Dr. Santhosh Manikandan Pandiyan Consultant Geriatrician

Doctor's Profile

Dr. Santhosh Manikandan is a Consultant Geriatrician and Palliative Care Physician with specialised expertise in the comprehensive care of older adults, management of complex chronic illnesses, dementia care, frailty, rehabilitation and end-of-life care. He is committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate and person-centred care that prioritises dignity, functional independence and quality of life.

He completed his MBBS at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, followed by his MD in Geriatric Medicine at Madras Medical College, Chennai, where he distinguished himself academically as a University Gold Medalist in Geriatric Medicine. He subsequently completed a Fellowship in Palliative Medicine at the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Calicut, in 2022. His academic achievements also include being the finalist in National level in Bruce Davis Gold Medal competition in Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Santhosh has a special interest in the intersection of geriatric medicine and palliative care, particularly in addressing the complex needs of older adults living with multiple chronic illnesses, advanced dementia, frailty and life-limiting conditions. His clinical approach integrates comprehensive geriatric assessment, rational prescribing, symptom management, functional rehabilitation and advance care planning, with an emphasis on aligning treatment decisions with each patient's goals and preferences.

He believes that excellent geriatric care involves much more than treating diseases. It requires understanding the physical, cognitive, psychological, functional and social dimensions of ageing. Through individualised care plans and multidisciplinary collaboration, he strives to preserve independence, reduce avoidable suffering, support family caregivers and improve the overall quality of life of older adults.

His expertise in palliative medicine complements his geriatric practice, enabling him to address complex symptoms, difficult clinical decisions and the supportive care needs of patients and families throughout serious illness. He advocates for the early integration of palliative care alongside appropriate disease-directed treatment, ensuring that comfort, dignity and quality of life remain central to clinical decision-making.

Dr. Santhosh is passionate about advancing geriatric medicine and palliative care in India. He envisions a healthcare system in which older adults have access to specialised medical care, timely rehabilitation and compassionate supportive care, enabling them and their families to navigate ageing and serious illness with confidence and dignity.

Areas of Clinical Expertise

• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and personalised care
• Dementia, cognitive impairment and behavioural symptoms
• Frailty, falls prevention and mobility disorders
• Multimorbidity and rational medication management
• Palliative medicine and end-of-life care
• Pain and complex symptom management
• Advance care planning and shared decision-making
• Rehabilitation and recovery following acute illness
• Supportive care for advanced and life-limiting illnesses
• Skilled nursing, transitional care and hospice services

Education and Qualifications

• Fellowship in Palliative Medicine – Institute of Palliative Medicine, Calicut, 2022
• MD in Geriatric Medicine – Madras Medical College, Chennai
• MBBS – PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore

Awards and Academic Distinctions

• University Gold Medalist in Geriatric Medicine

His work focuses on bridging acute hospital care, rehabilitation, long-term nursing and palliative care to create a coordinated continuum of care for patients and their families.

Professional Philosophy

Dr. Santhosh believes that the true measure of healthcare is not simply how long a person lives, but how well they live. His philosophy combines the scientific rigour of geriatric medicine with the compassion of palliative care, striving to preserve function, relieve suffering and uphold the dignity and autonomy of every patient.