Healing the Young Spine: The Journey of Dr. Chandrashekhar E. Deopujari

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER Born in the district of Chhindwara bordering Maharashtra to Dr. Eknath Deopujari, a respected physician and Ayurvedacharya, and Smt. Vasundhara Deopujari, a homemaker, Dr. Chandrashekhar Eknath Deopujari (popularly referred to as “CED Sir” by his mentees and students) was organically drawn to medicine. He derived his inspiration from his father’s compassion and the deep respect he commanded within his community.1 After completing his MBBS (1976) and MS (General Surgery, 1980) from Government Medical College, Nagpur, he was profoundly influenced by two surgical mentors – Dr. Gandhe and Dr. V. K. Diwekar. It was the latter, a renown cardiovascular and thoracic surgery surgeon trained in the UK, and his personal struggle with paraplegia following a cervical intramedullary ependymoma that ignited Dr. Deopujari’s interest in neurosurgery. Dr. G. Taori, a family friend and the only neurologist in Nagpur at the time, further inspired him to take up this challenging field despite its limited opportunities locally at the time.1 He went on to complete his MCh in Neurosurgery at Grant Medical College and J.J. Hospital, Mumbai (1983), under the guidance of Prof. Sanat Bhagwati, a former president of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) Figure 1.Figure 1: NSICON 1990, Indore. Dr. C.E. Deopujari with Professor S.N. Bhagwati (President, NSI) and the Mumbai neurosurgical alumni delegationHe began his career at Bombay Hospital as a Senior Clinical Assistant before pursuing advanced training abroad at the Regional Neurological Centre, Newcastle (1985–1987), where he earned an M.Sc. in Neurosurgery and trained under the renowned neurovascular surgeon Dr. Robin Sengupta Figure 2. This was followed by a series of prestigious fellowships: Microvascular surgery with Dr. James Ausman at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit (1987–1988); Pediatric neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto (1995); stereotactic radiosurgery at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm (1997); Pediatric epilepsy surgery at Miami Children’s Hospital; and Neuroendoscopy at the University of Mainz, Germany (1999) under Prof. Axel Perneczky.Figure 2: With his ‘Second Guru’–Dr. CE. Deopujari alongside Dr. Robin Sengupta, acknowledging a lifetime of guidance and mentorship in neurosurgerySTART OF A LEGACY Dr. Chandrashekhar E. Deopujari launched his distinguished clinical career in 1988, joining the Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences as an Honorary Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor. This marked the start of a long-standing association where he currently serves as Professor of Neurosurgery. Following extensive international training, his commitment to specialization intensified. Though his training, so far, was in vascular and skull base, the clinical work at hand consisted of pediatric neurosurgery. Notable opportunity, a fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto (1995), encouraged him to establish the Paediatric Neurosurgery Department at Bai Jerbai Wadia Children’s Hospital in 1996, where he still remains an Honorary Neurosurgeon. His pursuit of knowledge continued with training in Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Karolinska Institute, 1997), Pediatric Epilepsy (Miami Children’s Hospital), and Neuroendoscopy (University of Mainz, 1999, under Prof. Axel Perneczky). Although he credits his expertise to conferences and professional interactions, he credits his pursuit of knowledge to his short-term fellowships at Toronto and subsequently at Miami Children’s. However, his return to India following these years of advanced training revealed the epiphany of the acute neglect of pediatric neurosurgery in the country. He realized that a noteworthy proportion of neurosurgical patients were children whose care was often suboptimal and inadequately managed by pediatric surgeons; he committed himself to developing and elevating this undervalued field. A dedicated academician, Dr. Deopujari has authored over 250 papers and presentations. While his clinical interests span vascular surgery, neuro-oncology, endoscopic, and epilepsy surgery, pediatric neurosurgery remains dear to his heart. He is the pioneer in endoscopic skull base surgery and endoscopic surgery for hydrocephalus. His achievements in this field make him one of the leading endoscopic skull base surgeons in the world.1–14 He is highly regarded globally for his emphasis on professional integrity, empathy, and surgical precision, qualities that continue to inspire us, future generations. ACCOLADES, LEADERSHIP, AND MEMBERSHIPS Dr. Deopujari’s influence extends way beyond the operating room, marked by his vital role in establishing and navigating major neurosurgical organizations, driving clinical excellence and systemic educational reform. He has been a foundational force in the IndSPN since its inception, serving on its Executive Committee and later as President from 2007 to 2010. He