Shaji Thomas John

Dr. Shaji was one of the first doctors who joined Baby Memorial Hospital when it was started in 1987. He was the first in Kerala to start a special clinic for children with Down syndrome amply supported by the management of the hospital. Recognizing his administrative qualities coupled with sincerity and dedication he was made the Medical Superintendent of the hospital in 1993 and later the Director of Quality Management Services in 2013.

He is a much sought after faculty for state and national conferences, especially on topics related to Adolescent Paediatrics and Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). He is an authority on Trisomy 21 and a recognized speaker for World Down Syndrome Congresses. Dr. Shaji is well known for his advocacy for children with special needs and represents India in the APDSF (Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation) and is also the Chair of the Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Medical Health Wellness (APDS MHW) Research Committee.

His academic interests had taken him across the length and breadth of the country; after his MBBS from Government Medical College, Calicut he went on to take his DCH (Diploma in Child Health) from Bombay and later DTM&H (Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene) from the world-renowned School of Tropical Medicine under the University of Calcutta, which is one of the oldest medical institutions in the country. Later he took his PGDAP (Post Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Paediatrics) from Thiruvananthapuram. He took his MD (Paediatrics) from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore and was the best outgoing student of his batch. He was awarded the Fellowship of the IMA Academy of Medical Specialties and later the coveted Fellowship of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.