Dr. Prithika Chary is a distinguished Indian neurologist and neurosurgeon with over 50 years of clinical experience, widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of neurosciences. She holds the rare distinction of being the first and only woman in India qualified and actively practicing as both a neurophysician (DM Neurology) and neurosurgeon (MCh Neurosurgery)—a testament to her exceptional dedication, intellect, and contribution to medical science.

She began her medical journey at Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, graduating in 1971. She further pursued a series of postgraduate specializations from Government Madras Medical College and Dr. MGR Medical University, earning an MD in Internal Medicine, DM in Neurology, PhD in Neurology, and MCh in Neurosurgery—making her one of the most academically credentialed neurologists in the country. Her MNAMS (Neurology) was conferred by the National Board of Examinations in 1989.

Dr. Chary has been practicing medicine since 1974, neurology since 1978, and neurosurgery since 1990, primarily in Chennai, and has contributed significantly to patient care, academic teaching, and institutional development. She served as Assistant Professor at Madras Medical College for 8 years before becoming the first neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, where she worked from its inception in 1983 till 2012. She later served as Head of Neurology at Global Hospital and was instrumental in establishing the Department of Neurology at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai. From 2018 to 2023, she offered voluntary service at Voluntary Health Services Hospital, reflecting her lifelong commitment to public service.

A respected epileptologist, she has specialized training and extensive expertise in the diagnosis and surgical management of epilepsy, having also established EPICENTTRE—the Epilepsy Institute & Centre for Treatment, Training, Research & Education. Her interests span a wide range of neurological and neurosurgical conditions, with a strong focus on brain disorders, including stroke, Parkinsonism, dementia, cognitive and behavioral neurology, and neurodevelopmental delays.

Dr. Chary is not only a practitioner but also a teacher, speaker, researcher, and mentor who has inspired countless professionals in the field of neuroscience.

Education & Qualifications

MBBS – 1971, Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai
MD (Internal Medicine) – 1974, Government Madras Medical College
DM (Neurology) – 1978, Government Madras Medical College
PhD (Neurology) – 1981, University of Madras
MNAMS (Neurology) – 1989, Conferred by National Board of Examinations, New Delhi
MCh (Neurosurgery) – 1990, Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai

Professional Experience

Assistant Professor, Madras Medical College (1974–1982)
First Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai (1983–2012)
Head of Department – Neurology, Global Hospital, Chennai (2012)
Senior Consultant Neurologist, Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai – Established and led the Neurology Department
Consultant Neurologist, Voluntary Health Services Hospital (2018–2023)