Prof. Vinod Menon, a distinguished laparoscopic upper gastrointestinal and obesity surgeon, has been awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field. The prestigious honour was presented by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at their annual event held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai from February 20-22, 2025.
OSSI aims to support its members in aspects directly related to their profession, optimising outcomes of treatments offered to severely obese patients. The association focuses on skill enhancement, information exchange, and knowledge sharing regarding surgical treatments for obese individuals.
A consultant surgeon at Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital Trust, Dr. Menon is renowned for his expertise in bariatric and metabolic surgery. He has performed over 1,100 bariatric procedures in the UK and has played a crucial role in the development of obesity treatment protocols. Additionally, he serves as the Director of the West Midlands Surgical Training Centre and is a respected professor at the University of Warwick.
Dr. Menon, a Kerala University graduate of 1989, has been serving as a consultant at Coventry Warwick Hospital Trust since 2003. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles, including Clinical Lead, Treasurer, Secretary, and President of the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS). Notably, he became the first non-white president of BOMSS, fostering international collaboration with OSSI. During his tenure, he facilitated the exchange of knowledge, guidelines, care pathways, and research between the two organisations, establishing overseas fellowships for medical trainees in both countries.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Menon is well known for his warm and approachable attitude, earning him the affectionate nickname ‘Smile Doctor’ among his colleagues and the Malayali community. His active participation in both Indian and UK-based organisations highlights his role as a bridge between the medical communities of both nations.
This latest recognition is an acknowledgement of Dr. Menon’s dedication to work in advancing obesity treatment and metabolic surgery. His work continues to inspire and shape the future of medical care, benefiting patients across the globe.
