DR. LOKESWARA RAO SAJJA GETS THE BLACKBUCK AWARD FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

This is yet another award for Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja of Star Hospitals, whose research work has been awarded time after time. Sunday the 28th of July stands out as yet another occasion that brings accolades for the accomplishments of Dr. Sajja, when he is presented with the Blackbuck Award for Medical Research for the year 2024 (Blackbuck Pioneer Researcher Award).
Over the years, consistent efforts have been made by the medical fraternity to promote Medical Research in India. It is with this objective, that the Medical Research Summit and Blackbuck Awards 2024 were instituted.

Blackbuck- the beautiful rare Indian animal, is appreciated for its grace, resilience, and remarkable ability to adapt to its environment. Inspired by the qualities of the Blackbuck, the "Blackbuck Award for Medical Research" was established to recognize groundbreaking achievements in medical science. Similar to how the blackbuck faces threats from habitat loss and poaching, medical research encounters challenges such as funding constraints, regulatory hurdles, and public skepticism. Despite these obstacles, both the blackbuck and medical research continue to persevere and thrive, driven by the commitment of individuals dedicated to their preservation and advancement.

Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja has been awarded the Blackbuck Researcher award for his valuable contribution to the field of medical research. He is a pioneering Cardiothoracic Surgeon in India, rising from humble beginnings in Andhra Pradesh. His educational journey took him through prestigious institutions, such as PGI Chandigarh, JIPMER Pondicherry, AIIMS New Delhi, culminating in advanced cardiovascular training under the guidance of Prof. Denton A. Cooley at the Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. Dr. Sajja's impact on Cardiothoracic Surgery is profound. He founded the Society of Coronary Surgeons, dedicated to advancing coronary surgery in India.

As Chairman of the Sajja Heart Foundation, he received recognition as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Government of India in 2019. His innovative spirit led to the development of a mechanical prosthetic heart valve, eliminating the need for long term anticoagulation (US and Indian patents awarded, Animal testing ongoing). He also designed the Mammary Artery Support Platform (MASP) to enhance BITA usage in CABG surgery. Dr. Sajja's surgical expertise extends to around 21,500 open heart surgeries, and he spearheads multicenter randomized trials in Cardiac Surgery in India. His "PROMOTE Patency Study" gained global recognition as India's first multicenter randomized controlled trial in cardiac surgery.

He currently leads the "PREDICT Study" with support from the Indian Council of Medical Research. His influence transcends borders, as he actively participates in Multi-Centre International randomized controlled trials, contributing to global advancements in cardiac surgery. An active member of prestigious international societies, including American Association for Thoracic Surgery, STS, EACTS, and ASCVS. Dr. Sajja has presented numerous original research papers at various international and national meetings. He has authored over 115 articles in high impact peer-reviewed journals, serves as a guest reviewer for prominent journals, and holds editorial roles in respected publications.

Dr. Sajja's journey from a rural village to a trailblazing Cardiothoracic Surgeon is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and commitment to advancing cardiac care and research. As the President of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS) 2023-24, he continues to shape the future of cardiac surgery, benefiting countless patients.