Dr. Venugopalan Poovathum Parambil

Dr. Venugopalan Poovathum Parambil, widely known as Dr. Venu, is an Indian emergency medicine specialist, educator, and healthcare leader. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of modern emergency medicine and community-based emergency medical services in Kerala and India. His career spans clinical practice, medical education, system development, disaster response, and large-scale public resuscitation training.

Early Life and Background

Dr. Venugopalan hails from Cherukara in Elamkulam Panchayath of Malappuram District, Kerala. He was raised in a supportive family environment that valued education and service. His early education began at AUPS Cherukara, followed by Government High School, Perinthalmanna, and Sree Neelakanda Sanskrit College, Pattambi.

Medical Education and Qualifications

Dr. Venugopalan completed his medical education at Government Medical College, Kozhikode. His qualifications include MBBS, Diploma in Anesthesiology, DNB in Anesthesiology, MNAMS, MEM from George Washington University, and Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, UK. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Specialties.

Professional Career

Dr. Venugopalan began his medical career in anesthesiology and critical care before transitioning fully into emergency medicine. Since 2006, he has served continuously as a consultant and leader in emergency medicine across government and private institutions.

He has held senior leadership roles within the Aster Group of Hospitals, including Director of Emergency Medicine for India Operations. Since July 2025, he serves as Chair and Lead Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Meitra Hospital, Calicut. He is also a visiting professor, postgraduate teacher, examiner, and faculty member for national and international emergency medicine programs.

Contributions to Emergency Medicine and EMS

Dr. Venugopalan played a central role in establishing modern emergency medicine departments in Kerala. He introduced structured emergency care systems, postgraduate training programs, and international emergency medicine collaborations in India.

He conceptualized and implemented India’s first large-scale community-based ambulance network and pre-hospital care system known as ANGELS (Active Network Group of Emergency Life Savers). The network operates hundreds of ambulances and has received national and international recognition.

He contributed to the formulation and publication of India’s National EMS Protocol and established structured EMT and nurse-based EMS training programs. He has also led the development of simulation-based emergency training centers and disaster preparedness systems.

Education, Training, and Public Engagement

Dr. Venugopalan has trained over 550,000 lay rescuers in life support skills. In November 2019, he masterminded a Guinness World Record by training more than 28,000 students in hands-only CPR within eight hours.

He has served as national and international faculty for programs under the American Heart Association, American College of Surgeons, George Washington University, and the Society for Emergency Medicine India. His work includes disaster management training, trauma care education, and first responder programs.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Venugopalan has received numerous national and international awards for his contributions to healthcare and emergency medicine. These include the Presidential Appreciation Award from the Indian College of Emergency Medicine, Golden Aim Award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership, Rajiv Gandhi Jeevan Raksha Puraskar, APJ Abdul Kalam Leadership Award, and multiple professional excellence awards from medical and civic organizations.

Family and Personal Life

Dr. Venugopalan is married to Dr. Baby Supriya, a consultant sonologist. His daughter and son-in-law are emergency medicine physicians working with the NHS in the United Kingdom. He maintains interests in literature, cinema, travel, music, yoga, and event management.

Philosophy and Vision

Dr. Venugopalan believes that emergency medicine is a social responsibility rather than merely a profession. His approach emphasizes compassion, preparedness, ethical care, and empowerment of communities through education and system-building.

Upcoming Engagements

Dr. Venugopalan continues to serve as faculty, speaker, and chief guest at national and international medical conferences, trauma workshops, EMS summits, and professional training programs across India.

Contact and Online Presence

• Website: [1]
• Blog: [2]
• Email: drvenugopalpp@zohomail.in
• https://www.instagram.com/reel/DScBLp4ibac/?igsh=ZmV4OXZvZzM4ZXB1