Dr Ketan Khurjekar (1975–2019)

A shining star, A Proteage

Life is all about the journey between the first cry to the last breathe. Some people like Ketan are in eternal hurry to finish this life's journey. Ketan hurried through his life in a jiffy achieving things which people cannot in their lifetime. Opened his eyes for the morning sun on 16^th September 1975 and left us all in a tragic manner on the eve of his 44^th birthday September 15, 2019. A fatal road traffic accident on Mumbai–Pune expressway snatched away humble, loving, ever-smiling, and energetic soul from all of us. This sudden loss of Ketan dada has created a big void in everyone's heart.

Ketan is a gold medal-winning alumnus of the Krishna Medical College, Karad. He pursued his spine training in centers of excellence across the world, with a long stint at the Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore. At his second home “Sancheti Hospital” Pune, he scaled greater heights against all the odds and challenges. At a very young age, he Became house hold name in Pune and the surrounding areas.

Ketan was a focused, determined, and passionate doctor, always ahead of his time. Work was his priority, and the patient care was his religion. He always thought about innovating and revolutionizing spine care at Sancheti Hospital.

We miss you Ketan…….

He was a thorough gentleman, an ideal son, husband, and a father. He is survived by his parents, wife, two loving daughters, and thousands of friends, whom he always treated like family members, that is, why he was fondly called by many of us as Ketan dada.

He was a Man on mission; he wanted to make a huge contribution to this community. He was great academician, mentor, and a phenomenal teacher. He was a regular feature at CME's, conference, and teaching courses in India and across the world. His students remember him as a master who always led by example and went an extra mile to teach not only spine surgery but essence of life. At Sancheti Hospital along with Dr Shailesh, he hosted a successful spine fellowship program which was most sought after. Scoliosis week organized Dr Ketan et al. in Pune was one of the prestigious courses in India. Pune spine weekend was an event not to be missed. He contributed immensely to the activities of Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI) as an active member and an executive committee member. During last days of his life, he formulated consent forms for ASSI with at most sincerity and hard work, which remains tribute to his life journey today on ASSI website.

The researcher in him always searched for answers and this led him to become an AOSIN research officer in 2019. Unfortunately, he could not serve in that position for long as the fate snatched him away from us.

My interactions with Ketan have been always wonderful. He always treated me like a younger brother. In a very short time, he made me feel at ease with him. We all enjoyed his company, be it an academic session or a Funfilled parties. We always had a great time with Ketan and Shailesh at Pune spine weekend. In his ever-busy schedule, he would think you and will always have some advices for you. He was a great leader who always walked along side by side.

You are Immortal……. Ketan Bhai

You will always be remembered as a great human being, perfect family man, compassionate doctor, committed worker, an excellent surgeon, the best mentor, and a phenomenal teacher. You have left legacy to be followed. We are grateful to you for being part of our life's journey. I am sure you are watching us from heavens and guiding us in this mortal journey. I hate to say goodbye Ketan. You will always be in our hearts.