Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch) – Surgical Oncology

Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch) – Surgical Oncology

Surgical Oncology is one of the first services that started at SRHU in 1992 as a community cancer clinic. Development of Oncology services were important part of the vision of HH Swami Rama for getting affordable cancer care within reach of the sub Himalayan population who could not afford to travel to far away cities. As the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences came up, Oncology services became part of academic Department of Surgery as sub specialized Surgical unit & evolved as major referral center for cancer care in Dehradun region.

Oncology services at HIMS paved the way for the development of Cancer Research Institute - CRI at SRHU campus in 2008. Housing 260 bedded facilities including Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Nuclear Medicine, Palliative & Supportive Oncology, Onco-pathology, Preventive Oncology, Dental Services, Cancer Research all under one roof.

The Department

The Department of Surgical Oncology is part of the comprehensive cancer care offered by the CRI and is the largest and oldest referral centre for Cancer surgery both in the state of Uttarakhand and western UP. The Department has an OPD footfall of 14532 every year, with 1834 inpatient admissions and performs approximately 3100 Oncological procedures including 1000 major & extra major surgeries yearly.

The Cancer Research Institute has five modular Operating Rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, air filtration system, energy devices, high end anesthesia workstations, pendants and information systems for patient management. It has a 16 bedded postoperative room and a 12 bedded ICU for cancer patients. Modern endoscopy services including Endoscopic Ultrasound are located in OT complex and available for Surgical Oncology faculty and trainees to use. Pathology services are in house with facility for Frozen section examination and Histopathology and IHC. Biobanking of tumour tissues is also done to facilitate basic research.

HIMS provides vibrant academic environment for learning cancer care in a multidisciplinary setting. Faculty & staff in Surgical Oncology offer organ specific services working in harmony with the Department of Radiation and Medical oncology, the Bone Marrow transplant unit and Pediatric Hemato-oncology. Multidisciplinary discussions are held for all patients with a weekly tumour board handling all complicated cases. Weekly clinical audit of all cases treated by the Oncology services is mandatory part of quality assurance in cancer care.

All faculty members have vast experience of oncology care and surgical procedures, trained at premier institution of India and abroad. Department offers wide range of Surgical Oncology expertise to perform basic and complex surgical procedures for cancer of Head and Neck, Breast, esophagus, GI and Genitourinary, Musculoskeletal including reconstructive procedures. Faculty members have sub specialized in different organ specific areas to provide quality care. Surgical oncology service has strong support of Pathology, Dental Services, Pain and Palliative Care Services, Speech and Rehabilitation Services and Stoma Care.

Department has important ongoing research projects sponsored by ICMR, DBT, UCOST and continues to publish significantly. And has been actively participating in academic meetings and conferences at regional and National level, Department organized the National Conference of Indian Association of Surgical oncology in 1999, and thereafter midterm conference of ISO and IASO in 2008, 2013, and has been co-hosting Oncology conferences, Workshops and CME every year.

Trainees in the Department and multidisciplinary environment around have the opportunity to learn skills and develop a strong foundation for career in Surgical Oncology.

To fulfil one of the strategic goals of the SRHU "to engage the world from the Himalaya hillock", recently Cancer Research Institute, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences at the SRHU in collaboration with leading National and International cancer institutions has established a Global Consortium for Breast Cancer in Young Women under the age of 40 (GCBCYW) with emphasis on translational breast cancer research, academic and training programs, and promoting awareness among the targeted age group of women.

  • Anesthesiology: Department of Anesthesiology & Pain management is one of the largest departments at HIMS and cater the needs of the main hospital as well CRI, dedicated faculty staff and rotating resident staff takes care of Operation theater services at CRI.
  • Cadaveric Laboratory / Anatomy: A cadaveric lab is available for training of all surgical residents.
  • Central Reference Laboratory & Blood Banking: HIMS has NABL accredited laboratories, providing all services required for modern Oncological care including Histopathology, Cytology, IHC, Molecular markers. Laboratories & blood bank are housed in a separate large multistoried building.
  • Complementary therapy / Yoga and Stress Management: SRHU has special focus on integration of lifestyle management in care of chronic illnesses. Special sessions are held for stress management of cancer patients, a separate building of Panchkarma offers services for recuperation of cancer patients.
  • Dental Surgery:  It works closely with Head & Neck Oncology team.
  • Medical Oncology, Clinical Hematology: A dedicated clinical Department of Medical Oncology offers services of Day care chemotherapy, Bone Marrow transplant.
  • Nuclear Medicine: Located in CRI building, Department is equipped with PET CT Scan, Gamma camera and is the only facility to offer PET CT Scan in the state of Uttarakhand.
  • Palliative & Supportive Oncology: Cancer Research Institute has special focus on organization of palliative & supportive care, having dedicated faculty & nursing staff and participation from all oncology faculty staff. Developing pain free services at CRI.
  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Speech Therapy: It offers comprehensive and specialized services by dedicated staff.
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: Academic Department of Plastic Surgery at HIMS has four dedicated faculty and works closely with Surgical Oncology team providing support for major oncoplastic & reconstructive procedures including microvascular free flaps.
  • Pulmonary Medicine / Critical Care Medicine: Department supports lung cancer services and intensive care.
  • Radiation Oncology: Department of Radiation oncology at CRI, HIMS is equipped with two linear accelerators including Varian Linear Accelerator “True Beam “capable of delivering IMRT, IGRT, SBRT and another Linear accelerator by Siemens, HDR Brachytherapy. Department is functional since 2008 and has been serving largest number of cases in this region. Department is having MD program in Radiation Oncology and B.Sc in Radiotherapy Technology.
  • Radio diagnosis: Equipped with state of art MRI, CT Scan, Mammography, Ultrasound, Dexa scan, provides services of Diagnostic & interventional radiology.

