Dr Autar Singh Paintal was a Medical Scientist, who made pioneering discoveries in neurosciences and respiratory sciences. He is the first Indian Physiologist to become the Fellow of the Royal Society, London. His major contribution to the world of science is the development of a single-fibre technique for recording afferent impulses from individual sensory receptors. He is best known for his breakthrough studies and discoveries that added a new dimension to the methods adopted by medical science for studying lung diseases, heart diseases, and neurological diseases .

HIS Contribution to Healthcare Landscape in India ;

He discovered several sensory receptors, including atrial B receptors, pulmonary J-receptors, ventricular pressure receptors, stomach stretch receptors, and muscle pain receptors. They have set the beginning of a new era in physiological understanding.

Change-Making Positions Held ;

* Worked in Technical Development Establishment of AIMS.
* President, National College of Chest Physicians.
* Set the beginning of a new era in physiological understanding.
* Director of the Vallabhai Patel Chest Institute.
* Became the first Principal of University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS),
New Delhi.

Laurels Brought to Dr Autar Singh Paintal ;

* Conferred Padma Vibhushan in 1986 by the Government of India.
* Honorary member of American Physiological Society.
* Fellow of the Royal Society.
* Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
* Fellow of the Indian Academy of Medical Science.
* Barclay Medal, Asiatic Society.
* R. D. Birla Award.
* C. V. Raman Medal.

Impact Brought in the Lives of Common Indians ;

Dr Autar Singh Paintal's discoveries helped open up new treatment avenues for millions of people whose ailments could not be diagnosed till then. In coordination with the Govt of India, he founded a department at VPCI to investigate breathlessness and respiratory problems in soldiers posted at high altitudes.