Dr. Rasik Shah

From an early age, he aspired to excel in a professional field, with ambitions of becoming a doctor, engineer, or chartered accountant. After completing his SSC examination with distinction, he chose the science stream and continued to perform strongly in his HSC examination, securing marks that allowed him to pursue either medicine or engineering. Following thoughtful discussions with family members and mentors, he committed to a career in medicine.

He began his medical journey at Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, graduating in 1984. With an excellent performance in his final MBBS examination, he had the opportunity to pursue multiple specialties but chose general surgery. During his residency, a rotation in paediatric surgery proved to be a defining experience, inspiring him to dedicate his career to this specialized field. He completed his general surgery residency in 1989.

He subsequently secured admission to a superspecialisation program in paediatric surgery, completing his training in 1991. He achieved the highest average marks in Mumbai University and was awarded the prestigious “Ms. Banoo Khambatta Memorial Prize.” Driven by a passion for academics, he continued at Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals as a Lecturer in the Department of Paediatric Surgery.

Recognizing the global evolution of laparoscopic surgery, he pursued advanced training in minimally invasive techniques. After successfully passing the USMLE (Parts I and II), he joined the Department of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, as a Clinical Fellow. The department is internationally renowned for its pioneering work in minimally invasive paediatric surgery. During this time, he trained under Dr. Lobe, one of the world’s leading laparoscopic and thoracoscopic paediatric surgeons, gaining extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of advanced procedures.

Despite international opportunities, his commitment remained rooted in Mumbai. He returned in July 1998 with a vision to introduce and expand minimally invasive paediatric surgery in India, at a time when awareness in this field was limited. To promote understanding, he published and circulated a booklet on “Paediatric Endosurgery.”

He began private practice at Conwest Jain Clinic Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, where the institution supported his vision by acquiring a complete paediatric laparoscopic setup - among the first in the city. His pioneering work quickly gained recognition, leading to appointments at several leading institutions, including Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre (May 2000), B.Y.L. Nair Hospital (June 2000), P.D. Hinduja National Hospital (July 2002), and Sir HN Hospital (August 2002). In September 2007, he was appointed Assistant Honorary Paediatric Surgeon at Sir JJ Hospital and Grant Medical College, enabling him to contribute to both teaching and clinical advancement.

Over the years, he has also been associated with Bhatia General Hospital (2009), Hinduja Surgical Healthcare (2011), and Saifee Hospital (2012), further strengthening his clinical presence across Mumbai.

His contributions extend beyond clinical practice into leadership and professional development. He served as Honorary Secretary of the Indian Association of Paediatric Surgeons (2009 - 2011), where he introduced key reforms to improve organizational efficiency and financial sustainability. He later became the youngest President of the association (2013 - 2014), leading several impactful initiatives, including the launch of the CHIPS Foundation, a social outreach program.

With over 18 years of dedicated practice in Mumbai, he has performed more than 3,500 laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgeries in children. He has played a vital role in mentoring both junior and senior colleagues across major hospitals, helping disseminate the principles and techniques of minimally invasive paediatric surgery. He has actively participated in national and international conferences, presenting research, surgical videos, and innovative techniques.

Committed to education and knowledge-sharing, he has conducted numerous workshops and training programs across India. He has served as Convener of Paediatric Minimal Access Training Courses at CEMAST since 2013, organizing multiple basic and advanced training programs. He has also contributed as faculty in laparoscopic hernia and bronchoscopy courses and collaborated with institutions such as Ethicon.

In addition to in-person teaching, he has embraced digital platforms to expand his reach. Through his YouTube channel, “Rasik Shah,” and a series of global webinars, he has shared valuable insights with the medical community and the general public. Several of his lectures, including those broadcast internationally, remain accessible as educational resources.

An innovator at heart, he has contributed to advancing surgical techniques through practical innovations in laparoscopic paediatric surgery. In 2012, he filed patents for two novel laparoscopic devices aimed at improving surgical precision and ergonomics. Both inventions have received favorable preliminary reports, and efforts are ongoing to refine and commercialize these technologies globally.

His professional journey is complemented by a deep commitment to social service. He has been actively involved with organizations such as Lions Clubs International, Shree Vagad Graduates Association, and Jain Doctors' Federation. He has contributed to multiple charitable initiatives, including the establishment of a diagnostic center in Mumbai and educational support programs for underprivileged students. His leadership roles have included organizing community projects, fundraising initiatives, and mentoring young individuals toward social responsibility.

He has received numerous recognitions for both his medical and social contributions, including prestigious awards from professional associations and community organizations. His work has been widely acknowledged for its impact on paediatric surgical care and medical education in India.

In recent years, he has taken on key academic and editorial responsibilities. In 2022, he was elected Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons (JIAPS) for a five-year term. Under his leadership, the journal has seen significant growth in submissions and readership. He is also the editor of a multi-author book on minimally invasive paediatric surgery, scheduled for release at a major national conference.

He is currently associated with SRCC NH Children's Hospital, where he serves in a senior leadership role within the surgical department. He has been instrumental in launching educational masterclasses for doctors, adapting them into a successful online format during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, he also conducted numerous webinars with global participation, continuing his commitment to education despite challenging circumstances.