Four exceptional physicians receive inaugural ‘Richard W. Grady Humanitarian Award’

Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Dr. Jaishri Ramji, Dr. Mahesh Desai and Dr. Nalini Mahesh Desai, recipients of the 2018 Richard W. Grady Humanitarian award from A-BE-C

Those who knew the late Dr. Richard W. Grady understand his unwavering commitment to children and families affected by bladder exstrophy. His global humanitarian work helped to elevate the standards of care for children born with this rare medical condition, and continues to improve the lives of families who have mostly been ignored and marginalized because of it.

Continuing a legacy of care for bladder exstrophy

In honor of his caring spirit and humanitarian work, Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (A-BE-C) is proud to announce it is establishing the Richard W. Grady Humanitarian Award to recognize individuals for outstanding humanitarian and volunteer work. Recipients exemplify the highest values of leadership, excellence in clinical care, research, innovation, teaching, volunteer, advocacy and dedication to improving the health of people affected by bladder exstrophy around the world.

2018 Richard W. Grady Humanitarian Award Recipients

The first recipients are four exceptional physicians who are making a global impact on bladder exstrophy and pushing the standards of care beyond the status quo.

Dr. Rakesh Joshi

Professor and Department Head of Pediatric Surgery, B.J. Medical College & Civil Hospital – Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Dr. Jaishri Ramji

Associate Professor in Department of Pediatric Surgery at Civil Hospital and B.J. Medical College – Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Drs. Mahesh Desai and Nalini Mahesh Desai  (joint recipients)

Managing Trustee, Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital – Nadidad, Gujarat, India / Head, Department of Anesthesiology, Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital – Nadidad, Gujarat, India

Drs. Joshi and Ramji received their awards at ceremony on January 20, 2018 in Ahmedabad, India. On January 29, 2018, Drs. Desai and Desai were presented with their award in Nadidad, India. Download the press release.

India’s critical lack of bladder exstrophy services

All four recipients of the inaugural award are involved in bladder exstrophy care in India, and for good reason.

Globally, there is a crucial lack of pediatric surgeons who have the training and expertise to treat bladder exstrophy. India experiences an unmet need for treatment that is greater than anyplace else in the world.

It is estimated that approximately 600 babies are born in India each year with bladder exstrophy, compared to 80-100 born in the United States. This high number of bladder exstrophy cases, combined with limited medical resources and a critical shortage of in-country experts, has created a crisis of care.

Dr. Richard W. Grady

“Dr. Grady’s vision was to provide comprehensive and skilled care for patients with this complex anomaly. His commitment was evident, as he returned each year to follow the progress of his patients. We are committed to carrying forward his legacy by continuing this collaborative long-term.” – Dr. Rakesh Joshi, recipient of a 2018 Richard W. Grady Humanitarian Award

For the last ten years of his life, Dr. Grady actively worked to elevate the level of bladder exstrophy care in India. Along with a team of world-class physicians, Dr. Grady traveled to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital each year to volunteer his time treating hundreds of children affected by the condition.

Read more about global care for bladder exstrophy and add your support with a gift to A-BE-C.