Smita Mishra 
FEATURE: Odisha has given the world many illustrious personalities, and in the realm of medical science, Prof. (Dr.) Jayanta Kumar Panda stands tall among them. With a career spanning more than 25 years, Dr. Panda’s contribution to the field of internal medicine and diabetes has been nothing short of exemplary. As a Professor and former Head of the Department of Medicine at the prestigious SCB Medical College, Cuttack, he has not only enriched Odisha’s medical community but has also earned national and international recognition for his dedication, research, and leadership.
Born on April 1, 1969, Dr. Panda completed his MBBS (Hons) and MD (Internal Medicine) with distinguished honors. His journey through academia and professional life is adorned with numerous accolades and responsibilities. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), Indian College of Physicians (FICP), Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (FRSSDI), Diabetes India, and the Indian Medical Association Academy of Medical Specialities (IMAAMS), he has truly set a gold standard in the medical fraternity.
Over the last three decades, Dr. Panda has been a revered teacher, examiner, and guide for postgraduate and PhD students. His passion for teaching is evident in his relentless efforts to update academic curricula, organize CMEs, and author key textbook chapters and scientific monographs. His association as a faculty with Gujarat University, Delhi University, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh Health Universities, and Madras University speaks volumes about his academic influence. He has also been an external examiner and has actively participated in national programs like the National Diabetes Educator Program since 2010.
Dr. Panda’s professional journey includes significant roles such as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and eventually Professor and H.O.D. of the Department of Medicine at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. His leadership at institutions like SLN Medical College, Koraput, and his consistent contributions at SCB reflect his commitment to healthcare and education.
In the realm of research, Dr. Panda has published more than 100 original articles, reviews, and case studies in leading national and international journals. He has served as a principal investigator in numerous clinical trials and major projects, including the ICMR YDR-III project, Lira Prime Study, and the Diabetes and Tuberculosis project by RSSDI. His editorial contributions are equally impressive, having served as Editor for the Odisha Medical Journal (2010–2016), Odisha Physician Journal (2017–2019), and as an editorial board member for prestigious journals like JAPI, IJDDC, and JIMA.
Dr. Panda’s expertise extends to organizational leadership as well. He has served as the Immediate Past President of the Clinical Cardio Diabetic Society of India (CCDSI), Immediate Past Chairman of the Association of Physicians of India (Odisha State Branch), and State President of the Odisha Medical Teachers Association (OMTA). He is currently serving as the President-elect of the IMA Odisha (2025–26) and Chairman Elect of the RSSDI Odisha Chapter. His pivotal roles in organizing landmark conferences like the 45th National RSSDI Conference 2017 at Bhubaneswar have strengthened Odisha’s reputation on the national medical map.
A life member of prestigious organizations such as API, RSSDI, IMA, ISCCM, ISHTM, IRA, ADA, EASD, AACE, and IDF, among others, Dr. Panda has built bridges between Odisha and the global medical community. Special training at world-renowned centers like Johns Hopkins University, Steno, and Joslin Diabetes Centers has further polished his clinical acumen.
His remarkable career has been decorated with numerous honors, including the DMDSC Honour Award from Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialty Centre, Chennai (2014), the Young Achievers Award at the National Conference of Clinical Diabetes (2018, Kolkata), the prestigious Dr. R.K. Menda Memorial Oration Award (IMA Kolkata, 2016), and multiple accolades for scientific presentations at APICON and other platforms.
Dr. Panda has left an indelible mark during the Covid-19 pandemic as well. Through radio, television, and media appearances, he educated the public about health issues and preventive care, contributing significantly to public awareness at a critical time.
Today, as President of the Cuttack Club and a leading voice in various academic and clinical circles, Dr. Panda continues to inspire generations of doctors and students. His recent appointments, such as Member Advisory Council of the Governor, ACP India Chapter, and Chairman Organizing Committee of several global medical events, reaffirm his enduring commitment to medical excellence.
In celebrating Dr. Jayanta Kumar Panda’s illustrious journey, Odisha finds immense pride. His life is a testimony to hard work, perseverance, academic brilliance, and service to humanity. Through his research, teaching, leadership, and clinical practice, he has not only raised the bar for medical professionals in Odisha but has also made a significant impact nationally and internationally.
Dr. Panda embodies the spirit of innovation, compassion, and relentless pursuit of knowledge—qualities that make him an icon in Indian medical science. Odisha salutes Prof. (Dr.) Jayanta Kumar Panda, a son of the soil who has illuminated the field of medicine with his extraordinary contributions and continues to inspire future generations to dream bigger and achieve higher
