Prof. K. Siddappa (1931–2017)

“I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”

-Alexander the Great

The above quote fittingly refers to our beloved Professor K. Siddappa, who made a difference to the lives of generation of dermatologists across India.

Prof. K. Siddappa was born to Smt. K. K. Kenchamma and Sri. K. Siddalingappa on April 5, 1931, in an agricultural family belonging to Kaginelli village in Shikaripur taluk, Shivamogga district, Karnataka. He was married to Smt. Manjula Siddappa.

He did his primary and secondary education in Shivamogga District. His medical education saga started at the Medical School, Bengaluru, in 1955. Later, he completed MBBS from R. G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, in 1958. In 1961, he finished his D.V.D. from Grant Medical College, Mumbai. He completed M.D. (Skin and VD) from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, in 1965.

He served the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, during 1958–1962 as Assistant Surgeon. Later, he started his sojourn as teacher from 1962 to 1969, by serving as Assistant Professor of Skin and STD at Medical College, Mysore and Hubballi. He joined the Department of Skin and STD at J. J. M. Medical College, Davanagere, as Associate Professor in 1969 and later became Head of the Department (1975–1993). He was instrumental in setting up the Dermatology Department of great repute at Davanagere.

He was strict about punctuality and was dedicated to patient care. His passion for learning and teaching was commendable. He was a well-known face of Indian dermatology.

His service to our speciality and Association is familiar to all. He was the General Secretary of IADVL and was President, IADVL, in 1990. His presidential initiative as the Project Director for the well-known and widely read IADVL Textbook of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy is pathbreaking. Now, it is the most widely read textbook on dermatology in India.

His contribution to Indian Dermatology is laudable. His demise is an immense loss to Karnataka dermatology, in particular, and Indian dermatology at large.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

-William Arthur Ward

Prof. K. Siddappa was a great teacher, who has left the treasure of knowledge and his passion for the subject and it shall inspire us for the rest of life.

May his soul rest in peace.