Dr. Raghu Ram third Surgeon from South Asia conferred Honorary Fellowship of American Surgical Association (ASA) Hyderabad, April 5th, 2024. Dr. Raghu Ram Pillarisetti, Founding Director, KIMS-USHALAKSHMI Centre for Breast Diseases from Hyderabad and a renowned Surgeon from the Asia Pacific region has achieved the rare distinction to be conferred Honorary Fellowship of the American Surgical Association (ASA) at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Washington D.C. This is the highest recognition that the ASA can bestow upon a surgical colleague from a foreign country and Dr. Raghu Ram is the third surgeon from South Asia to receive this high honour in the 144 years history of America’s oldest and most prestigious Surgical Organisation.
Paying rich tributes, Prof. Steven Stain, President of ASA, who personally read out Dr Raghu Ram’s citation to the delegates gathered from all around America and world over said “ Dr. Raghu Ram Pillarisetti has been a leader in revolutionising Breast Cancer Care in India through a series of innovative initiatives. He has dedicated his professional life through his seminal efforts towards education, advocacy and access to state of the art contemporary breast cancer therapy in the Country. In addition, he is an individual of exceptional integrity and professional ethics involved in the restructuring and meritocracy-based direction of Surgical Leadership in India. He is also a strong supporter of building international collaborations and shared educational efforts, including with the ASA and other leading Surgical Societies all over the world. He is a role model, mentor and dedicated tall leader of Surgery in India. He is indeed well qualified and deserving of Honorary Fellowship in the American Surgical Association”. Founded in 1880, ASA is America’s oldest and the most prestigious surgical organization. Its members include the nation’s most prominent surgeons from the country’s leading academic medical institutions, many of whom are Chairs of the Departments of Surgery at these institutions. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Raghu Ram Pillarisetti said “ I dedicate this high honour from America’s oldest Surgical organisation steeped in history and greatness to my Motherland – Bharath, my family without whom I am a nobody, my patients who have given me the unique privilege to be involved in their care and to my Colleagues for their relentless contribution towards improving the art and science of surgery”. A Padma Shri and Dr B.C Roy National awardee, Dr Raghu Ram Pillarisetti’s distinguished academic tract record, love for his motherland and passion for social service are very strong characteristics of the Man. He has been an advocate of best practices in his chosen field, coupled with a human touch and many altruistic values. His significant contribution towards improving breast healthcare and surgical education in India through his strong links with the United Kingdom, have been his trademarks.
