K. K. Talwar, Cardiologist
Cardiologist

K. K. Talwar

Born 30 April 1946 · verify

Performed South Asia's first implantation of an Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy.

Kewal Kishan Talwar is an Indian cardiologist, medical academic and writer, and a former chairman of the Medical Council of India. He is a former director of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and is reported to have performed the first implantation of Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in South Asia. He is also credited with the introduction of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in India. He is a recipient of several honours including B.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Dr. K.K. Talwar performed the first implantation of an Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in South Asia, a landmark procedure that redefined cardiac emergency care in the region.

The Story

1
In 1976, at PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr. K.K. Talwar completed his DM in cardiology, setting a foundation for pioneering cardiac therapies in India.
2
🌍 During his senior research fellowship at the University of Gothenburg under WHO, he specialized in Electrophysiology, a niche that would later transform cardiac rhythm management in South Asia.
3In 1980, Dr. Talwar joined AIIMS Delhi as assistant professor of cardiology, eventually leading the department in 2002, where he introduced advanced cardiac therapies including the first implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation in South Asia.
4💉 In 2006, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan for introducing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that improved outcomes for heart failure patients nationwide.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2006
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 2006, Dr. Talwar received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India, specifically recognizing his introduction of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, a relatively new technique then, to Indian cardiac practice.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Cardiology specialist K. K. Talwar receiving the Padma Bhushan Award in New Delhi (2006)
Cardiology specialist K. K. Talwar receiving the Padma Bhushan Award in New Delhi (2006)
2006

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Payal, Ludhiana district, Punjab
Kewal Kishan Talwar was born in a small town in Punjab, setting roots in a region that would shape his early education.
1946
📚
Education
Graduated MBBS from Punjabi University
Completed his initial medical degree at Punjabi University, Patiala, beginning his medical career.
1969
📚
Education
Completed DM in Cardiology at PGIMER
Secured his super-specialization degree in cardiology from PGIMER Chandigarh.
1976
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Career
Joined AIIMS Delhi as Assistant Professor
Started a long tenure at AIIMS, where he would introduce advanced cardiac therapies.
1980
⚡
Career
Became Head of Cardiology at AIIMS
Led the cardiology department, setting clinical and research directions for nearly a decade.
2002
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received one of India's highest civilian honors for medical contributions, notably cardiac therapies.
2006
⚡
Career
Retired as Director of PGIMER
Concluded his official tenure at PGIMER after serving as director and cardiology head.
2011
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Career
Chairman of Cardiology at Max Healthcare
Joined Max Healthcare Delhi, continuing leadership in cardiac sciences in the private sector.
2013
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Dr. Talwar trained in Electrophysiology at the University of Gothenburg as a WHO senior research fellow, a rare international exposure for Indian cardiologists in the 1970s.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

In 2025, Dr. Talwar publicly debunked the misleading ‘bypass the bypass’ trend at the International Patients’ Union Conference, highlighting his commitment to combating health misinformation.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He served as the president of two major Indian medical societies simultaneously from 2009 to 2012: the Heart Failure Society of India and the National Academy of Medical Sciences.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Dr. K. K. Talwar - Increase in Heart Diseases in India
More from this archive
Dr. K. K. Talwar - Increase in Heart Diseases in India
01
Dr. K. K. Talwar - Increase in Heart Diseases in India
Sharing an important message by Dr KK Talwar who is Punjab’s Health Advisor
02
Sharing an important message by Dr KK Talwar who is Punjab’s Health Advisor

🌱 What changed because of them

Dr. Talwar’s introduction of ICD therapy and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy at premier institutions like AIIMS and PGIMER transformed treatment protocols for heart failure and arrhythmias in India. His tenure as chairman of the Medical Council of India and leadership roles in medical educational boards helped steer policies improving cardiac education and patient care standards nationally.

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