Dr. Ezhil Malar, a notable gynaecologist and obstetrician is a proud Chennaiite who was born in a family of doctors. Her father Dr. Mariappan was a Sonologist and her greatest inspiration. He was a down to earth person who played a pivotal role in her upbringing and was a pillar of support to both his daughters. Her mother Dr. Selvasankari is a successful gynaecologist, whose whole world revolves around her patients. Malar has one sister named Priya, who is a paediatrician.
Ezhil Hospital in Tondiarpet was started by her parents in 1985. It started off in a small way and has grown over the years into a well known hospital.
Malar schooled at St. Kevin’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Royapuram. She enjoyed her school days as according to her, it was just like one big happy family. She remembers with pride the wonderful environment that her school provided the students, to help them grow in confidence and to develop problem solving skills that are essential for life in addition to academics. Her teachers emphasized that education was not just limited to knowledge derived from books but derived from practical experiences as well.
She studied medicine and completed both UG and PG at the prestigious Sri Ramachandra University in Porur. The college besides being renowned for its academic excellence also helped in shaping students with the essential medical knowledge through cutting edge technology and also laid emphasis on humanistic skills essential for patient care. Malar recalls how the dedicated professors at the college conducted classes through innovative teaching methods.
Being a studious person, it was no wonder that she secured distinction in several subjects and was one of the best out going students of her batch.
She specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and joined Ezhil Hospital in Tondiarpet as a consultant. For Dr. Malar, the cry of a newborn has always been a fascinating moment.
Her daily routine revolves around taking care of pregnant women, assisting in labour and birth, handling high risk obstetrics and gynaecology services, dealing with preventive and curative adolescent education, vaccinations, giving advice on contraceptives, counselling and generally dealing with matters relating to women’s health.
She has a jam packed day which begins at 11 am and goes on till 7 pm from Mondays to Saturdays. She takes a break on Sundays to unwind but is always available on call 24×7.
Due to this hectic schedule, she is left with hardly any time to socialize or even catch up with friends. However, Malar says that she is lucky to have supportive friends who understand her busy schedule and don’t mind her late arrivals and early departures when they catch up.
Malar is blessed with a doting husband Dr.Prem who showers her with unconditional love and has been totally supportive from the word go. He is a surgeon, general cum laparoscopic and is also a consultant at Ezhil hospital.
Her two gifts from God are her enterprising son Ashwanth and pretty daughter Shreya, a budding gynaecologist, who has chosen to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
For Malar, her family is her world. She loves to travel, listen to music and read books. Though not much of a movie buff, she likes to watch actor Ajith’s films.
Her preferred cuisine is Chinese and favourite colour is red. Cricketer Rahul Dravid is her favourite sportsperson.
Dr. Ezhil Malar was decorated with the Sushma Swaraj award in 2023 for the best doctor in North Chennai for her 3 decades of exemplary service to society. She received the award from Vanathi Srinivasan of the BJP.
Malar believes that life is too short to be spent worrying, so she advises people to be happy and do their bit to add a splash of colour in the lives of people they meet.
Juliana Sridhar is a lawyer and columnist