Abhishek Shukla
Abhishek Shukla | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Occupation(s) | Specialist in geriatric medicine and palliative care |
| Known for | Founder and Secretary of Aastha Centre for Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Care Hospital & Hospice; Secretary General of the Association of International Doctors; Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh |
Abhishek Shukla is a distinguished Indian specialist in geriatric medicine and palliative care, acknowledged as a trailblazer in hospice and palliative healthcare within India. He established and currently acts as Secretary of the Aastha Centre for Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Care Hospital & Hospice, a nonprofit organization located in Lucknow that dedicates its efforts to geriatric and palliative care services.
In addition, Shukla holds the role of Secretary General for the Association of International Doctors. His election in 2022 to the Uttar Pradesh state council (Rajya Parishad) for senior citizens underscores his significant role in influencing elderly welfare policies. He is also a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh.
Early life and education
Originating from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla earned his Doctor of Medicine degree with distinction, securing Gold Medals across nine subjects in 2000. He subsequently completed a rotating internship at King George's Medical University, Lucknow in 2001. By 2003, he had undergone specialized training in critical care medicine at SGPGI, Lucknow. His academic credentials further include postgraduate diplomas in disability management (2007) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and geriatric care (2008). In 2013, he attained certification in palliative medicine from Cardiff University, followed by a postgraduate diploma in clinical endocrinology & diabetes obtained in the UK in 2017.
Awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship in 2010, Shukla pursued advanced studies in palliative medicine at Cardiff University, becoming among the first scholars to receive this honor. He is recognized as an MD Gold Medalist, holds diplomas in both disability management and geriatric care, maintains membership with the American Association of Family Physicians (USA), and was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 2022.
In October 2023, Cardiff University extended an invitation to Shukla to undertake a super specialty course focusing on Clinical Geriatrics.
Work and charity
Shukla is the founder of the Aastha Centre for Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Care Hospital & Hospice, an NGO based in Lucknow since 2003 that offers palliative support to families enduring bereavement. In October 2019, he spearheaded the 'Savera' program aimed at senior citizens, collaborating with Uttar Pradesh Police and UP 112 emergency services.
His efforts during India's COVID-19 vaccination campaign were acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, particularly for his involvement in ensuring vaccine access to remote populations.
Shukla also presides over the Sri Sachidanand Nishkam Seva Trust, a charitable organization with religious foundations.
His professional growth includes training visits to renowned hospices such as Sobell House Hospice in Oxford and St Christopher's Hospice in London, where he gained mentorship from pioneers like Dr. Robert Twycross and Dame Cicely Saunders.
In March 2024, Shukla contributed to a policy discussion on senior citizen welfare hosted by the Department of Social Welfare. Later that year, in October 2024, he was appointed Executive Editor of the South Asian Journal of Geriatric Medicine, Surgery, Palliative Care and Hospice.
In 2025, Shukla received an invitation to participate in an international observership and training program held at La Maison de Tara (Geneva), Inselspital Bern University Hospital, and University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland. By June 2025, he joined the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) Steering Committee under India's Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Awards and honours
Dr. Abhishek Shukla has been the recipient of 34 accolades recognizing medical excellence, among them a prestigious national award bestowed by the President of India, along with commendation letters from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various global dignitaries for his dedication to geriatric healthcare.
- In November 2024, the Times Group presented him with the Icons of Health Award, which Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak conferred in recognition of his significant work in geriatric medicine, palliative care, and rehabilitation for disabilities.
- During 2024, he was also honored with letters of appreciation from the President of Spain (Pedro Sánchez) and the Chief Minister of Gujarat (Bhupendrabhai Patel).
- On 16 December 2023, the Geriatric Society of India awarded him a Fellowship in Geriatrics at an event held in Mangalore.
- In July 2023, Aastha Old Age Home was acknowledged with a certificate of appreciation by King George's Medical University.
- June 2023 saw Dr. Shukla receiving the HT Digital Streams Medical Excellence Award from Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak for his impactful contributions to healthcare.
- The year 2022 marked his receipt of a fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians.
- In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally recognized his exceptional social service through a letter of appreciation.
- In 2016, he was honored with the national 'Vayoshreshtha Samman' award presented by President Sri Pranab Mukherjee.
Notable Bibliography and publications
- "Autism Spectrum Disorders: How Much Do We Know About It?", 2023, p.127, ASIN:B0CNXGYDYC; authored by Abhishek Shukla, Priyanka Sharma, Abhinav Pandey
- "Prevalence and determinants of cognitive impairment in an elderly population: A hospital based study", 2023, vol.10; by Abhishek Shukla, Amita Shukla, Pankhuri Misra
- "Prevalence and Correlates of Hyponatremia in Critically Ill Elderly patients at Admission and its impact on ICU clinical course in a specialized geriatric facility in northern India", 2023; authored by Abhishek Shukla, Amita Shukla & Pankhuri Misra
- "Clinical and Microbial Profile of Onychomycosis in Elderly Patients", 2023; Dr. Abhishek Shukla MD FRCP, Dr. Amita Shukla MS, Ms. Pankhuri Misra; vol.6, pp.493-498
- "Exploring Psychosocial Issues in Brain Cancer Patients during Initial Treatment Stages", 2025; Karthikeyan K, Abhishek Shukla, Prateek Aggarwal, Nyalam Ramu, Ish Kapila, Parijatham S; vol.4
- "Enhancing Quality of Life for Cancer Patients Through Innovations in Palliative Care", 2025; Smitha Madhavan, Abhishek Shukla, Gujjala Srinath, Bharat Bhushan, Anchal Gupta, Salini R; vol.4