Qualifications: MBBS (KMC, Chennai), MS General Surgery (JIPMER), MCh Paediatric Surgery (Madras Medical College), FRCS (Glasgow) 

Dr. V. N. Mahalakshmi, a distinguished academic leader and healthcare professional, holds multiple roles, including Dean of Health Professions Education and Professor of Pediatric Surgery at AVMC, as well as Dean of Faculty for Interdisciplinary Studies at VMRF-DU. Her impressive qualifications include an MBBS, MS, MCh in Pediatric Surgery, FRCS (Glasgow), a WHO Certificate in Hospital Management, and she is a Harvard Macy Scholar. Additionally, she is pursuing FAIMER and has completed the Certificate Program on Assessment in Health Professions Education (AAME) and iSIM training from the University of Miami.

Dr. Mahalakshmi’s extensive expertise in medical education and simulation is evident through her role as Co-Chair of the Medical Education Unit (MEU) and Simulation Centre at AVMC and adjunct faculty @KMC, Manipal. She represents India in the Asia Pacific Consortium for Standardized Patients and is a member of several national expert committees, including those for the palliative care curriculum and the  development of the simulation technician program. She also serves as an executive member of the National Healthcare Skill Development Council and as a mentor at BLDE University.

Dr. Mahalakshmi has made significant contributions to medical education, including the introduction of seven programs at the master’s, PG diploma, and undergraduate levels under the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies. She established the AVMC Skills Lab and Simulation Centre, which has been recognized as an AHA International Training Centre and a Jeeva Raksha Training Site. Her efforts have been instrumental in implementing curricular reforms for both undergraduate and postgraduate education, focusing on structured skill training, competency acquisition, integrated modular curriculum, formative OSCEs, and PG CBME. Beyond her institutional roles, Dr. Mahalakshmi has been a key resource for numerous faculty development programs and workshops at national and international conferences. She has led significant training initiatives, including First Responders' training for over 3300 police personnel, NCC, NSS, and the public. She has also coordinated and moderated a medical webinar series comprising 108 episodes and organized multiple faculty development programs and training sessions on medical education, simulation, and educational quality.

Dr. Mahalakshmi’s accolades include the Exemplary Leadership Award from Jeeva Raksha, multiple awards for best paper presentation at national and international conferences, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lions Club and Rotary Club, and the Women Achiever Award from VMRF. She has authored 15 publications, 12 monographs and book chapters, and holds 12 IPR copyrights. Her interests lie in outcome-based assessment in medical education, cognitive science, simulation, and interprofessional education, with a focus on integrating simulation into medical education.