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This introduction to a special section brings together three papers first presented at a panel, 'Medical Professions in South Asia: Historical and Contemporary Analyses', at the 26th European Conference on South Asian Studies, held in Vienna, Austria and online, in July 2021. All three papers deal with aspects of the professionalisation of biomedical doctors in India since its independence in 1947. The authors bring together historical and sociological approaches to illuminate the growth of specialisms, patterns of practitioner–patient interactions and efforts to maintain occupational closure and maintain status in the face of growing challenges. The introduction concludes with a discussion of the relevance of these papers for the sociology of health and illness in India and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on Trailblazer Awards were given to two highly deserving individuals who have left an indelible mark on the field and their colleagues. Topics include Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have been devoted to the cause of lifestyle medicine for half of their lives or more; and exceptional insights and pioneering research inspired generations of healthcare professionals and individuals.