K. Mathangi Ramakrishnan, a distinguished plastic and reconstructive surgeon, passed away on October 27, 2025, in Chennai due to age-related complications. She was 91 years old, as confirmed by a family statement.
Born in 1934, Prof. Mathangi earned her MBBS from Madras Medical College in Chennai. She furthered her education with advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in the United Kingdom and Maryland, United States. She played a crucial role in establishing the plastic surgery department and burns unit at Government Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) in Chennai, which is renowned for its comprehensive burn care and rehabilitation services, and remains a key government facility in Tamil Nadu for burn treatment.
Prof. Mathangi retired as the head of the department of burns, plastic, and reconstructive surgery at KMC. She also held the position of emeritus professor of plastic surgery at the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and served as an emeritus scientist at the Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai.
Throughout her illustrious career, she was known for blending surgical expertise with genuine compassion for her patients, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Her collaborative research with the Central Leather Research Institute led to the creation of a collagen membrane that serves as an effective burn wound cover, a technique that gained widespread adoption.
Prof. Mathangi was an accomplished author, publishing numerous articles in both Indian and international medical journals. She also contributed to several books and book chapters focused on plastic surgery and burn care, mentoring and training many aspiring surgeons who continue to carry forward her legacy of excellence, ethics, and empathy.
In acknowledgment of her significant contributions to medicine, she received a variety of prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2002, presented by the Government of India for her pioneering efforts in burn victim treatment and reconstructive surgery. Other accolades included the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award, the Avvaiyar Award in 2014 for her service in pediatric burn care, and the G. Whitaker International Burns Prize in 2009.
Prof. Mathangi held various prominent positions throughout her career, such as the honorary secretary of the Burns Association of India (Madras) and member of the International Confederation of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. She was also actively involved with the CHILDS Trust Hospital in Chennai, an institution founded by her late husband, Dr. M.S. Ramakrishnan, where she continued her service as chairperson of the CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation.
She is survived by her daughter Priya Ramachandran, son-in-law B. Ramachandra, and grandsons Hari and Keshav Ramachandran. In her commitment to helping others, her eyes were donated to Sankara Nethralaya.
