Oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer. Sharing one of his many patient’s success stories, Dr Shubham Jain, the Director of Wish A Cure, recalled that a 38-year-old gentleman from Somalia had swelling over the chest area for nearly 14 years. He has had multiple surgeries done for the same—four times in his homeland and once in the Middle East. The surgeons had also taken flesh from the abdomen in the last surgery, done in July 2021, to reconstruct the surgical defect created after removing the diseased tissues. However, soon after the surgery, he started developing another recurrence.
He came to India with a massive lump on his chest, about the size of a watermelon, restricting him in his daily activities. He was thoroughly investigated at Wish A Cure for curing his problem.
A review of his treatment history gave the team of oncologists, led by Dr Jain, important clues for the reasons for recurrence and helped formulate a suitable treatment plan for him. The patient from Somalia was affected with Fibrosaroma, a rare cancer of soft tissues, arising in a background of Dermato Fibro Sarcoma Protruberans (DFSP). The disease could not be removed completely in the previous surgery, which resulted in a rapid recurrence of the disease.
Dr Jain planned for him a Wide Excision of the Chest Wall along with Skeletal and Soft Tissue Reconstruction with mesh, bone cement and Latissimus Dorsii Muscle Flap. Dr Jain shares, “The plan was discussed at our Multidisciplinary Tumour Board, where experts from various fields, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists and radiologists, gave in their inputs.” In their experience, such tumours don’t respond to chemotherapy. Such patients benefit from Adjuvant Radiation Therapy after surgery, reducing recurrence chances. Targeted Therapy with IMATINIB may also help him. This plan was conveyed to the patient and helped him make an Informed Decision for treatment.
Though his surgery was complex, it was managed flawlessly by the dedicated surgical oncologists, anaesthetists and critical care specialists. He had an uneventful recovery and was discharged within five days of surgery. “The patient from Somalia has been cured of his condition for over a year now,” informs Dr Jain.
Dr Jain has over 13 years of dedicated experience serving 10000+ cancer patients. He has always excelled in his medical career by attending prestigious institutes, such as Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi and Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. He has vast experience serving needy patients in public/government hospitals such as Lok Nayak Hospital, Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. He then helps set up oncology centres such as Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Sangrur. He has also served at premier hospitals across Delhi, including Max Institute of Cancer Care, Saket and Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka and spearheaded their surgical services for patients affected with cancer in various capacities. He has contributed his vision and mission to the success of Wish A Cure in multiple niches:
Expertise and specialization: He brings a deep understanding of the disease and advancements in niche oncology care. His expertise allows us to deliver exceptional care and contribute to our reputation in the field.
Research and innovation: He actively engages in clinical research and contributes to advancements in the field. His involvement in research studies, clinical trials, and innovative treatment approaches benefits his patients and enhances the institution’s reputation as a centre of excellence in specific areas of oncology.
Multidisciplinary collaboration: Effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists, is essential in providing comprehensive care for oncology patients. He fosters strong relationships and collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary teams to contribute to the clinic or hospital’s success by ensuring coordinated and personalized patient care within their niche.
Patient-centric approach: He prioritizes patient-centred care and actively involves patients in treatment decisions. By focusing on providing compassionate, empathetic, and personalized care, he creates a supportive environment that instils trust and improves patient outcomes. Positive patient experiences and outputs contribute to our reputation and growth.
Leadership and mentorship: He has guided and inspired his colleagues to deliver high-quality care. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he contributes to the professional growth and development of other healthcare professionals, which positively impacts the institution’s overall performance. He believes that the success of a clinic or hospital in its niche is often the result of the collective efforts of multiple individuals who work collaboratively to provide excellent patient care, conduct research, and advance the field of oncology.
Dr Jain spoke in an interview with CIOLOOK INDIA, the high points of which are given ahead.
Sir, please brief our audience about Wish A Cure’s offerings and what makes it stand out in the evolving oncology segment.
Our patients benefit not just from the accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans but also from the personalized care he strongly believes in. We have a very strong track record of successful patient treatment outcomes.
We always prioritize the well-being of our patients and provide compassionate care throughout the treatment journey. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges cancer patients and their families face and strive to support them holistically.
Our approach to cancer treatment strongly emphasizes multidisciplinary efforts and the use of advanced treatment technologies, collaborating with other medical and radiation oncology specialists along with radiologists, pathologists, genetic counsellors and palliative care specialists to ensure comprehensive care for his patients.
We firmly believe in engaging in research and academic activities and contributing to society to help advance the field of oncology and improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Being an experienced leader, share your opinion on how adopting modern technologies like AI, ML, Cloud, and Blockchain; is impacting modern healthcare and how your clinic is contributing to the change.
AI&ML are transforming oncology by enabling more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. ML algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data, such as electronic health records (EHRs), medical images, and genomic data, to identify patterns and make predictions. AI-powered systems can assist oncologists in the early detection of diseases, suggesting optimal treatment options and providing real-time monitoring of patients’ health conditions.
