Cancer, often called The Big C, is more than a medical condition, it’s a profound disruption that affects every aspect of a patient’s life. A diagnosis doesn’t just bring questions about survival, it reshapes futures, alters relationships, and introduces emotional and financial burdens that few are prepared for. Sir William Osler, a pioneering physician known as the Father of Modern Medicine, once said, ‘The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease’. Dr Anvesh Dharanikota embodies this philosophy, ensuring that his approach goes beyond surgical precision to understand the individual behind the diagnosis truly. His decision to specialize in surgical oncology was driven by both passion and purpose. Coming from a family of accomplished doctors, he was drawn to the field early on, inspired by his father’s compassion and surgical skills and mother’s dedication to patient care. However, it was the intricate nature of cancer surgeries and its potential to change lives that truly solidified his path.

Dr Anvesh is a highly skilled and accomplished surgical oncologist with a strong academic and professional background. He completed his MBBS from Guntur Medical College, followed by MS in General Surgery from Katuri Medical College, where he was honored as the best outgoing student with a gold medal. His passion for oncology led him to pursue MCh in Surgical Oncology from the prestigious Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore. Throughout his career, Dr Anvesh has trained at esteemed institutions such as Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology and Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, where he honed his expertise in multidisciplinary cancer care and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopy and robotic surgery.

Integrating Technology & A
Over the past decade, surgical oncology has witnessed remarkable advancements, significantly improving patient outcomes and recovery times. Innovations such as minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery, have transformed cancer treatment by enabling greater precision, reducing complications, and ensuring quicker post-surgical recovery. Additionally advanced techniques like Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) have provided more effective targeted treatments for certain cancers.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has also emerged as a transformative force in oncology, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, preoperative planning, and real-time surgical guidance. “AI can identify recurrence patterns and recommend optimal treatment strategies by analyzing vast datasets, offering insights beyond immediate human perception. Ongoing studies and trials continue to integrate AI-driven tools to refine precision medicine, ultimately personalizing treatment plans for each patient”, asserts Dr Anvesh.

Robotic-assisted surgery has further revolutionized the field by providing surgeons with enhanced dexterity, tremor filtration, and superior visualization. Modern robotic systems offer a higher degree of freedom compared to traditional laparoscopic instruments, allowing for more intricate procedures, particularly in challenging areas such as the deep pelvic region. Equipped with 4K cameras and 10x magnification, these systems provide unparalleled clarity, reducing surgical errors, minimizing blood loss, and promoting faster patient recovery.

Maintaining Balance
The field of surgical oncology is emotionally and physically taxing, requiring long hours in the operating room and handling complex cases. For Dr Anvesh, maintaining equilibrium is essential to his career longevity. He understands the importance of maintaining a work-life balance to sustain his energy and effectiveness and that he can continue to give committed patient care while protecting his health by keeping this balance.

To attain this, he prioritizes establishing clear boundaries between his personal and professional lives, making sure that when he is not on duty, he completely disconnects to recharge. During this time, he relies on his team and effectively assigns tasks to make time for his loved ones while ensuring the best possible patientcare.

I collaborate closely with my team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to ensure a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach for each patient

“I also make time for hobbies, family time, and rest to cope with the emotional strain of my job. I feel that managing the demands of this field requires a solid support network that includes friends, family, and co-workers”, Dr Anvesh adds.

Guidance for Future Surgical Oncologists
According to Dr Anvesh, young medical professionals should only pursue surgical oncology if they truly have a passion for the field. Because of the emotionally and physically taxing nature of treating cancer patients, dedication is crucial but the journey is immensely fulfilling when you can have a significant, life-altering influence on patients. Before specializing, he emphasizes the value of developing a solid foundation in general surgery and fundamental oncology. “The core principles learned during early medical training serve as the backbone for a successful career in surgical oncology. A thorough understanding of surgical techniques, cancer biology, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches is crucial for providing optimal patient care”, Dr Anvesh stresses.

Dr. Anvesh also advises aspiring surgical oncologists to embrace innovation, develop resilience, and stay dedicated to lifelong learning. People who combine skill and compassion will be essential to improving patient outcomes and advancing cancer treatment in this quickly changing field.

Future Vision
According to Dr Anvesh, surgical oncology will develop into more specialized, organ-specific sub-specialties in the future, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures. He hopes to make a contribution to change and guarantee that each cancer is treated by specialists in that field by promoting site-specific specialization in surgical oncology. ”I actively encourage sub-specialists to take on designated roles, as I believe this focused approach leads to better patient outcomes. As the field advances, I want to integrate innovative techniques and foster a more specialized, patient-centered model of cancer care”, Dr Anvesh concludes.

Awards & Certificates
•Gold Medal for Top Scorer(Post Graduate Examinations)- Katuri Medical College & Hospital 2016
•Best Poster Award for presentation on “Unusual case of Torsion Gall Bladder with Gangrene presenting as Peritonitis” - ASICON 2015
•Best Poster Award for presentation on “Survival outcomes in patients with Thymoma after thymectomy in an Indian scenario – A single Institute Experience” - MIDCON 2020
•Best Presentation Award for presentation on “The Impact of Robotic Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications - A Prospective Analysis” - ACRLS 2022
•Dr C Palanivelu Best Faculty Video Award for presentation on “Evaluation of Indocyanine Green Injection for Sentinel Lymph Node Identification in Breast Cancer Patients with Lymphatic Disruption” - ASICON 2023