Prof. Dr. Shekhar Sakharam Rajderkar has built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in medical education, community medicine and academic administration. Having retired from government service on 30 September 2021, he has continued his professional journey in the private medical education sector and is currently associated with a private medical college in West Bengal. His extended career reflects a sustained commitment to teaching, institutional leadership and the development of public health professionals.
His academic journey began at Government Medical College, Nagpur, where he completed his MBBS under Nagpur University in April 1978. He subsequently earned an MD in Social and Preventive Medicine from the same institution and university in April 1983. This specialised education established the foundation for his long-standing engagement with preventive medicine, community health and medical education.
Over the course of his government career, he held several teaching and administrative responsibilities. His academic experience included approximately seven years as a Lecturer in Preventive and Social Medicine, followed by around 16 years and five months as an Associate Professor. He subsequently served for more than 17 years as Professor and Head of the Department, while also undertaking responsibilities as officiating Dean at different stages.
His contribution to postgraduate medical education has been particularly significant. With more than 34 years of postgraduate teaching experience and over 40 years of overall teaching experience, he has guided generations of medical students and postgraduate learners in community medicine. His work has supported the development of professionals equipped to address population health, preventive care and community-based healthcare challenges.
Academic administration has formed another important dimension of his career. He served as Dean of Government Medical College, Miraj, and later as Dean of Government Medical College and Hospital, Osmanabad, where he spent more than three years in institutional leadership. These assignments involved academic coordination, administrative oversight and responsibility for strengthening institutional functioning.
His professional journey also included approximately four years as Pro Vice Chancellor, further broadening his experience in higher education administration. Following his retirement from government service in September 2021, he continued contributing to the medical education sector. He subsequently joined a private medical college in West Bengal, where he remains professionally engaged and is expected to continue until September 2027, when he will complete 70 years of age.
His association with medical education has extended beyond classroom teaching. He has served as an approved teacher, examiner and postgraduate guide in Preventive and Social Medicine, DPH and related programmes across various universities. He has also participated in institutional committees, including an Ombudsmen Committee and a Governing Committee, demonstrating continued engagement with academic and professional affairs.
His profile additionally records association with COVID Rx Exchange, a multinational, non-political, non-benefiting organisation based in Dallas, USA, with operations across more than 34 countries. This engagement added an international dimension to his professional involvement during the COVID-19 period.
Today, his journey reflects an enduring commitment to education and public health. From lecturer and professor to department head, dean, Pro Vice Chancellor and, subsequently, a professional in private medical education, his career demonstrates continuity of purpose. Even after retiring from government service, he has chosen to remain engaged in teaching and academic leadership, continuing his contribution to medical education and the healthcare community.
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