FACULTY

Dr. Manisa Pattanayak Associate Professor
Dr. Manisa Pattanayak
Associate Professor
Dr. Gurpreet Singh Assistant Professor
Dr. Gurpreet Singh
Assistant Professor
Dr. Madiwalesh Chhebbi Assistant Professor
Dr. Madiwalesh Chhebbi
Assistant Professor
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Admission Open For 2025

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Professor & Head
Dr Sunil Saini

Qualifications: MBBS, MS (Surgery) BHU Varanasi

Director, Cancer Research Institute
HIMS, SRHU Dehradun

Started first cancer clinic at Himalayan Hospital in 1992, and subsequently served as faculty in Surgical Oncology, at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences 1995 onwards. Dr Saini completed a fellowship in Head & Neck Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai under Dr Ashok Mehta & a fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute New York. He has vast experience of treating thousands of cancers patients over last 28 years from western UP & Uttarakhand region performing complex surgical procedures for all common & rare cancers. Dr Saini has special focus & expertise in surgical management of Head & Neck, breast, esophagus & upper aerodigestive tract cancers. He has Academic & research interest in clinical oncology, palliative & supportive oncology, cancer data base, tissue banking. Published more than 100 articles, and completed many sponsored research projects, had major research grants from ICMR, DBT, UCOST. Serving as chairperson of HIMS Research committee and Institutional Ethics committee of AIIMS Rishikesh, served as member / chairperson of subcommittees at ICMR / DBT. Played leading role in setting up Cancer Research Institute at SRHU and cancer awareness in Uttarakhand region. He has been examiner for MCh Surgical Oncology at AIIMS New Delhi & BHU Varanasi. Received numerous awards and acknowledgments including best clinician award at HIMS in 1999, UICC fellowship 2004, Uttarakhand Ratna award 2017, Special award from SRHU for long services 2013, from Health Minister of India for setting up Cancer Institution 2015, Special Medical Services award from Chief Minister 2019 and from Governor 2020. Continues to serve as committed clinician and surgeon & teacher, with focus on excellence in cancer care for service of people at large.

Nursing Advisor at Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan is a highly regarded American nursing leader and researcher who has dedicated decades to advancing nursing education and clinical practices at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) and Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Dehradun, India. Serving as the Nursing Advisor, she has been instrumental in shaping the Himalayan College of Nursing into a center of excellence, emphasizing the integration of compassionate care with modern medical technology.

Dr. McKeehan’s academic background is extensive, including a Ph.D. in nursing from the Case Western Reserve University and post-doctoral research at Ohio State University. Before her long-term commitment to the Himalayan Institute, she held prestigious academic positions, such as the Dorothy Rider Pool Professorship at Allentown College. Her research expertise spans oncology nursing, continuing education strategies, and innovation diffusion in healthcare settings.

At HIHT, she is a central figure in tradition and mentorship, often leading the symbolic Lamp Lighting and Oath Ceremony for new nursing students. Her work focuses on fostering a vibrant research culture and ensuring that nursing curricula meet international standards while remaining rooted in the visionary humanitarian principles of the institute's founder, H.H. Dr. Swami Rama.

Former Director, LBSNAA

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.)

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.) is a distinguished former Indian Administrative Service officer (1985 batch, West Bengal cadre), historian, and author. He is most widely recognised for his tenure as the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) from 2019 until his retirement in March 2021. Throughout his 36-year bureaucratic career, he served in high-profile roles, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal and Secretary of Industrial Development in Uttarakhand.

Since retiring, Dr. Chopra has emerged as a prominent literary figure and public intellectual. He is the Founder and Festival Director of Valley of Words, an international literature and arts festival based in Dehradun. An acclaimed author, his works include We, the People of the States of Bharat: The Making and Remaking of India’s Internal Boundaries (2022) and The Great Conciliator: Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Transformation of India (2025).

