Director's Message

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi

As the Director of this esteemed institution, I am filled with immense pride when I reflect on the journey undertaken. ACTREC is a testament to TMC’s commitment to conquering one of humanity’s greatest adversaries. I want to take a moment to acknowledge each one of you who are the driving force behind our success. Let us strive not just to maintain our leadership but to elevate it, setting new standards in cancer care, research, education, and public health.

As urged by the Parliamentary committees, we have to work with the union and state governments towards enhancing cancer care and control all over India. We also need to contribute to the mission of Tata Memorial Centre for decentralised cancer care through our hospitals in Punjab, Varanasi, Muzaffarpur, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar.

My vision is to create ACTREC a sanctuary of healing, a hub of discovery, centre for innovation and a magnet for students. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we will always strive to ensure that they are treated with compassion, dignity, respect, and empathy.

We are at the forefront of adopting new treatment modalities, including robotic surgery, proton therapy, cellular therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and precision medicine. We will enhance our focus on cancer prevention and early detection through education, research and advocacy. We are breaking new ground with cutting edge research and education, while joining hands with partners across the globe to share knowledge and resources. However, we have a long way to become the Vishwa Guru. I urge the clinicians and scientists of ACTREC to collaborate across disciplines, share insights, and engage in spirited discourses. It is at these intersections that innovation flourishes. Break down silos, for the answers lie not in isolation but in the synergy of diverse minds.

Investing in the education and training of young scientists and clinicians is vital. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of oncology leaders through comprehensive training programs, fellowships, and mentorship opportunities. I urge our students to seek mentors who ignite your passion and shape their future. Remember that you too will become mentor someday, passing the torch to the next generation as TMC alumnus.

Our commitment to fundamental research is unwavering and we will continue to push the boundaries to unravel the mysteries of cancer. Our scientists are the torchbearers working to illuminate paths toward a future where cancer is conquered, where lives are saved, and where hope prevails. Each discovery, no matter how small, creates ripples altering the trajectory of cancer care. As we peer into the microscopes and analyze data, let us never lose sight of our ultimate vision: Saving Lives! Behind every cell line, every experiment, every publication, every statistical output, there lies a patient—a person with despair, desire, and dreams. Let compassion infuse our science.

I look to the future with ambition and optimism. There are new frontiers to explore, new challenges to overcome, and new lives to save. Let us embrace the future with determination and a shared vision of making ACTREC a global leader in cancer care and control.

With immense gratitude and anticipation,

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi
Professor, Department of Head Neck Surgery
Director, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre