🔬Journey into Cytopathology

When I started this blog to record the memories of our older generation, little did I know we would lose Ma, Dr. Monisha Choudhury, within 3-4 months. Her recollection of facts, places, events and people always added and expanded the narrative, painting a richer picture of times gone by. She had so many stories to tell, such an amazing life lived… I wish we had more time to record her memories. Alas, all we have now are snippets from her old conversations and recollections from her colleagues and friends. Here is a glimpse of how she got into CytoPathology. 

From Dr. KB Logani (her senior at Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi) on her memorial website:

We all, professional colleagues, are extremely proud of the great work done by Dr. Monisha in Cytopathology. Initially, Dr. Monisha was not interested in this subspecialty of Cyto, but when I re-joined LHMC in 1985 from MAMC, we advised that she must develop expertise in it so as to be recognized as cytopathologist in the future and; if I remember correctly she was later awarded Commonwealth Medical Scholarship to U.K. on her excellence in Pathology. She has excelled in this sub-speciality beyond our imagination and she has become a decorated National and International cytopathologist. Dr. Monisha and her professional work will be remembered by younger generations in the time to come. 

As Dr. Logani mentioned, she was indeed awarded the Commonwealth Medical Fellowship in Cytopathology at Imperial College, London, UK 1992-93. She went on to get her Diploma from the Royal College of Pathologists in Cytopathology, London, UK 1994. Recently, I found a mail from her to one of her many students who had requested her help in applying for a technical fellowship. In the mail, she refers to her own fellowship and recounts a bit of her history:

My qualifications are MD MNNMS DipRCPath(CYT) Lon. FIAC
One can do a CYT diploma only after FRC but my MD and experience and recommendations from Imperial College made me eligible for Path CYT Dip. Cleared it first shot and first person from London and India to do it. In its very first exam started by Royal College in 1993. Just some history for you! Since pass percentage is less than 43 they decided to stop the exam I think!! Ashish (Chandra) cleared in second attempt after his FRC and one yr in Cytology training school. Check RC website. 

- Dr. Monisha Choudhury, 7 April 2021

Indeed, from those beginnings, she charted a trajectory in the area of Cytopathology that rose to National and International acclaim. Dr. Radhika Srinivasa, Secretary of the Indian Academy of Cytologists said in her Prayer Meeting address - “Dr. Monisha won literally every award there was to win in the area of Cytopathology!”

Indeed, her list of accomplishments is long, and that includes being elected the President of the Indian Academy of Cytology! Her career details and other tributes from friends and colleagues can be found on her memorial site 

here.

<sub>On the cover of St Mary’s Hospital during her fellowship from Imperial College, London



With the Duchess of Kent and other commonwealth fellows, 1992-94


Representing India as a Commonwealth Fellow



With her IAC Presidential Medal and PN Wahi Oration Medal


With her students, Dr. Mukta and Dr. Ashish Chandra. Dr. Chandra is part of the Executive Council of International Academy of Cytology, 2019-22 as Vice President, UK.</sub>