With the pandemic finally behind us, it is perhaps high time we reflected on the role of the healthcare providers and first responders throughout the world who have saved countless lives. The last three years have unarguably weighed the most on these individuals. Yet the compassion and resilience in the face of life-altering adversity needed to be so selfless are woven into the fabric of the profession – to help others and further life on Earth are two promises doctors make to themselves when they officially enter the workforce. Such is the legacy of Oncosurgeon Dr. Ravi Shankar who, with his love for his profession and respect for humanity, has made great strides in recent years.
After losing his grandmother at an early age to the feared disease of cancer, he took the resolute to help the cancer patients in alleviating their pain and sufferings. He pursued his MBBS from the prestigious Maulana Azad medical College, University of Delhi. He got an opportunity to pursue his post graduation from the same institute which taught him the basics of patient care. For his post doctoral, or superspecialist training, he went on to join the prestigious Tata memorial Hospital, Mumbai. He got trained as a M.Ch Head and neck Oncosurgeon over there. He credits his time there as a great period of learning and growth in his life.
Dr Ravi joined Tata Memorial Hospital as a Consultant in the Head and Neck Division, Department of Surgical oncology. Later on, he went on to give his services at Tata Memorial Centre, Varanasi and played a crucial role expanding the services over there.
At the peak of COVID in 2021, Ravi helped both cancer and covid patients relentlessly. He recounts his time in the one-and-a-half month as very difficult, wherein he and his colleagues tracked down individuals in need of surgery and made the resources available to help them. With cancer, a prompt response can make all the difference and he understood the importance of time in such situations. Currently, Ravi is a senior oncologist and consultant at HCG Cancer Centre.
Dr Ravi aims to help in reducing the unmet need of cancer care services. As per him, cancer as a disease takes a toll not only on the patients but the family as well. As per him, the cancer burden is underestimated in the real world scenario. The socio-economic impact it plays in the family,and society at large is yet unaccounted. There is a large section of India which is yet to receive good Onco care and Dr Ravi hopes to fill the gap with equitable, affordable and quality healthcare.
Dr Ravi is amongst the country’s most reputable oncologists for head and neck surgery. With his grit and dedication, he has trained over a dozen young doctors and helped thousands of patients. In the future, he hopes to build rehabilitation centers for cancer patients in remission.
You can reach out to Dr. Ravi Shankar by connecting with him on LinkedIn or Twitter account.