Cloud computing has revolutionized healthcare by providing secure and accessible storage, processing power, and collaboration platforms. Cloud-based electronic health records (EHRs) allow healthcare providers to access patient information anytime, anywhere, facilitating seamless care coordination and reducing administrative burden. Cloud infrastructure also supports integrating various healthcare systems and deploying AI and ML algorithms for data analysis and decision-making.
Blockchain technology, too, has the potential to enhance security, privacy, and interoperability in healthcare. It provides a decentralized and immutable ledger where medical records, clinical trials, and supply chain data can be securely stored and accessed. Blockchain can improve data integrity, enable the secure sharing of sensitive information, and streamline administrative processes, such as insurance claims and medical billing.
These technologies can transform healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and drive operational efficiencies. We are committed to staying updated with the latest advancements and incorporating relevant technologies into our practice to contribute to the positive changes happening in our industry and to enhance our patients’ care and operational efficiency.
Considering the current medical scenario, what challenges do you face, and how do you drive your clinic to overcome them?
The Oncology segment is dealing with various service and organizational challenges. We need to implement effective strategies to combat them.
Increasing patient volumes: To overcome the challenge of managing a higher volume of patients, implementing efficient appointment scheduling systems, optimizing workflow processes, and utilizing technology for streamlining administrative tasks can help improve patient flow and reduce wait times.
Staff shortages: To address this challenge, organizations can focus on recruitment efforts, offering competitive compensation packages and creating a positive work environment to attract and retain talented staff.
Financial constraints: To overcome this, clinics and hospitals can focus on optimizing revenue cycle management, exploring cost-saving measures through process improvements and resource allocation, and seeking collaborations or partnerships with other healthcare entities.
Technological advancements and integration: Clinics and hospitals must invest in robust IT infrastructure, collaborate with technology vendors, and provide appropriate training to staff to effectively implement and utilize technology for improved patient care and operational efficiency.
Regulatory and compliance requirements:
- Developing robust compliance programs
- Investing in staff education and training
- Adopting electronic health record systems that facilitate compliance can help mitigate risks and ensure regulation adherence.
Patient expectations and satisfaction: To address this challenge, clinics and hospitals can focus on patient-centred care, enhancing communication and engagement, leveraging technology for telehealth services and remote monitoring, and regularly seeking feedback to improve the patient experience.
Healthcare data management and privacy: Implementing secure data storage systems, adopting encryption and data protection measures, and adhering to data privacy regulations can help mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and ensure patient confidentiality.
What would you advise budding medical professionals aspiring to enter the oncology segment?
If you’re a budding medical professional aspiring to venture into the field of oncology, here are some advice and recommendations to consider:
Gain a solid medical education foundation: Ensure you have a strong educational foundation by completing your medical degree and pursuing specialized training in oncology.
Embrace continuous learning: The field of oncology is constantly evolving with new research, treatments, and technologies.
Develop strong clinical skills: Develop a solid foundation in clinical skills by actively participating in patient care.
Cultivate empathy and compassion: Oncology patients often face physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team: Oncology care involves collaboration with various healthcare professionals, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists.
Stay abreast of technological advancements: Familiarize yourself with the latest technological advances in oncology, such as precision medicine, genomic profiling, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Seek mentorship and networking opportunities: Connect with experienced oncologists who can mentor and guide you throughout your career journey.
Prioritize self-care: Oncology can be emotionally and physically demanding. Remember to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Establish a work-life balance, engage in activities that rejuvenate you, and seek support from peers and mentors when needed.
How do you envision scaling your clinic’s operations and offerings in the future?
To address the increasing burden of cancer in society, we are duty-bound to scale our operations and offerings in the future, and we intend to do so in the following manner:
Expansion of facilities: We plan to add more consultation rooms, expand the number of beds, or even open satellite clinics in different locations to reach a wider patient population.
Increasing specialization: We intend to dive deep into specializing in specific areas of cancer care. Focusing on particular specialities or subspecialties will strengthen our clinical excellence and offer specialized care to our patients.
Adoption of telemedicine: Telemedicine offers a convenient and accessible way to provide oncology services remotely. It will help us reach our patients in remote areas, enhance follow-up care, and provide virtual consultations.
Collaborations and partnerships: Collaborating with other healthcare organizations and Partnerships will involve sharing resources, expertise, and infrastructure to provide comprehensive care, conduct research, or offer specialized services.
Embracing digital health technologies: Integrating digital health technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, remote monitoring devices, and health apps will streamline operations, enhance patient engagement, and improve healthcare delivery.
Focus on patient experience: Prioritizing patient experience and satisfaction is crucial for scaling operations. It involves providing personalized care, reducing wait times, improving communication channels, and continuously implementing patient feedback systems to enhance services.
Data-driven decision-making: Data analytics and business intelligence tools will provide valuable insights for scaling operations.
