OBITUARY
Dr. Ashok D.B. Vaidya, renowned as the Father of Reverse Pharmacology and a fervent advocate for integrative medicine, has passed away, leaving a profound legacy in the field of medical science. Dr. Vaidya, an MD in Internal Medicine and a PhD in Clinical Pharmacology, dedicated his career to pioneering reverse pharmacology—a transformative approach that validates the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines through modern clinical trials. He articulated utilising the strengths of both modern medicine, as well as traditional medicine, for the benefit of the masses. He believed that this is the new healthcare model for the 21st century.
He was a multidimensional personality whose life and times have been devoted to new drug development and scientific research in tropical diseases and Ayurveda, for close to four decades. Iconoclastic in his outlook, he was an independent and original thinker – an attribute that grew in him from his very formative years as a child. He was not only a scientist but a philosopher and an ardent fighter for ethical values. He was scrupulous in his adherence to evidence, whether in modern medicine or Ayurveda.
Born into the esteemed Vaidya family in Saurashtra, Dr. Vaidya was deeply influenced by his ancestral heritage of Ayurveda and modern medicine. His great grandfather, Aryavaidya Mayaram Sundarji, was a notable Ayurvedic scholar who developed a formulation for treating malaria. This rich familial background, coupled with an environment filled with literature and intellectual discourse, shaped Dr. Vaidya’s path from a young age.
After completing his medical education at GS Medical College in Mumbai, where he met his lifelong partner Dr. Rama Vaidya, Dr. Vaidya pursued advanced research at Yale University. His time at Yale, supported by a Merck International Fellowship, honed his creative thinking and deepened his understanding of integrating clinical pharmacology with patient care.
Returning to India, Dr. Vaidya led clinical research at the Ciba Research Centre, contributing to the discovery of new drugs and establishing a foundation for drug discovery in India. His commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical research set new standards in the field.
Dr. Vaidya’s pioneering work in reverse pharmacology led to significant advancements in treating diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, hepatitis, arthritis, and cancer. As Research Director at Kasturba Health Society’s Medical Research Centre, he spearheaded training programs in reverse pharmacology and advocated for an integrative approach that combines the strengths of modern and traditional medicine.
Recognized with numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Pharmacology Society and the Dhanvantari Award, Dr. Vaidya’s contributions have been widely acknowledged. He served as President of the Indian Society of Clinical Pharmacology and held leadership roles in various esteemed organizations.
Dr. Ashok Vaidya was on the Editorial Board of The Indian Practitioner and has provided invaluable contributions to the content of the journal and directions the journal should take.
Dr. Ashok Vaidya’s passing marks the loss of a strong votary of integrative medicine and integrative medical research. His legacy of innovative thinking, ethical rigor, and a holistic approach to healthcare will continue to inspire future generations. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Rama Vaidya, and their daughter, Prof. Vidita Vaidya.
The Indian Practitioner mourns the loss of this doyen and offers our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.