He holds a PhD in Management and has been a fellow at prestigious institutions like Cornell University and the World Bank. Currently, he continues to contribute as a columnist for ThePrint and serves as a Senior Fellow in Contemporary History at the Prime Ministers' Memorial and Library.

FRSB, FRSB

Prof. Graham Roy Ball

Prof. Graham Roy Ball, FRSB, is a distinguished expert in bioinformatics and computational systems biology. He currently serves as a Professor at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), where he is the Director of the Medical Technology Research Centre. He also holds a significant role as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Intelligent OMICS Ltd, a company specializing in AI-driven biomedical discovery.

Prof. Ball's work focuses on applying Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and machine learning to solve complex biological problems. His research spans cancer systems biology, drug discovery, and the development of "molecular digital twins" for disease states. He is particularly noted for his work on the Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+), a system that uses biomarkers to improve breast cancer patient stratification.

Before joining ARU, he was a Professor of Bioinformatics at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for over two decades, where he led the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre’s biostatistics efforts. He has published more than 280 journal papers and holds multiple patents in the field of AI and omics data analysis. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals like Proteomics.

Prof. & Researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni, MD, MS, is a world-renowned leader in pediatric critical care and resuscitation science. He serves as a Professor and Endowed Chair at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He is the founding director of the CHOP Academy for Resuscitation of Children and the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Nadkarni has served as President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (2023-2024) and Co-Chair of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). His research focuses on advancing CPR quality, sepsis management, and pediatric life support, contributing to over 850 peer-reviewed publications. He has also been a key figure in global health initiatives, including the ABC Stop the Bleed program in India and missions with Operation Smile.

Dr. Nadkarni has received numerous accolades, such as the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the AAP Distinguished Career Award. He continues to mentor over 150 clinician-scientists while leading international efforts to strengthen the "chain of survival" for critically ill children worldwide.

Former Director General, UCOST

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal is a highly accomplished civil servant and technocrat who served an illustrious 29-year tenure in the Industries Department of the Government of Uttarakhand. While he is often associated with leadership in state councils, he is most distinguished for his role as the Director of Industries. During his service, he was instrumental in positioning Uttarakhand as a leader in the MSME and Startup sectors.

A leather technology engineer from HBTU Kanpur with a Master’s in Economics, Nautiyal’s career spanned the private sector, public sector banking, and the Ministry of MSME. He is credited with leading the state to secure the first position in the North India Geographical Indication (GI) festival in 2022, successfully promoting indigenous products like Munsiyari Rajma and Ringal Craft.

Currently, he serves as a member of the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office, where he continues to facilitate investment and entrepreneurship for the state’s diaspora. His proactive approach has made him a respected figure in Indian industrial circles, recently earning him recognition at the Raj Bhavan for his lifelong contributions.

Former Fellow University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra is a renowned Management Guru and academician with over 40 years of experience in teaching, research, and consulting. He is particularly recognized for his tenure as a Fellow in the Department of Economics & Accounting at the University of Liverpool, UK, where he served from 1996 to 1997. His international academic footprint also includes serving as a Senior Visiting Faculty at Tulane University, USA.

In India, Prof. Mishra has held several prestigious positions, including Director of the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) and officiating Vice Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University, Indore. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Allahabad and is widely known for pioneering the study of Indian Ethos in Management, blending ancient Vedic wisdom with modern business theories.

A prolific scholar, he has supervised numerous doctoral students and authored several books and research papers. Prof. Mishra is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the Founder President of organizations like the Shri Krishna Foundation and Utkarsha, which focus on spiritual wisdom and community development. His multifaceted career is marked by prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship and the United Nations Fellowship.

Ex Director, National JALMA

Prof. Kiran Katoch

Prof. Kiran Katoch is a highly respected academic researcher and medical scientist who served as the Director of the National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD) in Agra. With over four decades of experience, she has been a leading figure in the research and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in India. Her work is characterized by a unique focus on bridging clinical medicine with laboratory research to improve patient outcomes in mycobacterial infections.

A prolific scientist, Prof. Katoch has authored or co-authored over 150 research publications in prestigious national and international journals. Her seminal contributions include studies on the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy and the investigation of cardiovascular involvement in leprosy patients. For her outstanding research, she was honored with the Dr. C. G. S. Iyer Oration Award in 1989.

Beyond her administrative and research roles, she has served as the Editor of the Indian Journal of Leprosy and the President of the Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI). Even after her tenure as Director, she remains active as an ICMR Distinguished Scientist Chair, continuing to advocate for integrated health systems and innovative research to solve local health challenges.

