P. K. Sen (surgeon)

P. K. Sen (born probably in 1924, died 1998) was an Indian cardiothoracic surgeon renowned for performing the first successful heart transplant in India on February 16, 1968. Although the patient survived only three hours post-surgery, Sen's pioneering work marked a significant milestone in Indian medical history and established him as a leading figure in cardiac surgery in the country.

Sen graduated from the Grant Medical College and J.J. Group of Hospitals in Mumbai. He received further training in the United States and the United Kingdom. He served as the Head of the Department of Surgery at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College in Mumbai.

Beyond the heart transplant, Sen made significant contributions to the development of surgical techniques for various cardiac conditions. He played a crucial role in establishing cardiac surgery programs in India and training a generation of cardiac surgeons. His work helped to advance cardiac care in India and make it more accessible to patients.

While overshadowed internationally by Christiaan Barnard's earlier heart transplant, Sen's achievement within the context of India's healthcare system and resources at the time was considered a monumental feat. His contributions extended beyond surgery to teaching and mentoring, leaving a lasting legacy on the field of cardiac surgery in India.