Dr. Vinod Raina

Dr. Vinod Raina stands as one of the most respected names in the field of Medical Oncology in India, with an illustrious career spanning over four decades. His expertise in treating various forms of cancer, coupled with his vast experience and contributions to medical research, has earned him a prominent place in the global oncology community. He has dedicated his life to advancing cancer treatment, particularly in the areas of breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, urological and gynecological cancers, as well as lymphomas and myelomas.

• Specialist :Oncology | Medical Oncology
• Experience:  40+  years of experience.
• Current Position :Head of Medical Oncology & Haematology.
  

Education :

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery): The foundational medical degree that Dr. Raina earned, which marks the beginning of his distinguished medical career.
• MD (AIIMS) (Doctor of Medicine in Internal Medicine) from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS): This advanced degree from India’s premier medical institution further honed his skills and knowledge in internal medicine, setting the stage for his specialization in oncology.
• MRCP (UK) (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom): This prestigious membership acknowledges Dr. Raina’s exceptional medical expertise and his qualification to practice medicine at a highly respected level in the UK.
• FRCP (Edinburgh and London) (Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of Edinburgh and London): Dr. Raina holds fellowships from two of the oldest and most respected Royal Colleges in the world. These fellowships are granted to senior physicians who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to the medical field and have maintained a high standard of practice.
• FAMS (Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, India): This distinguished fellowship is awarded to professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the medical sciences in India. Dr. Raina’s inclusion in this group further highlights his role as a leader in the field of oncology.

Experience:

• Head, Department of Medical Oncology at AIIMS (2007-2013): Dr. Raina served as the head of the Department of Medical Oncology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, from 2007 to 2013. During this period, he was instrumental in advancing the department’s clinical and research initiatives, further establishing AIIMS as a center of excellence for cancer care and research.
• Professor, Department of Medical Oncology at AIIMS (2001-2013): Dr. Raina served as a Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology at AIIMS for over a decade, contributing to the academic growth of medical professionals and the institution’s reputation as a leading center for oncology education.
• Head, Cancer Centre, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman (2001-2004): Dr. Raina played a pivotal role as the Head of the Cancer Centre at Royal Hospital in Muscat, Oman. During his 2-year and 4-month tenure, he helped develop and expand cancer care services, bringing his expertise to the Middle East.
• Founder and Director of DM Course in Medical Oncology at AIIMS (since 1996): Dr. Raina initiated and conducted the DM (Doctorate in Medicine) course in Medical Oncology at AIIMS. Over the years, he has trained about 60 DM students, many of whom have gone on to hold prominent consultant positions in major healthcare institutions both in India and internationally.
• Ph.D. Mentorship at AIIMS: Dr. Raina has also contributed to the field of oncology research by guiding 3 Ph.D. students at AIIMS, supporting their academic and research pursuits in the realm of cancer studies.
• Pioneering Transplant Work: Dr. Raina made history by performing India’s first high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplant in 1994. Since then, he has personally conducted approximately 250 transplants, including around 70 allotransplants for various cancers.
• Associate Editor of Annals of Oncology (2008-2011): Dr. Raina served as the Associate Editor for the Annals of Oncology, one of the most respected journals in the field of oncology, from 2008 to 2011, contributing to the dissemination of important oncological research.
• Hon. Research Fellow of Oxford University (2005-2010): Dr. Raina was appointed as an Honorary Research Fellow at Oxford University for a span of five years (2005-2010), a testament to his international recognition and contribution to cancer research.
• Head, Delhi Cancer Registry at AIIMS (2005-2010): As the Head of the Delhi Cancer Registry, Dr. Raina played a key role in monitoring and analyzing cancer trends in the region, providing crucial data that helped shape cancer treatment and prevention strategies in India.
• Head, Record Section of IRCH at AIIMS (3 years): Dr. Raina also headed the Record Section at the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (IRCH) at AIIMS for 3 years, further solidifying his leadership role in organizing and managing crucial cancer data.
• Best Consultant at FMRI (2016): In recognition of his exceptional contributions to medical oncology, Dr. Raina was adjudged the Best Consultant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in 2016.

Specialties:

• Breast Cancer: Dr. Raina has extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of breast cancer. His expertise spans various stages of breast cancer, and he employs personalized treatment plans, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, to improve patient outcomes.
• Lung Cancer: In lung cancer, Dr. Raina specializes in both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, with an emphasis on early detection, advanced diagnostic techniques, and comprehensive treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and surgical options when applicable.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) Malignancies: Dr. Raina has a significant focus on gastrointestinal cancers, including cancers of the stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, and esophagus. His approach to treating GI malignancies combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, alongside the latest innovations in cancer care.
• Genitourinary Cancer: Specializing in genitourinary cancers, Dr. Raina treats cancers of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and other parts of the urinary and reproductive systems. He offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, utilizing surgery, chemotherapy, and newer modalities like immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
• Lymphoma: Dr. Raina is highly skilled in the management of lymphomas, including both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His treatment approach incorporates chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and novel treatments like immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy for advanced cases.
• Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant: Dr. Raina has pioneered bone marrow and stem cell transplant procedures in India, having personally performed around 400 transplants, including both autologous and allogeneic (donor) transplants for various cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. His expertise in high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplants has significantly improved survival rates for patients with hematological cancers.

Achievements and Awards:

Has received many national and lifetime achievement awards.

Memberships:

• Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (ISMPO) – Dr. Raina is an active member of ISMPO, which focuses on advancing the knowledge and treatment of oncology in India.
• Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON) – As a member of ICON, he contributes to collaborative efforts aimed at improving cancer care and research in India.
• European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) – Dr. Raina is affiliated with ESMO, a leading professional organization for oncologists worldwide that focuses on advancing cancer care and research.
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – He is a member of ASCO, an international organization that fosters the improvement of cancer treatment through clinical research and education.
• Indian Association of Cancer Research (IACR) – Dr. Raina is a member of IACR, which aims to promote cancer research in India and improve cancer care through scientific and clinical advances.
• International Society of Hematology – He is also associated with international organizations focused on hematology and oncology, furthering his contributions in the treatment of blood cancers and stem cell transplants.
• International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry (IBMTR) – Dr. Raina’s membership in the IBMTR reflects his expertise in bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, a field in which he has made significant contributions.
• Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh and London) – His prestigious fellowships from the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh and London (FRCP) further emphasize his commitment to maintaining high standards of practice in oncology and hematology.