Dr. Prasad Raj Dandekar MD, DNB, EPGDHA, is Head of Department of Radiation Oncology at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai
Expertise and experience:
Dr. Prasad received his oncology training at the apex cancer institute of India, the Tata Memorial Hospital (2001 – 2006) where he completed his MD and DNB in Radiation Oncology. He then completed his fellowship in Head and Neck Cancers at the world’s leading cancer institute, the Royal Marsden NHS Trust Hospital London, UK (2007 – 2009).
Dr. Prasad has the unique experience of having set up and led new departments of Radiation Oncology at leading institutions – Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore (2009 – 2010), Sir L H Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai (2010 – 2014) and Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai (2014 – till date).
Drawing upon this expertise and experience, he has set up best in class processes which ensure superior patient care and experience. He is the first to design and run a Radiation Oncology Department on a completely digital paperless platform in India.
Dr. Prasad recognises that the cancer diagnosis and treatment could be an emotionally traumatic experience. He is a trained counsellor (Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling) and offers patient-centric, empathetic care, helping patients to cope better with emotional distress.
Cutting edge technology:
Dr. Prasad specialises in advanced radiotherapy techniques which are aimed at targeting cancer with extreme precision while reducing side effects. He is known as a radiotherapy doctor in mumbai. He was one of the first adopters of the precision radiotherapy technique called Rapid Arc in India. He is keenly interested in how technologies such as artificial intelligence are shaping the field of Oncology.
Leadership:
Dr. Prasad was selected for the prestigious Kamal Nayan Bajaj Fellowship of the Ananta Aspen Centre, which seeks to develop a new generation of value-based action-oriented leaders to serve India. He has also served on the Executive Committee of the Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology, which is a multi-specialty national society for Head-Neck Cancer in India.
Up to date knowledge:
Dr. Prasad keeps himself updated with the latest cancer research and is a much sought after speaker at oncology conferences. He also organises oncology conferences in collaboration with leading experts. Dr. Prasad has set up processes to ensure that his team members are also up-to-date in their knowledge and expertise.
Contribution to society:
Dr. Prasad is very passionate about cancer awareness and runs many online and offline programs to spread awareness about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers. In addition, he is involved in many social initiatives and is a founder of two initiatives which work in the arena of diversity and inclusion. He has been a diversity champion and the face of initiatives such as Out and Proud run by the Times of India.