was responsible for hosting the national meeting in Mumbai in 2001, resulting in orchestrating multiple training courses in alliance with the ISPN Figure 3.Figure 3: The ISPN Presidential Tradition: Dr. C.E. Deopujari donning the ceremonial ‘Poncho’ at the 43rd Annual Meeting in Izmir, 2015, surrounded by the Indian contingent of neurosurgeonsHis tenure on the Executive Committee of the Neurological Society of India (NSI), beginning in 2006, culminated in his Presidency (2012–2013), during which he instituted the NSI Education Board Figure 4. This landmark achievement introduced structured postgraduate instruction, including the foundation course for new residents and the instructional course for senior trainees. Furthermore, he was instrumental in founding the Indian Society for Neuro-Oncology in 2009, also serving as its President, and later as Honorary President of the Asian Neuro-Oncology Society during their joint meeting in 2013.Figure 4: The Valedictory Function of NSICON 2012, Delhi. Presentation of the President’s Medallion to Dr. C.E. Deopujari, joined by NSI executive members Dr. Deepu Banerji, Dr. Suresh Sankhla, and Dr. V.P. SinghGlobally, his commitment to education was continual via his service on the ISPN Liaison and Education Committees, by organizing teaching courses across South Asia and China. His organizational prowess was critical as the Chief Organizer of the ISPN 2011 Congress in Goa, followed by the successful staging of the International Federation of Neuroendoscopy meeting in Mumbai in 2013 Figure 5.Figure 5: A Decade of Academic Excellence. Inauguration of the 2013 World Congress of Neuroendoscopy in Mumbai; Release of the WFNS Neuroendoscopy textbook in Bogotá, 2022, featuring international collaborators Dr. Schroeder and Dr. SharifAs a primary and influential advocate of endoscopic neurosurgery in India, he has personally spearheaded the subspecialty’s growth. Since 2003, he has conducted annual pediatric and skull base endoscopy workshops at Bombay Hospital, served as faculty throughout Asia, and was named the Founding President of the Indian Neuroendoscopy Society in 2014. He also serves as the Course Director for highly specialized, hands-on workshops in both cranial and spinal neuroendoscopy, held at the Institute of Medical and Minimal Access Surgery Training. Dr. Chandan Mohanty was instrumental in developing and conducting training for advanced minimal access spinal surgery Figure 6.Figure 6: IAdvancing Surgical Skills: Group photo with trainees and faculty members Dr. Subodh Raju and Dr. Vikram Karmarkar at the Institute of Medical and Minimal Access Surgery Training (IMMAST)Regionally, he actively supports the Bombay Neurosciences Association through continuing medical education with public awareness initiatives like “Heads We Win,” promoting neurological health and injury prevention among children and adults1 Figure 7.Figure 7: Promoting public safety: Dr. Deopujari during his tenure as NSI President at the ‘Heads We Win’ public awareness initiative, joined by Shri Amitabh Bachchan, Smt. Nita Ambani, and then-Police Commissioner Dr. Satyapal Singh (Mumbai, 2013)PASSION FOR SPINE Dr. Deopujari hold a deep affinity for complex pediatric neurosurgical challenges, particularly neuro-oncology, complex hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, spinal dysraphisms, infections, epilepsy, and vascular surgery. However, spinal dysraphisms and complex hydrocephalus remain his favourite! He owes his thoughtful understanding and improved surgical outcomes in complex spinal dysraphisms to the recent technological strides, specifically the integration of intraoperative neuromonitoring. Furthermore, the advent of neuroendoscopy has been critical in allowing him to tackle challenging cases of hydrocephalus with greater precision. Within pediatric spine, his interests and work span across a wide array of complex spinal pathologies, minimally invasive craniovertebral junction (CVJ) surgery, sophisticated spinal tumour approaches, complex management of spinal dysraphisms, and the treatment of pediatric spinal infections. CONTRIBUTIONS TO SPINAL SURGERY Dr. Deopujari’s foundational work included pioneering several adult spinal procedures earlier in his career, establishing him as a key figure before his renowned later contributions to pediatric neurosurgery and spine. With respect to the field of pediatric neurosurgery and complex spinal pathologies, his work spans across minimally invasive CVJ surgery, spinal tumor approaches, spinal dysraphisms, and pediatric spinal infections. One of his most important contributions to the field of pediatric neurosurgery has been the establishment of a dedicated Paediatric Neurosurgery Department in Bai Jerbai Wadia Children’s Hospital in Mumbai in 1996 Figure 8. The department currently performs over 500 surgeries in a year, making it one of the highest volume pediatric neurosurgery programs in the world. It is currently the first center in India to provide fetal neurosurgery services for open spina bifida. The department runs a 1-year fellowship program and accepts two