Dr. G. H. Tilve, former Prof. and Head Department of Medicine, Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai born on 29 October 1939 in Hubli died of B cell lymphoma on 6thMarch 2017. He was 78 years old.

Dr. Tilve qualified for MBBS from KMC,Hubli and MD (Int. Medicine) from Vadodara.

Dr. Tilve joined LTM Medical College and hospital in 1969 after a brief stint with Indian Railways. In 1970, he was transferred to Seth G S Medical College & KEM hospital as Reader Medicine. He went on to become the Professor and head department medicine, a position he held till he retired in 1997. Soon after his joining he was given charge of nuclear medicine. He had obtained diploma in nuclear medicine from RMC, Mumbai. After his formal retirement, he continued to head the nuclear medicine department as emeritus Professor till the end. Under his stewardship the nuclear department made steady growth. It acquired gamma camera and PET CT. A special ward with isolation facilities for radiotherapy was created at KEM hospital. The department was recognized for DNB in the year 2012.

In the year 1977 Dr. Tilve set up the rheumatology section. He continued to head it until his retirement. The rheumatology service attracted patients from far and wide and was an extremely busy section. He was the President of Indian Rheumatology in the years 1994-1995 and a recipient of IRA Boots oration. He contributed significantly to the growth of rheumatology in general and Mumbai in particular.

Dr. Tilve was an excellent teacher and an astute clinician. He was admired by the students and colleagues for clinical skills, and a pragmatic practical approach to clinical problems.

A simple person, he maintained a low profile; was modest to a fault. Dr. Tilve’s interests went beyond medicine. He loved travel especially to Himalayan regions. In fact at the age of 59 years he successfully completed a trek to Everest base camp at the height of 19,000 feet.

He is survived by his wife a practicing gynaecologist, two daughters and two grandchildren.