Dr. Rajan Ravichandran is a distinguished nephrologist, researcher, and pioneer in organ transplantation. He currently serves as the Director of the MIOT Institute of Nephrology at MIOT Hospitals, Chennai, and is the Founder Chairman of Sapiens Health Foundation.
With a medical career spanning over four decades, Dr. Ravichandran has been at the forefront of advancing renal care in India. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking clinical work and research, particularly in the fields of ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation and rare renal diseases.
Pioneering Achievements in Nephrology
Dr. Ravichandran’s team at MIOT Hospitals was the first in India to establish a dedicated program for ABO-incompatible kidney transplants using Japanese technology. In 2025, his team achieved a global medical milestone by successfully performing the world’s first kidney transplant in a patient with the Bombay blood group (ABO-H incompatible).
His clinical research and case studies on these pioneering transplants have been published in top-tier international medical journals, including the American Journal of Transplantation.
Current Leadership & Appointments
- Director, MIOT Institute of Nephrology: Founded in 2008, this state-of-the-art institute was the first unit in the country to implement an exclusive single-use policy for dialysis at affordable prices. It is a recognized center for National Board training in nephrology.
- Professor of Practice, IIT Madras: Dr. Ravichandran collaborates with the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, on medical technology innovations. He holds patents for two drugs jointly with IIT Madras, including a phosphate binder used by millions of patients.
- Founder Chairman, Sapiens Health Foundation: Founded in 1997, this NGO subsidizes dialysis and transplant care for thousands of underprivileged patients. The foundation is a pioneer in public health campaigns, notably leading the “Low Salt” (losalter.org) initiative across Tamil Nadu.
- Founder Chairman, Cystinosis Foundation India: Established to support patients with this ultra-rare orphan disease, the foundation has registered over 56 children and advocates for research and treatment access.
Education and Board Certifications
- M.B.B.S. (1977)
- M.D. in Internal Medicine (1981)
- Diplomat in Nephrology, National Board (1983)
- F.R.C.P. (Edin) – Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians, UK (2008)
- F.A.C.P. – Fellowship of the American College of Physicians, USA (2008)
Honors and Awards
Dr. Ravichandran’s contributions to medicine have been recognized globally. A selection of his honors includes:
- American Nephrologist of Indian Origin (ANIO) Award for Service Excellence (2021)
- Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu and FICCI (2016)
- Notable Achievement Award, World Hypertension League (2014)
- Rashtriya Gaurav Award (2011)
- Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, USA (2004)
- View full honor list
Selected Scientific Publications
Dr. Ravichandran is a prolific author with over 50 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals, covering transplant immunology, peritoneal dialysis, and COVID-19 therapeutics.
Read his pioneering publications on the Sapiens Health Foundation website: