Doctors` Day 2026.
Medicine is driven not only by scientific advancement but also by the dedication of professionals who continually push the boundaries of patient care, research, education, and innovation. From pioneering complex surgical techniques and advancing fertility care to transforming cancer treatment, veterinary science, nutrition, and neurological health, today's healthcare leaders are creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond hospitals and clinics.
On the occasion of Doctors' Day, we recognise a distinguished group of experts whose commitment to clinical excellence, lifelong learning, and compassionate care is shaping the future of healthcare. Through their achievements across diverse medical disciplines, they continue to improve lives, inspire the next generation of professionals, and strengthen the foundations of modern medicine.
Dr. Vipulroy Rathod: A Legacy of Expertise and Innovation
Dr. Vipulroy Rathod, Director of Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Sciences at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, has been delivering trusted endoscopy and gastroenterology care since 1998. Widely recognised as a pioneer of Diagnostic and Interventional Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) in South Asia, he has spent more than three decades advancing the diagnosis and treatment of complex digestive, liver, pancreatic, and biliary disorders.
His clinical excellence is reflected in his vast experience of performing 80,000+ diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures and 20,000+ EUS procedures, making him one of the most experienced gastroenterologists in the region.
Beyond patient care, Dr. Rathod has made a strong contribution to medical education and advanced endoscopy training. He has trained over 450 doctors from more than 35 countries and delivered 2,000+ lectures and live demonstrations across 50 countries, helping guide the next generation of gastroenterologists worldwide.
Transforming Joint Care: A Tribute to Dr. Dibya Singha Das
This Doctors' Day, we celebrate the innovators redefining healthcare in Odisha, chief among them Dr. Dibya Singha Das. A pioneering Orthopedic Consultant at Bhubaneswar's Utkal Hospital, Dr. Das is transforming the landscape of sports medicine and joint replacement through cutting-edge technology and precision medicine.
Specializing in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements, Dr. Das has brought world-class surgical accuracy to the region, significantly improving recovery timelines and patient mobility. His dedication to clinical excellence was recently on full display during the landmark Odisha Arthroscopy Society conference (OASCON 2026), where he successfully oversaw a high-stakes workshop featuring ten live surgeries.
His groundbreaking work has earned him widespread institutional and state recognition, including prestigious accolades from the Health Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha for his outstanding contributions to robotic joint replacement and advanced sports injury treatment. Beyond the operating theater, Dr. Das inspires a holistic approach to medicine, actively championing physical fitness and utilizing digital media to bridge the gap between complex orthopedic science and public health awareness.
Thank you, Dr. Das, for your relentless pursuit of medical excellence, innovation, and your unwavering commitment to restoring your patients' quality of life. Happy Doctors' Day!
Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney: Pioneering Advanced Neurosurgical Care
Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney is one of the leading neurosurgeons in Mumbai and is known for his expertise in minimally invasive brain and spine surgery. With over 18 years of medical experience, he specializes in brain tumour surgery, spine surgery, epilepsy surgery, deep brain stimulation (DBS), functional neurosurgery, and neuroendoscopy. He completed his MBBS from Terna Medical College, followed by an MS in General Surgery and an MCh in Neurosurgery from St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, where he secured the first rank in the university examination. Dr. Sawhney further refined his expertise through advanced fellowships in Functional Neurosurgery and Epilepsy Surgery in Japan, along with training in Neuroendoscopy.
Recognized among India Today's Top Neurosurgeons in Mumbai (2020), he has also received the Most Promising Neurosurgeon in Maharashtra award. Having treated over 5,000 patients, Dr. Sawhney combines advanced surgical techniques with a patient-centred approach to complex neurological conditions.
Dr. Ankit Pal: Redefining Veterinary Surgery Beyond the Scalpel
Veterinary science today extends far beyond clinical care, contributing to biomedical innovation, surgical education, public health, and the One Health approach that connects animal, human, and environmental health. Guided by this vision, Dr. Ankit Pal, Veterinary Scientist at the Jayaramdas Patel Academic Centre (JPAC), Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, and Chief Veterinary Surgeon of Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic, has spent over a decade advancing veterinary surgery through research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
His work spans translational biomedical research, ethical pre-clinical evaluation of advanced surgical technologies, laboratory animal science, and simulation-based surgical education. In a unique interdisciplinary role, he has trained both veterinary and human surgeons in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. In 2026, he also served as Course Director for the Advanced Veterinary Rigid Endoscopy Course at IRCAD India, reflecting his contribution to modern surgical training.
