Dr. Soumen Das has been honored with the Vanessa Moss Award for Cancer Health Disparity Day at London Global Cancer Week (LGCW), a recognition that highlights his dedication to advancing equitable cancer care and addressing disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes. The award celebrates professionals who combine clinical excellence with a commitment to reducing the global burden of cancer inequity an area in which Dr. Das has made significant contributions.
Early Life and Academic Excellence
Dr. Soumen Das began his medical journey at Medical College, Kolkata, one of India’s most distinguished medical institutions. From the outset, he established himself as a standout student. During his MBBS program, he secured five honours certificates and three gold medals, ultimately graduating in 2006 as the University Topper in Surgery. His postgraduate training at the same institution was marked by equal distinction. While completing his MS in Surgery, he was awarded the prestigious Best Resident Surgeon Award, alongside receiving the UMA RANI SAHA Gold Medal from the Association of Surgeons of India.
Advancing Expertise in Surgical Oncology
Eager to deepen his knowledge in cancer care, Dr. Soumen Das pursued specialized training at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, regarded as India’s premier cancer center. There he completed the FUICC fellowship in Surgical Oncology, awarded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Geneva. This advanced fellowship strengthened his expertise in surgical oncology and laid the foundation for his ongoing contributions to the field.
Professional Career and Academic Leadership
Dr. Soumen Das currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at IPGMER–SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, a leading institution that delivers comprehensive cancer care and surgical training. Within the Surgical Oncology Division, he is actively involved in treating patients with breast cancer and performing laparoscopic and oncologic procedures. His clinical practice is complemented by a strong academic presence. He serves as the Managing Editor of the International Journal of Surgical Studies and the Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Science, helping shape scholarly discourse in surgery and oncology. Additionally, he is an Executive Member of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) State Chapter, contributing to professional development and scientific exchange within the surgical community.
A Career Marked by Recognition
Throughout his career, Dr. Soumen Das has received numerous honors that reflect his commitment to surgical excellence and academic advancement. His distinctions include awards such as the Sir Frank Konar Prize, the Dr. Rasomoy Ganguly Memorial Award, the Bishnu Pada Thakur Memorial Award, the Smt. Anuka Banerjee Memorial Award, the Best Speaker Award at “Oncologics: A Day on Breast Cancer,” the K.K. Ghosh Memorial Award, the Nadia Award, and the Godrej Karai Travelling Fellowship Award. Together, these accolades highlight the depth of his clinical expertise and his dedication to professional growth.
The Significance of the Vanessa Moss Award
At London Global Cancer Week, the Vanessa Moss Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to confronting cancer health disparities. Dr. Soumen Das’ receipt of this award underscores his contributions not only as a surgeon but also as an advocate for equitable cancer care. His work draws attention to the structural and socioeconomic factors that impact cancer diagnosis and treatment, aligning closely with the mission of Cancer Health Disparity Day.
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD