Born into a middle-class family in Kochi, Kerala, Dr. Joseph Kunnirickal Joseph’s journey to becoming a renowned physician is nothing short of inspirational. The first doctor in his family, he turned his family’s dreams into reality, carving a path of excellence in the field of internal medicine and diabetology. His journey, filled with perseverance, passion, and an unyielding commitment to patient care, has made him a leading expert across India and the UAE.
Dr. Joseph’s educational journey began at the TocH School in Kochi, followed by his MBBS graduation from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, in 2006. After clearing his screening exams, he spent two years at the Ernakulam Medical Centre as an ICU medical officer. This initial experience in critical care laid the foundation for his specialization in internal medicine. Driven by a passion for advanced medical knowledge, he joined M.S. Ramaiah Medical College in Bangalore, where he graduated in 2014 with a specialization in internal medicine. From that moment, his career trajectory ascended rapidly.
After completing his specialization, Dr. Joseph joined prestigious JCI-accredited hospitals such as Aster Medcity and Rajagiri Hospitals. His time there helped him refine his skills and knowledge in internal medicine, focusing particularly on diabetes management. In 2016, he joined VPS Lakeshore Hospital as a specialist in internal medicine, and by December 2017, his consistent excellence earned him the title of consultant. Here, Dr. Joseph emerged as a pioneer in the use of innovative diabetes treatments, such as incretins, SGLT2 inhibitors, and degludec insulin.
Dr. Joseph Kunnirickal Joseph: Pioneering Newer Diabetes Treatments
Dr. Joseph’s dedication to diabetes care led him to work closely with some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, including Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly. His expertise and success in using newer diabetes medications made him a sought-after speaker for diabetes-related conferences across the globe. He was also deeply involved in training rural doctors across Kerala, ensuring they had access to the latest advancements in diabetes treatment, thereby helping bring state-of-the-art care to underserved communities.
One of Dr. Joseph’s most celebrated achievements came from a case involving an Indian woman living in Kuwait, who had long suffered from uncontrolled diabetes. Despite using 100 units of regular insulin, her HbA1c level remained dangerously high, above 10%. Dr. Joseph introduced a trial treatment using 50 units of degludec insulin along with a weekly GLP-1 agonist, metformin, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Within just a month, her HbA1c had dropped to a much healthier 7%, and she experienced a 5 kg weight loss, with better control over her blood sugar levels. This groundbreaking case earned him a semi-finalist position at the prestigious BMJ South Asia Awards in 2018, highlighting his clinical excellence in diabetes care.
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Leadership During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020, Dr. Joseph’s role expanded into new challenges. Over two years, he treated more than 600 COVID-19 patients, applying his expertise in internal medicine to save lives during an unprecedented global health crisis.
One of his most notable successes was the use of monoclonal antibodies to treat a critically ill COVID patient. This groundbreaking treatment saved the patient’s life and was later highlighted in The Times of India as a major medical success.
The Oxford Recovery Trial later confirmed the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in patients who had not yet mounted an antibody response, validating Dr. Joseph’s early intervention.
Accolades and Global Recognition of Dr. Joseph K Joseph
Dr. Joseph’s work has not gone unnoticed. His numerous awards are a testament to his expertise, dedication, and influence in the field of diabetes and internal medicine.
He has been honored with:
- The Economic Times Healthcare Award for Best Diabetologist in 2022,
- The Elets Global Award for Best Diabetologist in 2023, and
- The UAE Mastermind Award for Best Diabetologist in 2024.
His clinical practice has spanned across both India and the UAE, with his work at Zulekha Hospitals and Aster Clinics in Dubai adding to his global reputation.
Additionally, his role as a trial investigator for AstraZeneca, contributing to cutting-edge research in diabetes care, has cemented his position as an authority in his field. His published works in leading publications such as Indian Express, The Week, and Manorama have also contributed to his thought leadership on diabetes management.
Inspiring Future Physicians
For over 15 years, Dr. Joseph has served as an inspiration to budding physicians across India. His journey from a small-town student to a globally recognized doctor is a story of persistence and passion. Today, he stands as a symbol of excellence in internal medicine, always pushing the boundaries of innovation while keeping patient care at the forefront.
HealthViews Online is proud to honor Dr. Joseph Kunnirickal Joseph with the Asian Healthcare Award for Internal Medicine Specialist of the Year. His unparalleled expertise, groundbreaking contributions, and commitment to improving patient outcomes have set new standards in the medical community. He continues to inspire the next generation of doctors while transforming lives through his clinical practice
