Dr Fahad Afzal
Medical Oncologist
In this context, among the many white coats moving through the corridors of Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, a premier institution known for its super specialty care, one doctor distinguishes himself. Not through fanfare or volume, but through the enduring trust he builds with each patient. The long lines outside his consultation room speak volumes, offering just a glimpse into the trust people hold for Dr Fahad Afzal. What draws them in is his empathy, hands-on experience, and knowledge in cancer management.
The Makings of an Oncologist Par Excellence
Dr Fahad Afzal is a renowned medical oncologist at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai. Besides, he is also the founder-director of AZcure Centre of Oncology, a chain of chemotherapy day care centres across Mumbai, which focuses on affordable cancer treatment. His journey into medicine was shaped early on by personal circumstances. He spent his early school years in Dubai, but following the untimely passing of his father, his family returned to India. This life-altering moment, experienced at a tender age, planted the desire to become a doctor, a calling born not out of ambition but out of a simple wish to save lives.
Personalized Cancer Care
For Dr Fahad, effective cancer care is about more than just treatment, it’s about understanding each patient as a whole. He approaches every case by considering the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s health, genetic profile, and personal preferences. Whether it’s immunotherapy for specific mutations or a bone marrow transplant for resistant blood cancers, his goal is to choose what best serves the patient, clinically and personally. He believes that empowering patients with clear, informed choices is central to their healing.
Dr Fahad Afzal is a renowned medical oncologist at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai. Besides, he is also the founder-director of AZcure Centre of Oncology, a chain of chemotherapy day care centres across Mumbai, which focuses on affordable cancer treatment. His journey into medicine was shaped early on by personal circumstances. He spent his early school years in Dubai, but following the untimely passing of his father, his family returned to India. This life-altering moment, experienced at a tender age, planted the desire to become a doctor, a calling born not out of ambition but out of a simple wish to save lives.
Working across different states has given Dr. Fahad a rich exposure to diverse patient
profiles, cultures, and languages. His ability to connect with people, combined with an intellectual curiosity, fuels his ongoing engagement with the latest advancements in oncology. This drive to stay current has also taken him to short term programs in Singapore and Oxford, expanding both his knowledge and global perspective on cancer care.
At the same time, Dr Fahad remains updated with the latest medical advancements. He sees immense potential in emerging technologies, especially AI driven diagnostics that enhance accuracy in imaging and pathology. For him, the future of oncology lies in combining cutting-edge tools with a human-centered approach, ensuring that every treatment plan is not only scientifically sound but also profoundly compassionate.
Navigating Challenges
However, this balance isn’t always straightforward. One of the biggest challenges, Dr Fahad reflects, “is aligning evidence-based medicine with the emotional needs of the patient and their families. Some times, families push for aggressive treatment even when the potential benefit is minimal, because choosing less feels like giving up”. Communicating prognosis honestly, yet compassionately, is never easy, especially when emotions are high. His approach is to provide clear, empathetic guidance, respecting every emotion in the room, while staying focused on what will truly serve the patient’s well-being.
To address these challenges, he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team including nurses, psychologists, social workers, palliative care specialists, and patient navigators. By understanding each patient’s values, lifestyle, and emotional needs, they coordinate treatment and provide counselling, support groups, and integrative therapies such as art and music therapy. What matters most is listening, acknowledging fears, and building trust throughout the cancer journey.
Professional Achievements & Medical Expertise
Dr Fahad’s distinguished appointments at prestigious institutions highlight his expertise in managing a wide range of cancers, including those of the breast, lung, colon, prostate, and ovaries. He is skilled in both conventional chemotherapy and advanced treatments such as targeted therapy, monoclonal antibodies, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy. Dr Fahad’s proficiency extends to managing immune compromised patients, central venous line care, and the administration of chemotherapeutic agents via various routes. With extensive experience in Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplants, he actively contributes to clinical research and has presented his work at international conferences, earning accolades.
An ESMO-certified oncologist, Dr Fahad holds an SCE in Medical Oncology from the Royal College of Physicians, UK, and participated in a Breast Cancer Preceptorship in Singapore. He is a member of several prominent medical societies, including the European Society for Medical Oncology and the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology. Despite his many accolades, Dr Fahad remains humble and attributes much of his success to his mother’s unwavering belief in him and his elder sister’s academic guidance.
