In Kerala’s vibrant healthcare landscape, Dr. V. P. Gangadharan shines as a pillar of hope for children and families battling cancer. With over three decades of experience, he has pioneered pediatric oncology in the private sector and championed accessible cancer care. There is a reason why he is called as the Saint with a stethoscope!
Dr. V. P. Gangadharan: Academic Background
Dr. Gangadharan earned his MBBS from Government Medical College, Kottayam, and subsequently completed dual postgraduate degrees—one in Radiotherapy at AIIMS Delhi and another in Internal Medicine at Kottayam Medical College. He then secured a DM in Medical Oncology from Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai. Further enhancing his expertise, he trained in Bone Marrow Transplantation at the NCI in the USA and at Royal Marsden Hospital in the UK under WHO and NCI fellowships.
How Dr. V. P. Gangadharan Established Pediatric Oncology in Kerala
In 1989, Dr. Gangadharan took a foundational role in establishing the Medical Oncology Department at RCC, Trivandrum—Kerala’s first. Later, at VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi, he developed one of the first private-sector pediatric oncology units in the state. Under his leadership, the department strictly follows globally recognized protocols from NCCN and ESMO. His efforts have made the hospital a trusted destination for cancer treatment across India and abroad.
Clinical Leadership and Innovative Treatment
Dr. Gangadharan has treated thousands of pediatric and adult cancer patients—including leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumors, and relapsed cancers requiring stem cell transplants. He introduced bone marrow transplantation, monoclonal antibody therapy, and high-dose chemotherapy protocols at his center. The dedicated day-care chemotherapy unit he oversees prioritizes patient comfort and continuity of care.
Saint with a Stethoscope: Compassionate Care Through Public Service
Lovingly called the “Saint with a stethoscope”, Dr. Gangadharan is admired for extending care beyond clinical duties. He founded the Cochin Cancer Society to ensure underprivileged patients receive free or subsidized treatment. He also regularly leads community screening camps, public education initiatives, and CME programs for doctors and paramedical staff—making cancer prevention and early detection mainstream in Kerala.
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Research, Mentorship & Academic Contribution
As a teacher and examiner for DM Medical Oncology across Indian universities, Dr. Gangadharan has guided hundreds of postgraduate students. He has delivered over 60 invited lectures nationally and internationally, authored more than 40 peer-reviewed medical publications, and served as principal investigator in 38 multicentre clinical trials. He has also contributed chapters in medical textbooks, further shaping oncology education nationwide.
Recognitions That Reflect Trust
Dr. Gangadharan’s exemplary contributions have earned him more than 60 honors—state, national, and international awards recognizing clinical excellence and social service. In 2023, he was bestowed with the Kerala Sree Award, one of the state’s highest civilian honors, affirming his lifelong devotion to medicine and society.
📍 VPS Lakeshore Hospital & Medical Center, Kochi, Kerala
Prof. & Head – Medical & Pediatric Oncology
Contact via hospital portal or India health networks
HealthViews Magazine celebrates doctors who deliver excellence with empathy, leadership with humility, and innovation with integrity. Dr. V. P. Gangadharan exemplifies this combination. As a pioneer in pediatric oncology, a mentor who elevates future doctors, and a compassionate leader serving underserved communities—he is one of the most Trusted Doctors of India.
