New Healing Headquarters

The remarkable rise of AIIMS Jodhpur as a leading medical college is built upon a unique blend of classroom teaching, varied clinical experience, focus on research and close mentorship by faculty

- By SONALI ACHARJEE

ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES Jodhpur No.10 (2025) up from No.25 (2020)

On September 17, 2012, when AIIMS Jodhpur was established with 50 students, three commitments were made to ensure quality medical education. Dr Shilpi Gupta Dixit, present acting Dean (academics) and professor (anatomy), recalls them clearly. "Patient care, research and public health were three unique aspects that AIIMS Jodhpur chose to focus upon," she says. "We had AIIMS Delhi as our model and mentor. It was our vision statement to be as good, or next as good as them," she adds. That aim seems to have been realised. Indeed, for many, AIIMS Jodhpur is the second preference after AIIMS Delhi. "I am sure I won't make it to AIIMS Delhi.... I have been targeting a seat at AIIMS Jodhpur throughout. It is as good and is part of a safer city," says Payal Varma, 17, who sat for the NEET UG exams this year.