Dr Fahad believes that “beside every successful man, there is a woman”. His wife, a gold medallist Endodontist and top national rank-holder, is his equal partner, motivating and challenging him to push beyond his limits. Together, they aim to leave a lasting legacy in healthcare. While many patients view Dr Fahad as a miracle worker, he believes in doing everything possible to make miracles happen and leaves the rest to destiny, reflecting on how his journey brought him to work with the same oncologist who treated his father 25 years ago.
Vision for the Future
Dr Fahad is dedicated to advancing precision oncology by tailoring treatments based on genetic, molecular, and lifestyle factors. He plans to collaborate on clinical trials exploring novel immunotherapies and AI-driven diagnostic tools to bring cutting-edge treatments to patients. Committed to improving survivorship care, he envisions a future where cancer care is more personalized, less toxic, and preventive. By integrating genomics, digital health, and conventional care models, he aims to extend life while enhancing the quality and dignity of patients’ journeys. To aspiring oncologists, Dr Fahad advises, “Embrace both the science and humanity of this field. Stay curious, keep learning, and always prioritize empathy in patient care”.
At the same time, Dr Fahad remains updated with the latest medical advancements. He sees immense potential in emerging technologies, especially AI driven diagnostics that enhance accuracy in imaging and pathology. For him, the future of oncology lies in combining cutting-edge tools with a human-centered approach, ensuring that every treatment plan is not only scientifically sound but also profoundly compassionate.
Every patient has unique concerns, and it’s my responsibility to connect with them and provide care that is personal and compassionate
Navigating Challenges
However, this balance isn’t always straightforward. One of the biggest challenges, Dr Fahad reflects, “is aligning evidence-based medicine with the emotional needs of the patient and their families. Some times, families push for aggressive treatment even when the potential benefit is minimal, because choosing less feels like giving up”. Communicating prognosis honestly, yet compassionately, is never easy, especially when emotions are high. His approach is to provide clear, empathetic guidance, respecting every emotion in the room, while staying focused on what will truly serve the patient’s well-being.
To address these challenges, he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team including nurses, psychologists, social workers, palliative care specialists, and patient navigators. By understanding each patient’s values, lifestyle, and emotional needs, they coordinate treatment and provide counselling, support groups, and integrative therapies such as art and music therapy. What matters most is listening, acknowledging fears, and building trust throughout the cancer journey.
Professional Achievements & Medical Expertise
Dr Fahad’s distinguished appointments at prestigious institutions highlight his expertise in managing a wide range of cancers, including those of the breast, lung, colon, prostate, and ovaries. He is skilled in both conventional chemotherapy and advanced treatments such as targeted therapy, monoclonal antibodies, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy. Dr Fahad’s proficiency extends to managing immune compromised patients, central venous line care, and the administration of chemotherapeutic agents via various routes. With extensive experience in Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplants, he actively contributes to clinical research and has presented his work at international conferences, earning accolades.
An ESMO-certified oncologist, Dr Fahad holds an SCE in Medical Oncology from the Royal College of Physicians, UK, and participated in a Breast Cancer Preceptorship in Singapore. He is a member of several prominent medical societies, including the European Society for Medical Oncology and the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology. Despite his many accolades, Dr Fahad remains humble and attributes much of his success to his mother’s unwavering belief in him and his elder sister’s academic guidance.
Dr Fahad believes that “beside every successful man, there is a woman”. His wife, a gold medallist Endodontist and top national rank-holder, is his equal partner, motivating and challenging him to push beyond his limits. Together, they aim to leave a lasting legacy in healthcare. While many patients view Dr Fahad as a miracle worker, he believes in doing everything possible to make miracles happen and leaves the rest to destiny, reflecting on how his journey brought him to work with the same oncologist who treated his father 25 years ago.
Vision for the Future
Dr Fahad is dedicated to advancing precision oncology by tailoring treatments based on genetic, molecular, and lifestyle factors. He plans to collaborate on clinical trials exploring novel immunotherapies and AI-driven diagnostic tools to bring cutting-edge treatments to patients. Committed to improving survivorship care, he envisions a future where cancer care is more personalized, less toxic, and preventive. By integrating genomics, digital health, and conventional care models, he aims to extend life while enhancing the quality and dignity of patients’ journeys. To aspiring oncologists, Dr Fahad advises, “Embrace both the science and humanity of this field. Stay curious, keep learning, and always prioritize empathy in patient care”.
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