Dr. Rajendra Prasad is an outstanding teacher, mentor, and academic leader, having trained numerous students who now hold prominent positions in the field of medicine.
He possesses an exceptional ability to simplify complex medical concepts, emphasizing hands-on training and encouraging curiosity — qualities that make him a beloved mentor among students.
As a faculty member at King George’s Medical University (KGMC) from 1984 to 2011, Dr. Prasad rose from Assistant Professor to Head of the Department, revolutionizing tuberculosis and pulmonary medicine education.
His research and teaching contributions have been profound:
35 research projects supervised
185 MD, MS, DM, MCh, and PhD theses guided
Over 325 research papers and 175 abstracts published in national and international journals
Dr. Prasad has also been an active voice in public health awareness, having delivered over 2,450 scientific lectures and participated in 325 public programs, including camps, rallies, and online sessions.
His landmark studies on Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis and HIV, and the impact of beedi smoking and biomass fuel use on COPD and lung cancer have led to significant reforms in clinical approaches and public health policies.
As Director of the U.P. Rural Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (RIMS), Saifai, Dr. Prasad played a visionary role in strengthening medical education in rural India.
Under his leadership, RIMS evolved into a premier hub for advanced medical training and research, bridging the urban–rural healthcare gap.
He:
Established a Center of Excellence for Medical Education
Introduced advanced paramedical and nursing programs
Expanded super-specialty and tertiary healthcare services for rural populations
At the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) in Delhi, Dr. Prasad led a comprehensive institutional transformation — modernizing infrastructure, establishing advanced respiratory care units, and elevating postgraduate training in pulmonary medicine.
His leadership significantly enhanced the institute’s academic, clinical, and research standards.
A passionate advocate for community health, Dr. Prasad also launched “Kalyani”, a health awareness program on Doordarshan, which became immensely popular, especially among rural audiences.