Beyond the operating theatre, Dr. Pal actively advocates responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, rabies prevention, and One Health initiatives while promoting the expanding role of veterinarians in scientific research and healthcare innovation.
"A veterinarian's contribution does not end at saving an animal's life; it begins there. Through research, education, and innovation, we also help shape the future of human health." - Dr. Ankit Pal
Dr. Garvit Chitkara: Leading the Future of Breast Surgical Oncology
Dr. Garvit Chitkara is one of the leading breast cancer surgeons in Mumbai and currently serves as the Associate Director of Breast Surgical Oncology and Oncoplasty at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai. With over 17 years of medical experience and more than a decade dedicated to breast surgical oncology, he specializes in breast cancer surgery, breast oncoplastic reconstruction, and comprehensive breast care. Dr. Chitkara completed his Fellowship in Breast Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and further enhanced his expertise through a Clinical Observership in Breast Oncoplasty at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. His areas of interest include breast oncoplastic surgery, genetics, molecular epidemiology, and clinical research.
He has also completed advanced certification programs from Harvard Medical School and is an active member of several national and international surgical oncology societies. Dr. Chitkara is committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care with a focus on both cancer treatment and quality of life.
Dr. Manisha Mehta: Pioneering Hope in Assisted Reproductive Medicine
Dr. Manisha Mehta is a fertility specialist and obstetrician-gynaecologist with over 20 years of experience in reproductive medicine. She leads the IVF & Fertility Department at Apex Hospital, Sirsa, and is known for managing complex infertility cases, including recurrent IVF failures, low AMH, male infertility, and high-risk pregnancies. She completed her MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi, followed by an MD in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from Lady Hardinge Medical College and a DNB from the National Board of Examinations. Dr. Mehta is a member of professional organisations such as ESHRE, ISAR, FOGSI, and MNAMS.
She has been associated with several regional milestones, including the first IVF baby, first ICSI baby, and first surrogate baby in the Sirsa region. Beyond clinical practice, she actively promotes awareness about fertility, PCOS, egg freezing, and women's reproductive health through educational initiatives and public outreach programs.
Shraddha Desai: Empowering Everyday Wellness Through Conscious Nutrition
Nutritionist and wellness entrepreneur Shraddha Desai is the founder of Happi Farms, a brand built on the belief that real wellness begins with real food. With a Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics and over 14 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families embrace healthier, more sustainable eating habits through practical, science-backed nutrition.
Recognizing the growing demand for clean, minimally processed foods, Shraddha founded Happi Farms to offer healthier, more transparent pantry essentials free from unnecessary additives. Her mission is to make wholesome nutrition accessible while encouraging people to rediscover the value of simple, natural ingredients.
Beyond leading her brand, Shraddha actively educates her online community through evidence-based nutrition guidance, healthy recipes, and practical wellness tips that make balanced eating achievable. She believes lasting health is built through sustainable habits rather than restrictive diets.
On the occasion of Doctors' Day, Shraddha salutes the dedication of doctors and healthcare professionals. She believes nutrition complements medical care by encouraging informed food choices and healthier lifestyles, reinforcing that everyday habits and mindful eating lay the foundation for long-term health and well-being.
Dr. Sanket Mehta, Founder & Lead Surgical Oncologist SSO Cancer Hospitals
Dr. Sanket Mehta is the Founder of Surgical Speciality Oncology (SSO) Cancer Hospitals and one of India's pioneering surgical oncologists, with specialised expertise in Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS), HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy), and intra-operative ultrasound-guided liver surgery. Renowned for managing complex abdominal cancers, he combines advanced surgical expertise with evidence-based, patient-centred care.
Over his career, Dr. Mehta has performed more than 1,600 Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) procedures and over 800 laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgeries, making him one of India's most experienced surgeons in these highly specialised techniques.
His clinical practice focuses on gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliary, liver, peritoneal surface, and advanced abdominal malignancies. Widely respected for his ethical approach, meticulous surgical precision, and excellent peri-operative outcomes, he is frequently entrusted with some of the country's most challenging cancer cases.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Mehta is dedicated to mentoring future surgical oncologists and advancing standards of cancer care. He also actively supports the Cancer Charity Trust, helping underprivileged patients access life-saving treatment. Under his leadership, SSO has earned recognition for organ-specific expertise, clinical excellence, and a steadfast commitment to patient-first care.
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