postdoctoral candidates every year. Along with Dr. Uday Andar, Dr. Deopujari has personally nurtured this department and has trained over 30 trained pediatric neurosurgeons, thus cementing his legacy as a pioneer in pediatric neurosurgery in India Figure 9.Figure 8: Foreign visits from dignitaries from all over the world. From Left to Right- Dr. Jitendra Tagdhare, Dr. Chandan Mohanty, Dr. Uday Andar, Dr. CE Deopujari, Dr. Schlomi Constantini, Dr. Nilesh Potdar, Dr. Mihir C, Dr. Naresh Biyani, Dr. Amol Sudke. Dr. Uday Andar and Dr. CE Deopujari with Dr. Fredrick Boop at Wadia children’s along with Dr. Pawan Chawla, Dr. Sheena Ali and Dr. Abhinav KumarFigure 9: Legacy of Mentorship – Former fellows and consultants of Bai Jerbai Wadia Children's Hospital trained under Dr. CE Deopujari and Dr. Uday Andar. The individuals are listed below in the order they appear, from left to right: (Left to Right)- Dr. Naresh Biyani (2008), Dr. Suhas Udayakumaran (2007), Dr. Amit Kapoor (2011-12), Dr. Saurabh Samantray (2017-19), Dr. Jitendra Tadghare (2018-19), Dr. Mihir C.(2018-19), Dr. Amol Sudke (2019-20), Dr. Anshu Warade (2019-20), Dr. Sonal Jain (2020-21), Dr. Pawan Chawla (2020-22), Dr. Harshal Aggrawal(2020- till date), Dr. Sheena Ali (2021-till date), Dr. Annirudha Bhagwat (2023), Dr. Nicola Onorini (2023), Dr. Anurag Dandekar(2022-23), Dr. Abhishek Nadkarni (2023- till date), Dr. Aniruddha Doshi (2023-24), Dr. Love M. Patel (2024), Dr. Murtaza Dadla (2025), Dr. Rufus Phelix (2025)1980s–1990s He kick-started his career with a presentation of an unusual case of spinal cord compression due to a neuroenteric cyst at the Scottish Neurological Society meeting at Edinburgh in 1987, underscoring the importance of considering congenital cystic lesions in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord compression syndromes. At the 1991 NSI Annual Meeting, he discussed craniocervical stabilization techniques and outcomes alongside S.N. Bhagwati and G.D. Parulekar, emphasizing surgical nuances essential for CVJ stability..15 In the same year, he presented their experience with the same describing stabilization using a contored Hartshill loop and segmental spinal process wiring at the 8th Asian Australasian Congress of Neurological Surgery, Seoul. It showcased the enhanced stability and favourable postoperative outcomes. He also went on to propagate his work with respect to craniocervical stabilization at the Shinsu University School of Medicine in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1993. In one of his early contributions to pediatric spine, Deopujari and Bhagwati detailed the clinical spectrum of tethered cord syndrome, listing its various clinical presentations beyond classical lumbosacral dysraphism. They highlight the subtle neurological, orthopedic, and urological manifestations, often leading to delayed diagnosis in children. It provided one of the first formative Indian perspectives on the importance of early recognition and prophylactic detethering, thus sensitizing clinicians to early intervention and long-term functional recovery.16 In 1993, he went on to coedit a special supplement in Neurology India devoted to spinal dysraphisms, bringing contemporary Indian and international insights on congenital spinal malformations, addressing embryological foundations, radiology, and evolving operative techniques.17 Deopujari (1994) shared a cohesive practical insight on techniques of anterior cervical spine surgery at the Microneurosurgery Workshop, Madras. Drawing from his personal experience with cervical pathologies, he emphasized meticulous microsurgical handling, optimal and of spinal for neurological At the Annual Meeting in Mumbai in Deopujari and Bhagwati presented a spinal and of tethered cord In the same year, he the importance of prophylactic tethered cord surgery at the Annual Meeting of the IndSPN in He the with a at the Annual of the which was later in in Clinical The of He the and functional he the importance of long-term in pediatric Deopujari went on to a by spinal cord by from a cranial He emphasized the to cranial vascular lesions in In in Neurology India he introduced the of anterior cervical as a for also cervical This work his commitment to techniques to cervical spine stabilization and in the Dr. Deopujari and Dr. Bhagwati provided an essential surgical for trainees with their on to the in the of Neurosurgery. same year, they also authored a on in the of the same on and was in the of Neurosurgery and which clinical and surgical management of these congenital lesions in across the One of his a series of children with congenital He that the to and management with skull followed by In and were via and a Hartshill management included with of the and in of They that neurological The outcomes also on the neurological and early surgical This was one of the series on management of pediatric CVJ and this he his and experience in the field of adult spinal surgery. 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The of Dr. Deopujari’s and legacy spans his in medical and inspired which is still by the and of interest are of