Dr. Jacob Eapen Receives Kandathil Family Lifetime Achievement Award

KOTTAYAM: Dr. Jacob Eapen, an Indian-American physician with decades of service in medicine and public health, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Kandathil family. The award was presented at the 136th Kandathil Family Reunion held on October 20 at Contour Resort in Changanassery, Kerala.

More than 800 family members attended the gathering, which also saw the participation of representatives from the United States, Canada and other countries. This year's reunion was held under the leadership of President Mohan Varghese.

Dr. Jacob Eapen is the son of Kandathil Chacko Eapen. He has also served as the North American Coordinator of the family reunion.

A 136-Year-Old Family Legacy

With roots in Thiruvalla, the Kandathil family has expanded over generations into six major branches. Dr. Jacob Eapen belongs to the Monoth branch of the family tree. A remarkable distinction of the family is that its six branches collectively include six Padma Award recipients.

The annual reunion serves as a platform to introduce the family's history and traditions to younger generations while recognising the achievements of its members. Artistic performances and competitions are also organised under the leadership of the various family branches.

Medical Service and Public Health

After completing his medical education in India, Dr. Jacob Eapen served in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nigeria before moving to the United States, where he pursued advanced studies in public health.

He worked as a paediatrician with the Alameda County Health System in California for nearly 29 years, including a decade as Medical Director. He placed particular emphasis on children's healthcare and ensuring access to medical services for children from economically disadvantaged families.

Dr. Eapen also holds the distinction of being the first Asian-origin physician to serve as a Public Health Adviser to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He has been involved in healthcare initiatives in refugee camps as well.

He is also recognised as the first Indian to win an election through a popular vote in Northern California. A member of the Board of Directors of Washington Hospital in California, he has been re-elected unopposed for an eighth term.

He currently serves as the International Coordinator of FOKANA.

Recognitions and Honours

Dr. Eapen has received several prestigious honours, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Physician Recognition Award from the Medical Board of California, and the Outstanding Alumni recognition from Stanford University.

Other notable distinctions include the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Sainik School Kazhakootam, and recognition from FOKANA.

Family

Dr. Eapen is married to Shirley Jacob. Their son is Dr. Naveen Jacob, and their daughter Dr. Sandhya is married to Dr. Ryan.

Isaac, Ethan and Aron are their grandchildren.