Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital has announced that Dr. Kaustav Talapatra, Senior Director – Radiation Oncology, has been appointed as an International Ambassador for the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). He is among the first radiation oncologists from India to receive this distinction, highlighting India’s expanding role in delivering high-quality, evidence-driven cancer care on the global stage.
This appointment creates a formal collaborative link between ASTRO and the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI). In his ambassadorial role, Dr. Talapatra will work towards strengthening academic collaborations, promoting international fellowships and exchange programmes, and developing structured education and training opportunities for early-career radiation oncologists across India.
Sharing his thoughts on the honour, Dr. Kaustav Talapatra, Senior Director, Radiation Oncology, said, “This honour is both humbling and deeply motivating. As ASTRO’s International Ambassador from India, my focus will be on building sustainable academic bridges and ensuring that global advances in radiation oncology translate into tangible benefits for our patients at home and our young oncologists.”
Over the last decade, Dr. Talapatra has played a key role in aligning Indian oncology practices with international benchmarks. He has been instrumental in introducing the ‘Best of ASTRO’ programme in India, enabling Indian radiation oncologists to access and engage with leading research and clinical insights presented at ASTRO’s annual meeting in the United States.
Acknowledging the importance of the initiative, Dr. Vivek Kavadi, CEO of ASTRO, stated that the ambassador programme represents a new phase of collaboration between ASTRO and AROI, with the capacity to significantly advance oncology education and clinical outcomes in India.
Echoing this perspective, Dr. S. N. Senapati, President of AROI, said, “This partnership will empower radiation oncologists across both organisations and ultimately translate into more equitable care for cancer patients. The ASTRO ambassador appointment and AROI’s engagement will foster innovation and help shape the future of radiation oncology.”
Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Vivek Talaulikar, Head – Western Region, Max Healthcare, said, “Dr. Talapatra’s nomination is a landmark moment for Max Healthcare and for the new generation of oncologists. It affirms our belief that Indian clinicians can shape global standards of care and inspires younger doctors to pursue excellence, innovation, and compassionate cancer treatment for the masses.”
Beyond its achievements in radiation oncology, the Cancer Institute at Nanavati Max Hospital offers a full spectrum of advanced cancer care services. These include surgical and medical oncology, robotic-assisted procedures, and personalized targeted therapies, reinforcing the hospital’s position as a comprehensive centre for integrated and patient-centric cancer management.
(Photo courtesy: linkedin/kaustav-talapatra)