Dr. Sanjay Sharma is a distinguished Surgical Oncologist, teacher, and academic leader whose journey in oncology has been shaped by exceptional mentorship, rigorous training, and an unwavering commitment to patient care, surgical excellence, and medical education.
Dr. Sharma comes from a strong medical lineage. His father, Dr. H. S. D. Sharma, was a senior surgeon, professor, and one of India’s most respected teachers—honored by the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) for two consecutive years with the Best Teacher Award.
Observing his father’s exemplary surgical skills, ethical approach, and compassionate patient care profoundly influenced Dr. Sharma’s professional values. These early experiences instilled in him the importance of discipline, humanity, and academic rigor in surgical practice.
After completing his postgraduation at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Dr. Sharma joined Tata Memorial Hospital in 1979 as a Junior Resident under the mentorship of Dr. P. B. Desai, a pioneer in Indian oncology.
He gained extensive experience in GI, thoracic, and complex oncological surgeries, mastering tissue handling, instrument precision, and clean surgical techniques under renowned mentors.
Recognizing the importance of postoperative care, Dr. Sharma actively contributed to the development and modernization of ICU services at Tata Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Sharma pursued advanced fellowship training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, where he worked closely with legendary surgeons such as Dr. Joe Fortner and Dr. Manjit Bains. He further refined his expertise in thoracic surgery, esophagectomies, and radical oncologic procedures.
His training in Japan under Dr. Kakegawa and Dr. H. Fujita strengthened his proficiency in three-field esophagectomy, resulting in exceptional long-term survival outcomes in over 1,000 procedures.
Dr. Sharma emphasizes bedside clinical reasoning, diagnostic clarity, and learner-centered teaching approaches.
He focuses on operative exposure, instrument handling, anatomical understanding, and step-wise surgical mastery.
He has embraced digital learning, video-based teaching, webinars, and virtual platforms—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Sharma strongly advocates evidence-based surgical practice, translational research, and academic publishing. He has organized multiple national and international workshops and has played a pivotal role in uniting oncology societies under the Indian Cancer Congress (ICC).
Dr. Sharma has been honored by several state governments, national and international medical bodies, and professional societies for his contributions to oncology, education, and cancer awareness. He has served as Secretary and President of leading oncology organizations and was Chairman of the 3rd Indian Cancer Congress.
Dr. Sanjay Sharma’s greatest achievement lies in shaping generations of surgeons who continue to deliver exemplary cancer care across India and abroad. His journey reflects the spirit of lifelong learning, mentorship, and service to humanity.