"I have known him for two decades. I took over as Secretary of ISRM from him in Jan 2017. We spent a memorable 5 days in Taiwan attending the 'World Lymphedema congress'. We shared a room. He used to make a cup of tea for me. We shared a lot of stories from training period. He was very nostalgic about his days in Chandigarh doing his MCh.
Both our daughters are same age so we discussed about families. He was very close to his family. Will miss him a lot."
Dr. Hari Venkatramani
Consultant, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
Heart Broken..can't believe such a humble Soul is no more ...
Mr. Vicky Sathu
Friend,
Ashok was one of the most talented Plastic and Micro surgeons of this country. No challenge in microsurgery was too much for him. He was also a great thinker and a livley participant in scientific debate. His presentations were always different and very clear and to the point, in addition to being a joy to watch. I interacted with him closely especially in 2011 when he hosted the Brachial Plexus Surgery Group of India meeting in Bangalore while I was President. It was a pleasure and privilege to work with Ashok. I am at a loss of words and deeply saddened by his loss. Plastic surgery has lost a leader; one of the brightest and the best.My sincere condolences.
Dr. Mukund Thatte
Bombay Hospital, Mumbai
When I first met Dr Koul, he was the Head of Plastic Surgery at Medical Trust hospital, Kochi and a already a superstar doctor of Kerala doing replants particularly the double upper limb replant for a young girl. The friendly and helpful attitude for newcomers in plastic surgery made him an instant mentor for me. Even the week before his passing on, we had a lengthy discussion about a DIEP flap which required two reexplorations. Indeed any difficult case or problem instantly had a solution when you approach Dr Koul. I had great privilege to be co-faculty and also assist him in case demonstrations and it was a great learning experience. While visiting Bangalore, he used to personally pick and drop me and this warmth really touched me. He had helped me to find my foot steps in plastic surgery. I could go on and on...
Dr. Sundeep Vijayaraghavan
Dept of plastic surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
I got to know Dr. Ashok Koul In PGI, Chandigarh during the years 1995-96 I think. I was doing my M.D in Pathology and my dear friend Dr. Asha found her close friend and future mate in him. They made a sweet 'made for each other' couple. After PGI, I left for Kuwait with my husband and only after 15 long years through facebook got back in touch with them in Bangalore. So during my yearly trips to Bangalore I would meet them often along with my husband Dr. Mrinmay Kumar Mallik who is also from PGI. My brother who resides in Bangalore also visited them at Shobha Daffodils. I remember Dr. Ashok as a pleasant and cheerful person, ready to help and guide. Full of interesting episodes and curiosity and ever so hospitable, the friendly banter will always be remembered. My heart goes out for my friend at this sudden and drastic change in her life. May God give strength to his family as they move on and eternal peace to the departed soul.
Dr. Anupama Arora Mallik
Consultant Pathologist, Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital, Kuwait
"To me Ashok was a senior colleague with lot of respect for other Plastic Surgeons. He is simple and well mannered. I happened to be associated with him in his formative years as plastic surgeon. He is extremely hard working and intelligent person.
May his soul rest in peace
May God give the family the strength to overcome the bereavement at the earliest. "
Dr. Nagaprasad
Professor & HOD, , Plastic Surgery, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad
Iam the first five year DNB candidate in India. That credit goes to Ashok sir. Year 2013 I went to 'Medical Trust Hospital' Cochin, for joining in DNB Gen Surgery and joined the dept. On the day of joining hospital secretary called me to the office asking me to join Plastic Surgery. I saw sir standing calm and asked me what do you know about plastic surgery. I told him skin graft. He smiled and threw few photographs showing his bilateral arm replant and its results which changed my life. He said follow me I will make you great. He did it. Like this so many things to add on. He is a great loss to plastic community
Dr. Vinoth Philip
VJ hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
"It was heart wrenching to learn about sudden and untimely demise of my friend. We are from same state and same college. Being his senior by couple of years, saw him grow from strength to strength in plastic surgery. Whenever I had any difficulty in micro surgery, he was always there with suggestions.I can say, he launched me into microsurgery when I was doubting my capabilities.
News was devasting for my family as well,as they remembered his humour and mastery over native Kashmir language.
And then news came crashing down.Still cannot believe, he has left this world.
Dear Ashok, you will be in our hearts till eternity.
Rest in peace my friend. APSICON conferences will no longer be hugging moments for us. I always would learn from you."
Dr. Yog Raj Handoo
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, RD Plastic Surgery Center, Delhi
We miss our Ashok Koul physically, who had very sharp intellect and dextrous hands, a very rare combination.
Dr. Thota Venkat
Consultant Plastic Surgeon, , Hair Transplant Surgeon, Revera Cosmetic Clinic, Hyderabad
"One of the best among the present era of plastic surgeons. A profound loss to our community in particular because of his untimely demise. May his soul rest in peace
"
Dr. Manohar Velury
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada