Rajendra Badwe

• Rajendra Badwe

Dr RA Badwe has more than 25 years diverse experience as a Surgeon and Oncologist, and as Director, has led Tata Memorial Centre, a world renowned institution in the field of cancer care.

He is an international opinion leader in oncology, developing breast cancer care strategies, innovative research, integrating delivery systems, improving quality and cancer management programs and capacity building of staff on cancer care delivery strategy and practice issues. His seminal contribution to Breast Cancer Research has lead to a paradigm shift in understanding of cancer biology and evolved cost-effective life saving treatment globally. His significant accomplishments in leadership in cancer care are a testimony to his role as a mentor in developing the cancer care strategy for Government of India and WHO. During his tenure as the Head of Department of Surgical Oncology 2002-2008, he devoted himself to streamlining and enhancing the quality of surgical outcomes, introducing site specialisation, new techniques, and introduction of post doctoral programmes. He implemented the Clinical Research Secretariat (CRS) for the first time to ensure involvement and commitment to research from faculty members and established the DAE CTC (DAE Clinical Trials Centre) for multi-centre clinical trials.

His pioneering work on ‘Timing of Surgery for Breast cancer’ has induced a paradigm shift towards importance of events at the time of surgery. He also completed first ever randomised clinical trial in India for 1000 breast cancer patients which confirmed the promised benefit of more than 25% reduction in death rate with a potential of saving thousands of lives at a cost of $2 per patient.

Dr. Badwe has been conferred Padma Shri National Award by the President of India for the contribution to the field of Medicine in January, 2013. He has also been conferred the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics and Management 2013 by the President of India on October 1, 2013. He has received a Recognition Award for his significant contribution to the Oncology Field from the UAE Cancer Congress 2013 on October 3, 2013. .His contribution to the field of Oncology has been recognized and honoured by UICC Reach to Recovery International Medal in 2003, Shushrut Award for Outstanding surgical contribution from Mumbai Medical Foundation, 2007. He has also been the recipient ofC V Menon Gold Medal and Joglekar Gold medal for Best research paper in 1993 & 1994 respectively.

His interest in reading, travel, music and philosophy contributes to his completeness as a Humane Professional.