Dr. Venktesh V

Dr. Venkatesh completed his MBBS at Stanley Medical College, followed by MS in ENT at Madras Medical College and MCh in Surgical Oncology at the Cancer Institute (WIA). His academic excellence was recognised with the Gold Medal in MS (ENT) at The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University examinations in 2006.

His clinical practice encompasses a broad spectrum of elective head and neck cancer surgeries, complemented by extensive experience in managing and performing complex emergency procedures. His professional interests include advanced surgical techniques, endoscopic and open skull base surgery, laryngeal cancer management, transoral robotic surgery, improving the quality and safety of surgical care and prevention and screening of oral cancers.

In 2016, he undertook a Travelling fellowship in Skull Base Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, gaining valuable exposure to advanced surgical approaches in this specialised field.

A significant milestone in his career was the establishment and development of the speciality of Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery at the Cancer Institute (WIA) from 2016 onwards. His team performs complex open skull base surgeries with state of art equipments like Neuro Navigation and Doppler probes which helps in delivering a safe surgery.

In 2017, he introduced CO₂ LASER Microlaryngeal resections for early-stage vocal cord cancers at the Cancer Institute (WIA), establishing an additional treatment option for appropriately selected patients. This initiative reflects his commitment to advancing surgical practice while preserving laryngeal function and quality of life wherever oncologically appropriate.

Since 2022, he along with his team performs Trans-Oral Robotic surgery for treatment of early stage oropharyngeal cancers.

Dr. Venkatesh is actively involved in academic writing and professional knowledge-sharing. He has delivered over 100 invited talks at national conferences, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of surgical oncology. He authored a chapter titled “Controversies in the Extent of Thyroidectomy for Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid” in the book Controversies in Endocrine Surgery. He is a life member of several professional associations, including the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO), Tamil Nadu Association of Surgical Oncology (TASO), Indian Society of Oncology (ISO), Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology (FHNO), and Skull Base Surgery Society of India (SBSSI).

He also served as the Clinical Lead for the quality improvement project EQuIP India, undertaken in collaboration with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), focusing on “Reducing Tracheostomy-Related Morbidities in Post-operative Patients at the Cancer Institute.” This initiative underscores his commitment to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and the systematic improvement of surgical outcomes.

An ardent teacher and dedicated academic mentor, Dr. Venkatesh believes in nurturing the next generation of surgical oncologists through structured learning, clinical discussion, and active participation in academic activities. He has served as the Organising Secretary of SCOPE (Surgical Oncology Clinical Orientation Program for Exam-going Postgraduates) for more than five years. SCOPE is an annual, two-day academic program that provides postgraduate residents with a valuable platform to present and discuss oncology cases before distinguished senior faculty from across India. Through this initiative, he contributes to postgraduate education, clinical reasoning, and the professional development of future surgical oncologists.

In addition to his clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Venkatesh serves as the NABH Quality Officer for the Department of Surgical Oncology at the Cancer Institute (WIA). In this role, he works to ensure compliance with National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accreditation standards by conducting regular internal quality audits, reviewing and updating departmental surgical oncology manuals.

At the heart of Dr. Venkatesh’s clinical philosophy is the conviction that cancer care extends far beyond the treatment of disease. He firmly believes in the enduring principle articulated by Dr. V. Shanta: “Cure where possible, but care and relief always.” This philosophy guides his approach to every patient, recognising that while a cure may not always be possible, compassion, dignity, empathy, and attentive care must remain constant.

He is deeply committed to ethical medical practice, placing honesty, integrity, respect for patient autonomy, and the patient's best interests at the centre of clinical decision-making. He believes in providing clear and balanced information about the disease, treatment options, potential benefits, risks, and limitations, enabling patients to participate meaningfully in decisions about their care.

He places great importance on personally communicating with patients and tailoring treatment plans to their clinical needs, occupation, social circumstances, and available economic and family support. For him, the practice of surgical oncology is not merely about performing an operation or achieving tumour clearance; it is about understanding the person behind the disease, making informed and individualised decisions, and ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care at every stage of their journey.

Beyond his clinical and academic commitments, Dr. Venkatesh has a deep appreciation for Tamil literature, music, and travel. These interests reflect his broader engagement with culture and the human experiences that enrich the practice of medicine.

Through his contributions to surgical innovation, academic teaching, and quality improvement, Dr. Venkatesh continues to advance Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, guided by a commitment to surgical excellence, ethical practice, and compassionate, patient-centred care, striving to improve treatment outcomes while preserving dignity, individuality and quality of life of every patient.