Remembering Dr. Inder Perkash’s Legacy
Stanford Urology mourns the loss of Inder Perkash, MD, a revered professor whose decades of service shaped the lives of countless patients, students, and colleagues. His passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy endures through the many lives he touched.
Born in India, Inder pursued his medical education at Lucknow University, earning his MBBS in 1957 and a Master of Surgery in 1960. His journey then led him to England, where he obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in 1961. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Dr. Arun Perkash, in 1963. Their shared passion for medicine and service became the foundation of a life filled with purpose and devotion. He was a proud parent to Sunil and Rajan, whom he raised with his wife, Arun.
In 1972, Inder joined Stanford University as an Associate Professor of Surgery, marking the beginning of an illustrious tenure that would span decades. His contributions to urology and spinal cord injury medicine earned him multiple accolades, including the Physician of the Year for the State of California in 1988, the Distinguished Physician award from the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in 1996, and the Presidential Award for Medical Excellence in 2006. He also held the prestigious Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Professorship of Spinal Cord Injury Medicine.
Beyond his professional achievements, Inder was known for his deep empathy and kindness. Colleagues and loved ones remember him as a man of immense warmth, humility, and generosity. Linda Shortliffe, MD, former Chair of Stanford Urology, fondly recalled, “He was, no matter the circumstances, kind, compassionate, and polite. I miss his smiling friendly face and distinctive voice, but they're etched in wonderful memories.”
Inder’s life was a reflection of his belief in the goodness of people and their potential to serve others. His son, Rajan Perkash, expressed this sentiment best, saying, “He truly believed that people are motivated for the good of society, and undoubtedly lived this through example.”
Dr. Inder Perkash’s contributions extended far beyond the walls of Stanford. His work reached global communities, including his collaboration with the World Health Organization on healthcare initiatives spanning 35 nations.
As we remember Dr. Inder Perkash, we honor a man who devoted his life to healing, teaching, and uplifting those around him. His kindness, wisdom, and dedication will remain a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
