Debashis Ghosh is the Clinical Lead for Breast services at The Royal Free London Breast Unit that is considered one of the leading breast units in the world
In addition to the Royal Free Hospital in London he holds appointments at the Private International Hospitals The Harley Street Clinic, &The London Clinic.
Dr Ghosh graduated from Grant Medical College, Bombay University, India in 1990 with an MBBS (1st class honours). Further surgical training and qualifications include Higher Specialist Training in Breast & Oncoplastic Surgery at University Hospitals of Leicester, University Hospitals, Cambridge; post-CCT Fellowship at the Royal Free Hospital London; and Visiting Fellow at The Paris Breast Institute.
He is one of the top breast cosmetic and reconstruction surgeons and has a special interest for Innovations in Breast surgery and is one of the pioneers in using Intraoperative Radiotherapy, Electrochemotherapy, and use of seeds and radioactivity for Cancer localisations. Bench side to bedside innovations and Personalised cancer care are his top priorities.
He is also the Director at Adamas University Kolkata for its upcoming Medical School. He has been the National Spokesperson for NHS England UK for Be Clear on Cancer campaign. He is considered a Key Opinion leader in Breast surgery. He is one of the top Medicolegal experts in the UK.
Questions:
- Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?
London is where I feel most at home. I love its multicultural diversity and enjoy walking on the streets where I feel like a global citizen hearing languages from every country in the world. I grew up in Bombay a city that never sleeps but now I am part of a city that always lives.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest achievement is when I became a consultant surgeon in Royal Free London NHS. It was breaking through the ceiling and being part of Central London teaching hospital. It was always the dream to play in the premier league and that day I felt I had arrived. I have always been treated as an equal in this country and this appointment was proof of that
3. What inspires you?
Success and stories of success inspires me. One single person who has inspired me most was Ex-President of India APJ Kalam and his book Wings of fire. I had the honour of meeting him and having dinner with him. I had his biography on an audiobook, and it played in my car over and over again. It was a life changer, and it fulfilled the reason why he had written it.
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
This pandemic has been the greatest challenge I have faced where I had to overcome a lot of hurdles to maintain a breast cancer service in North and Central London. The obstacle and challenges were physical as well as the unknown we were facing. The constant changes and adapting to new challenges that were being presented in order to maintain a safe service for patients and my staff pushed me to new limits.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My Trainers in the NHS particularly Late Mo Keshtgar and Tim Davidson who trained me to become one of the best. I would also add Steve Jobs who has influenced me in believing that innovation is key to survival. I believe same as him that this current century will be the intersection of biology with technology and will see great leaps in medicine.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
I work in the field of breast cancer. I feel humbled that I am able to serve the women and help them in this difficult journey. I am part of one of the best teams in world for reconstruction and research and being able to contribute to the advancement in treatment and wellbeing of my patients has been my privilege.
7. And the worst?
As the Clinical lead of one of the largest breast services in the country I have to deal with a lot of human emotions. I see a lot of turmoil, I wish I could do more to help them.
8. What are your long-term goals?
I wish to retire from Surgery in ten years’ time when I wish to work in promoting hospices and improving patients with terminal care across the world. This remains a very neglected service. There are many associated taboos that need to be addressed.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
If I were the Prime Minister, I would like to see that healthcare workers valued as much as footballers or social media celebrities.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I would love to be marooned with Gautama the Buddha and listen to him. I would love to learn from him first-hand.
