A. Salim, a towering figure in Kerala’s medical fraternity and founder of the Department of Clinical Hematology at Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, passed away at the age of 86. With his demise, the State marks the end of an era in clinical medicine and medical education.
Pioneer of Clinical Hematology in North Kerala
Dr. Salim played a transformative role in establishing specialized hematology services in North Kerala, making advanced treatment for blood disorders accessible to the public. As Principal of Government Medical College, Kozhikode, he introduced administrative reforms while upholding rigorous academic standards. Moreover, he mentored generations of doctors who today serve across India and abroad.
A Phenomenon in Clinical Medicine
Former students recall his extraordinary diagnostic acumen. Dr. Murali K.M., an alumnus of Calicut Medical College, described him as a “lion king” among medical stalwarts—commanding respect not by position, but by knowledge. He recounted instances where Dr. Salim diagnosed rare conditions such as carotico-cavernous fistula, acute intermittent porphyria, Wilson’s disease, and Parkinsonism through meticulous history-taking and sharp clinical observation—often before investigations confirmed them.
His approach emphasized bedside medicine. He famously remarked that once excessive investigations begin, the essence of diagnosis may already be missed. Consequently, his clinical demonstrations became legendary among students.
A Lifelong Student of Medicine
Beyond the hospital, Dr. Salim remained deeply immersed in academic literature, faithfully reading journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine and The BMJ even in his later years. According to his nephew, Dr. Harish Kareem, Consultant Gastroenterologist, he displayed childlike enthusiasm for new knowledge and often foresaw clinical trends—warning against overuse of PPIs years before global safety alerts emerged.
He also explored emerging fields such as microbiota science and may have informally encouraged one of India’s earliest fecal microbiota transplants.
A Legacy of Compassion and Excellence
Equally, he treated rich and poor patients alike with empathy and patience. His legacy lives on through thousands of students, strengthened hematology services in Kerala, and a philosophy of medicine rooted in curiosity, humility, and compassion.
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