From The Fellows

I am Major Ram Krishna, Maxillofacial surgeon who had completed FHNO fellowship programme in Oral Oncology from Batch of 2019.

Having spent almost a decade of practice at various levels and different geographies within India I had a mental incompleteness about my skills and that is fulfilled through this well-designed fellowship programme.

I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to the whole FHNO committee who gave me this opportunity which opened a world of quality care awareness in Oral Carcinoma patients apart from academic and surgical skills.

I would recommend any aspiring surgeons to go through this fellowship which has got strategically designed world class timelines during the two years.

I completed my FHNO Fellowship in Oral Oncology from Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Kolkata under the guidance of Dr Sourav Datta and Dr Harsh Dhar.

FHNO will always be special to me as it recognized and facilitated in achieving my dream of getting trained and giving me the platform to practice Oral

Oncosurgery. Under the able mentorship of exceptional surgeons I learnt, understood and implemented the various concepts of Oncology, be it case evaluation,

decision making, patient counselling, multi-disciplinary approach and every other detail associated with evidence based patient management.

I am delighted to share my experience of the Oral Oncology Fellowship at Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Center (Narayana Health City), Bangalore, initiated by the Foundation of Head and Neck Oncology and grateful for the exceptional academic, research, and clinical training I received through this collaborative effort.

The Foundation of Head and Neck Oncology's initiative to collaborate with various centers in India and establish structured fellowships has been instrumental in shaping the future of Head and Neck Oncology education and training. The fellowship program at Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Center is a testament to the vision and commitment of FHNO towards advancing the field and nurturing the next generation of Head and Neck Oncologists.

Under the auspices of FHNO, the fellowship offered a comprehensive curriculum encompassing all aspects of Head and Neck Oncology and adhered to the highest standards of academic excellence, providing me with a solid foundation in the field. The fellowship experience has not only enhanced my clinical acumen but also instilled a passion for evidence-based medicine and the pursuit of research excellence.

I am grateful to FHNO for establishing a strong network of centers across India, bringing together like-minded professionals and providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. This collaborative approach has enriched the fellowship experience, allowing fellows to interact with experts from various centers, broaden their horizons, and develop a comprehensive understanding of oral oncology.

My transformative journey during the FHNO Fellowship in Oral Oncology at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center was greatly shaped by my mentorship under Dr. Vijay Pillai. Initially serving as a Senior Registrar, I was drawn to this fellowship due to the exceptional exposure and experiences during my tenure. Under Dr. Pillai's guidance, I gained invaluable insights into diagnosis, treatment modalities, and multidisciplinary patient care in oral oncology.

The program provided comprehensive hands-on training in surgical techniques, exposure to cutting-edge research, and a collaborative environment that emphasized continuous learning. This fellowship not only refined my technical skills but also honed my communication abilities, enabling me to effectively educate patients and involve them in decision-making.

The blend of clinical expertise, advanced research, and mentorship at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, coupled with the use of high-end technology, has profoundly impacted my professional growth, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to deliver optimal care to oral cancer patients.

I am Dr. Mohsina Hussain and I have completed my FHNO Fellowship in Oral Oncology from HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, Nashik.

I was fortunate to have been trained under the able guidance of Dr. Raj Nagarkar, Dr. Sirshendu Roy, and Dr. Rajendra Dhondge who not only guided me in defining my onco-surgical and reconstructive skills but also taught me the importance of properly evaluating a patient and formulating their treatment plans. MDT meets expanded my knowledge, especially in recurrent and advanced cases. I was encouraged to practice evidence-based medicine and publish scientific papers during my fellowship journey which has sparked my interest in scientific research and publication of my work. Overall, through this fellowship, I was taught to be kinder and more empathetic toward patients, which I feel has made me a better human being.