Executive-in-Residence, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research

Mr. Prabhat Pani

Mr. Prabhat Pani is a distinguished corporate leader and academician with over 40 years of experience, currently serving as an Executive in Residence and Executive Director of the Centre for Impact in Sustainable Development at SPJIMR, Mumbai. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he began his career with the Tata Administrative Services (TAS) and has held numerous leadership roles across the Tata Group.

His corporate journey includes serving as the CEO of Ginger Hotels (Roots Corporation Ltd) and as the Executive Director of Taj SATS Air Catering. He also spent significant time in the telecom sector, holding senior roles at Tata Teleservices, Airtel, and BPL Cellular. Prior to his academic transition, he served as Head of Partnerships & Technology at Tata Trusts, where he led large-scale social impact initiatives.

At SPJIMR, Pani focuses on Sustainable Development and social sector interventions, bridging the gap between corporate efficiency and developmental needs. He is also a Senior Advisor at The Conference Board and continues to mentor social sector professionals. His work remains centered on building institutional capacity and leveraging technology for broad-based community impact.

Media Executive & Board Member, Times Group

Mr. A.P. Parigi

Mr. A.P. Parigi, is a veteran leader in the Indian media, entertainment, and telecommunications sectors with over 40 years of experience. He is most widely recognized as the Co-Founder of Radio Mirchi, where he served as the Managing Director and CEO of Entertainment Network India Ltd. (ENIL). Under his leadership, Radio Mirchi grew into India's largest private FM radio network, fundamentally changing the country's audio landscape.

Throughout his career, Parigi has held several high-profile roles, including Group CEO of Network18, CEO of BPL Mobile, and MD & CEO of Eros International Media. His strategic vision also spearheaded the Times Group’s entry into the Out-of-Home (OOH) media business. Beyond corporate leadership, he has served on the boards of major entities like Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India) and has been an advisor to global institutions such as the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

An alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics and the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, Parigi was the first non-American to receive the Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009. Today, he continues to mentor next-generation leaders and advise organisations on growth, corporate governance, and digital transformation.

Former Director, IHBT

Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, FNA, is a distinguished agricultural biotechnologist and the former Director of the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT). Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), where he oversees the selection of top-tier scientific talent for India’s agricultural research sector. His leadership is defined by a commitment to converting high-end biotechnology into sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the Himalayan region.

During his tenure at CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Kumar achieved major milestones, including the historic introduction of Heeng (asafoetida) and monk fruit cultivation in India. His research spans plant molecular biology and genomics, specifically focusing on how Himalayan flora adapts to extreme environments. A fellow of all three major Indian science academies (FNA, FNASc, and FNAAS), he has published over 120 research papers. His work continues to play a vital role in strengthening India's bio-economy and ensuring long-term food security through innovation.

Pro-Chancellor, Perdana University, Malaysia

Dr. Mohan Swami 

Dr. Mohan Swami is a distinguished physician, entrepreneur, and educational visionary who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Perdana University, Malaysia. A graduate of Mysore University, India, he began his medical career in 1978. He initially gained prominence in Sabah, where he established the largest private medical group practice, laying the foundation for his extensive career in healthcare management and corporate leadership.

Dr. Swami is widely recognized as the driving force behind the establishment of Perdana University in 2011. Under his leadership, the institution launched as a landmark public-private partnership, collaborating with world-class entities like the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Beyond academia, he is the Executive Chairman of Chase Perdana Sdn Bhd and has held significant leadership roles in various multinational corporations across the healthcare, property, and hospitality sectors.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Swami is a deeply spiritual individual. He serves as the President of the AHYMSIN (Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International) and Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University. For his immense contributions to education and the Malaysian economy, he was conferred the title of Tan Sri. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Botswana in Malaysia, bridging international relations through diplomacy and philanthropy.

Mahamandleshwar Juna Akhara

Swami Avdheshanand

Swami Avdheshanand is one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders and the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, the largest order of Hindu monks. Born on November 24, 1962, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, he displayed a profound spiritual inclination from childhood. Seeking higher truths, he renounced worldly life at a young age to practice intense meditation and austerity as a hermit in the Himalayas.

His teachings are rooted in Advaita Vedanta, focusing on self-realization, universal brotherhood, and the harmony of all religions. Beyond his role as a monastic leader, he is a globally respected philosopher who has addressed the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, advocating for global peace and environmental sustainability.

As the founder of Prabhu Premi Sangh, he oversees extensive social welfare projects, including healthcare initiatives, educational programs for the underprivileged, and environmental conservation efforts like the "Green Kumbh." A prolific author and orator, his discourses reach millions via television and digital platforms. Known for his serene demeanor and intellectual depth, Swami Ji continues to bridge the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and modern global challenges, guiding seekers toward a life of purpose and spiritual clarity.