Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics Medknow Publications on behalf of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI) ISSN: 0973-1482 EISSN: 1998-4138 Vol. 7, Num. 3, 2011, pp. 394-394

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, Vol. 7, No. 3, July-September, 2011, pp. 394

Obituary

A giant of oncology: Dr. R. S. Rao

Nagraj G Huilgol

Chief Radiation Oncologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, S. V. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai - 400 056, India
Correspondence Address: Nagraj G Huilgol, Chief Radiation Oncologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, S. V. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai - 400 056, India, nagrajhuilgol@gmail.com

Code Number: cr11107

[Photo, Dr. R.S. Rao]

Dr. R. S. Rao finally succumbed to a prolonged illness, in 2011, in Mumbai. He was a towering personality. He strode the corridors of the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai, for over three decades. He was a like a banyan tree giving shelter to many young surgeons who needed help. He was an unassuming mentor, with a gentle smile. His compassion for patients was well known. He developed the idea of Head and Neck cancer as a specialty, in India. He was helped in his endeavor by his younger colleagues. He assumed the office of Director of the Tata Memorial Hospital in the year 1991. His tenure was marked by the rapid development of technology-based infrastructure in the TMH. Dr. R. S. Rao completed his undergraduation and postgraduation from Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai. He joined the Tata Memorial Hospital as a resident in 1957 - 1958. He was appointed as an Assistant Surgeon in 1963. He was the chief of the Head and Neck service from 1974 - 1995. He was appointed as the Superintendent, TMH, in 1980, and Director and Chief of Surgery TMH, in 1991.

He has several national and international articles and publications to his credit, including a monolog on Thyroid cancer published in 1995 - 1996.

He was a postgraduate teacher at the Mumbai University. He was also President of the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as also the Vice-President of the International College of Surgeons Indian Section.

He had been the ′consultant surgeon′ for the Governor of Maharashtra.

He was also associated with the Shushrusha Hospital and was a consultant at INS Ashwini and the Central Railway Hospital.

He was felicitated with several awards and citations nationally and internationally; the most notable being felicitated by the Ex-Prime Minister, Vajpayee and ex-President APJ Kalam for outstanding service in medicine.

Copyright 2011 - Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics

The following images related to this document are available:

Photo images