I am eternally grateful to FHNO for providing me with the platform and laying down the foundation stone in my journey of becoming a Head and neck-oncosurgeon. I appreciate the untiring efforts of all the FHNO faculties who took time for us in their busy schedules and organized weekly webinars which helped me tremendously not only to prepare for my exams but to increase my knowledge on head and neck cancer as a whole. FHNO is and always will be very dear to me as it has recognized my achievements and helped me fulfill my desire to be a practicing Oncosurgeon. Though the real journey out in the real world is yet to be covered, I’m thankful that FHNO along with my institution, has prepared me for it. And as always, indebted to my parents, husband, and my Lord for staying by me throughout the ups and downs of this journey!

I completed my FHNO fellowship in Oral Oncology from Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Goraj, Vadodara under the able guidance of Dr.Rajesh Kantharia.

FHNO fellowship program is a two-year structured fellowship program that not just emphasizes practical knowledge but gives equal importance to the enhancement of academic knowledge through its detailed and well-organized academic programs and time-to-time academic evaluations.

I am grateful to my program director, co-ordinator and the entire FHNO team in shaping my career as an oral oncologist who can not just confidently and independently operate but also diagnose, counsel patients and provide treatment to the best of my abilities.

Lastly, I would like to add that oral oncology is an ocean and the thirst for knowledge is key to success. So keep learning and keep enriching your brain with wisdom of knowledge. Any aspiring surgeon who wishes to pursue a career in oral oncology/head and neck oncology must consider the FHNO fellowship.

As a fellow in the FHNO fellowship program (2022 batch) at Apollo Hospital Mumbai, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this journey, which I consider one of the best decisions for my professional growth. Starting on a strong note, I secured the first position in the entrance exam nationwide and completed the fellowship with a third-place rank in the exit exam across India.

The fellowship provided extensive exposure to every aspect of patient care in head and neck oncology. From understanding and managing patients in the OPD to creating patient-specific treatment plans, attending multidisciplinary tumor board discussions, and actively participating in surgeries—my experience covered a full spectrum of clinical management. I had the chance not only to observe and learn but also to perform surgeries and handle postoperative management. Thanks to this comprehensive training, I can confidently manage patients from start to finish.

I owe my growth to my mentors, Dr. Anil D’Cruz, an exemplary surgeon and inspiring human being needs no formal introduction in this field, He taught me the importance of patient-centered care and meticulous surgical technique. His guidance extended beyond surgical skills, profoundly influencing both my professional and personal life. Under his mentorship, I learned to practice evidence-based surgery, pay attention to detail, and truly understand the art of oncology.

Dr. Sataksi Chatterjee, my co-guide, was equally instrumental in my fellowship journey. She consistently provided valuable insights and dedicated mentorship, ensuring that I developed a well-rounded understanding of clinical oncology. Dr. Chatterjee’s guidance was vital in refining my surgical skills, and I am grateful for her support and encouragement throughout the fellowship.

They also enriched my academic journey. I had multiple opportunities to attend, present, and participate in conferences alongside them, where they guided me in academic development. Hosting conferences under their leadership allowed me to gain valuable organizational experience, as they supported and mentored me throughout the process.

I am grateful for this fellowship experience and highly recommend it to aspiring students eager to challenge themselves and grow in this field. This program has been a transformative step in my career, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to make a meaningful impact in oncology.

The FHNO fellowship program provides an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on experience and specialized training, equipping fellows with essential skills to excel in this challenging field.

During my time as a Fellow at the HCG Cancer Centre in Ahmedabad, I had the privilege of working under the mentorship of Dr. Kaustubh Patel sir ,Dr Dushyant Mandalik sir and the esteemed Head and Neck team. The FHNO fellowship has been instrumental in refining my surgical expertise and deepening my understanding of head and neck oncology, particularly in surgical planning and the vital role of a multidisciplinary approach to oral cancer care.

The experience has profoundly shaped my clinical practice, establishing patient centric approach and a strong foundation for my career as an oral cancer surgeon. I am deeply grateful for the skills and insights I gained during this fellowship—it has truly been a transformative journey.