (9): 943–8. doi:10.1007/s00701-007-1252-8. PMID 17700990. S2CID 13097330.
  15. ^ Sridhar K. "Bioline International Official Site". Bioline.org.br. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  16. ^ Neurosurgery in India, by A.P.Karapurkar and S.K.Pandya
  17. ^ Asia's first female neurosurgeon Dr.TS Kanaka in Phoenix Pengal 1/3| News7 Tamil. Available from: [2], [3], [4]
  18. ^ "The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : 6 doctors presented with Sanjivi award". Hinduonnet.com. 12 July 2004. Archived from the original on 9 September 2004. Retrieved 17 December 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  19. ^ "SVIMS hosts meeting on epilepsy". The Hindu. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  20. ^ Uma Kannan (30 December 2013). "Asia's first neurosurgeon teaches art of multi-tasking". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  21. ^ Satyarthee, Guru Dutta; Jagdevan, Aman (2019). "T. S. Kanaka: First Asian Woman Neurosurgeon, Who Pioneered Stereotactic, Functional and Cerebral Electrode Implant Surgery and Developed Separate Neurosurgical Speciality in India Early 1970". Asian Journal of Neurosurgery. 14 (3): 1050. doi:10.4103/ajns.AJNS_287_18. ISSN 1793-5482. PMC 6703064. PMID 31497164.
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