Dr Arun V J: From “Average Student” to Leader in Transfusion Medicine
Dr Arun V J, The Leader of Transfusion Medicine at Malabar Medical College, posted on LInkedIn:
”When I was a kid, a godwoman told my parents: “Your youngest son will be an average student and won’t amount to much.”
I heard it too.
My parents didn’t flinch. They said, “Don’t feed that voice. Keep going. We’re with you.”
So I did what I knew: I studied. I showed up. I kept showing up.
MBBS.
MD in Transfusion Medicine – gold medal.
MBA, Hospital Administration (BITS Pilani) – one of the premier institutes.
Today I teach young doctors, mentor them, and I lead my own department.
I also write here and on my blog. People message:
“Your post got me through a tough rotation.”
“This pushed me toward transfusion medicine.”
“Felt seen. Thank you.”
No fee. No funnel. Still fuels me.
Then: I partnered with Steve – someone I’ve never met in person – to co‑found a mentorship program for young transfusion medicine professionals across the world.
We have participants from more than 7 different countries.
Remote. Real. It runs on trust and calendars.
At work, juniors and colleagues come when they’re stuck. Not because I have all the answers. Because I pick up, ask simple questions, and stay with the mess until something moves.
Truth I learned the long way:
Don’t let outsiders write your biography.
Respect the data of your own life.
Do small things well. Repeat.
If this lands, I write deeper pieces here.”

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