Dr R Suganthy Rajakumari takes over as Director of Medical Education in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Dr. R. Suganthy Rajakumari, dean of Government Medical College (GMC), Dindigul, has been appointed as the new Director of Medical Education (DME) and Research by the Tamil Nadu health department. Her appointment follows the retirement of Dr. J. Sangumani, who served in the position until June 30, 2025. For over two months, the post had been managed temporarily by Dr. E Theranirajan, Additional Director of Medical Education. While the health department has since filled the other vacant key positions — Director of Public Health and Director of Medical Services — the DME position remained unfilled until now. Also Read:Dr G Raghunandan takes over as In-Charge Director of Medical Education in Andhra Pradesh The government approved a regular panel consisting of Dr. Suganthy Rajakumari for the post of DME for 2025-2026, according to an order, reports The Hindu. A native of Kanyakumari, Dr. Suganthy completed her MBBS from Government Medical College, Tirunelveli, and earned a gold medal in MD Dermatology from Madras Medical College. According to the TOI, during her 36-year tenure in the government, she worked as a professor, headed the department of dermatology, and was dean of Kanyakumari Medical College. She was transferred to Dindigul Government Medical College in 2021. She was the additional director of medical education from Aug to December 2021. As the Director of Medical Education and Research, Dr. Rajakumari will lead the implementation of teaching, training, research, and patient care programs in the medical field. She will oversee the development and capacity building of both medical and paramedical personnel across the state. Her responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with duty schedules for postgraduate doctors and interns, coordinating continuing medical education (CME) initiatives, and serving as the head of the department for all related academic and training activities.