Leading Surgeons
Four Leading Surgeons on the Future of Transplantation
Organ transplantation in India is more than a surgical feat — it is a story of innovation, ethics, and human resilience. New Life. New Beginnings brings together four renowned voices who reflect on where we stand and where we are headed.
What unites them:
- Breakthroughs in technology — from artificial hearts and robotic surgery to AI, xenotransplantation, and better immunosuppressants.
- Ethical and equity challenges — organ scarcity, donor compensation, profiteering vs. government support.
- Patient responsibility — survival depends on discipline, medication, and follow-up.
- A shared vision of hope — safer, more personalised, widely accessible transplant care.
What makes each distinct:
Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan (Cardiac Transplant & Artificial Heart Pioneer) –
He is a frontrunner in cardiac transplants and artificial heart technology, championing cutting-edge innovation and strong patient compliance. Dr. Balakrishnan’s focus extends to the future of artificial hearts and emphasizes the essential role of robust government healthcare infrastructure to sustain transplant success in India. His unique contribution is bridging current transplant practices with the promise of artificial hearts, always advocating for better systems to support patients and practitioners.
Dr. Mohamed Rela (Liver Transplant Leader)
Expert in liver transplantation, Dr. Rela drives technological progress through innovations like robotic and split-liver surgery. He consistently highlights the importance of equity, donor dynamics—particularly gender issues—and stresses lifelong discipline for transplant patients. His unique vision prioritizes organ preservation as the future of transplantation, aiming to make advanced care safer and more sustainable.
Dr. Sandeep Attawar (Multi-organ Transplant Surgeon)
Dr. Attawar frames transplantation as a journey centered on holistic, compassionate, and patient-focused care. He emphasizes raising awareness about India’s low donation rates and patient responsibility for health outcomes. An advocate for digital innovation, he has introduced tools such as the myTransplant app to support long-term transplant success. His distinct approach is blending technology with empathy to support every stage of the patient’s journey.
Dr. Sundar Sankaran (Renal Transplant Nephrologist)
Taking on the role of an “orchestra conductor” in renal transplantation, Dr. Sankaran is deeply engaged in the ethical, innovative, and preventive aspects of his field. He addresses challenges such as donor incentives, xenotransplantation, and public awareness with a firm commitment to ethical practice and prevention-first strategies. His unique specialty lies in integrating complex donor and ethics issues with a broader public education mission, enhancing both patient survival and societal understanding.