Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra

First Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar (2012–2016)  

Head of Neurosurgery at AIIMS New Delhi, and later Dean (Research) until retirement in 2017  

Former Director, SGPGI Lucknow (2006–2009)  

More than 800 peer-reviewed publications, 16 books, and guided multiple PhD students; h-index ~50, i10 index ~355  

Successfully led the landmark 16-hour craniopagus twin separation surgery (Jaga–Kalia) at AIIMS in 2017 — a first for

India  

Padma Shri (2024) for contributions to medicine  

Dr. B. C. Roy National Award (2008) for Eminent Medical Teacher  

Multiple accolades: Gold medal in Pharmacology, Dr. Jeo V. Desa Award, UP Ratan Award, Bharat Nirman Award, and others  

Ashok Kumar Mahapatra is among India's top neurosurgeons, known globally for his expertise in pediatric neurosurgery, skull-base surgeries, trauma care, and successful separation of craniopagus twins—the first such operation in the country. From graduating MBBS in 1975 to completing MCh (Neurosurgery) in 1982, he rose through the ranks at AIIMS New Delhi, later serving as Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and as Dean (Research) until 2017. With over 800 publications and 16 authored books, he is also a respected academician and former Director of SGPGI Lucknow. Awarded Padma Shri (2024) and Dr. B.C. Roy National Award (2008), his career spans more than four decades of surgical excellence, teaching, and healthcare leadership.