Confident and dedicated doctor, respected by patients and colleagues
The sudden demise of Dr. Ravi Sockanathan, consultant in sexual health in the UK, has caused deep sorrow among his colleagues. He passed away in the early hours of October 28, while in Sri Lanka to attend the 16th annual scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Venereologists (SLCV). Since 2002, he had visited Sri Lanka every year to participate in the SLCV sessions.
Dr. Ravi Sockanathan graduated from the University of Colombo in 1977, and trained as an intern at the General Hospital Colombo. He went on to work as a district medical officer at the Maskeliya District Hospital, where he developed a special interest in venereology and public health medicine.
After his initial years of medical practice in Sri Lanka, he proceeded to England for postgraduate training. He was appointed as a specialist registrar in genitourinary medicine and dermatology at Birmingham and Wolverhampton University Teaching Hospitals. He went on to gain experience in general practice (primary care), and obtained accreditation as a GP specialist from the Wakefield Area Health Authority.
In recognition of his skills as a generalist and a specialist, he was accredited by the joint committee of Postgraduate Training in General Practice (JCPTGP) of the Royal College of General Practitioners, and worked in the social security system of the UK. From 1990 to 2003, he served as a Career Physician Genito-urinary Medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, UK.
He was a confident and dedicated doctor who empathised with his patients, and his patients had a high regard for him. He was involved in NHS, the private sector, and the Royal College of Sexual Health, UK.IN 2003, Dr. Sockanathan was appointed Lead Clinician in Genito- urinary Medicine and Sexual Health at the South West Essex Primary Care Trust, National Health Services, United Kingdom.
In addition to his NHS involvement, Dr Sockanathan was medical director of East-west Health Care Services, a private company that works with specialists in South India, Malaysia, and Australia.
Dr. Sockanathan’s scholarly articles have appeared in the British Medical Journal, The British Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, The DOCTOR magazine, and the International Journal of the Ageing Male. He was chairman of the ethics committee of the Association of Shared Care Urology (ASCU).
He had a special interest in teaching and developing evidence based on clinical practice in sexual health, among venereologists, general physicians, and colleagues practising in Sri Lanka.
In 2002, Ravi was guest of honour at the annual scientific sessions of the SLCV. Soon after, he became a life member of the college and was honoured as an Honorary Fellow of the SLCV in 2006. He was conferred the fellowship amidst a distinguished gathering, a proud moment in his life.
He enjoyed being in Sri Lanka among friends, relatives and colleagues. He also lectured on sexual health for general practitioners, on the invitation of the Independent Medical Practitioners Association of Sri Lanka. He also helped the SLCV to or- ganise skills-building workshops for diploma trainees. He happily assisted postgraduate trainees when they arrived in UK for the overseas training. Ravi and wife Sujatha made sure the trainees were well looked after and maintained contact with them during their stay in the UK.
Ravi’s life revolved around his family. Sujatha was the strength behind his success. His son Sanjeev is a general practitioner in the UK, and daughter Priya plans to follow the same path led by father and brother.
Memories of Dr. Ravi Sockanathan will remain with us for many years to come. The Sri Lanka College of
Venereologists
As young man, 40 years ago, one pleasant evening, I was interviewed in your office. I was delighted when you told me I had been selected for an apprenticeship under you. This gave me the opportunity and privilege to work closely with a fabulous human being, dedicated to lofty humane values. It did not take me long to realise that with some endeavour on my part I too could before long become a full-fledged architect.
During my long association with you, I learned more than just the finer points of architecture. Your inspiration in my personal life made my life’s journey pleasant and satisfactory. Your benevolence, uprightness, large heartedness, and sincere devotion to the profession of architecture were indeed remarkable.
You were one of the pioneer Sri Lankan architects to establish a private practice in this country. You served on the council of The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects for more than 20 years, and you were elected president on two occasions. You also served as Chairman of the Board of Architectural Education for two terms. You rendered excellent architectural services to individual clients, companies, ranks, corporations and government.
Sir – a very big Thank You for everything you have done – not only for me but also for the noble profession of architecture and thereby for the country.
On this first year of remembrance, I express my deep gratitude and say how much I cherish your memory.
May the Lord grant you eternal rest.