‘The school instilled a sense of structure and humility’

He calls himself a proud Apeejayite. His family shares a deep connection with the school. His brother, and now his daughter, have studied at Apeejay School, Noida. Having spent nearly a decade in the system, the school shaped him in many ways.

“After Class X, I chose Biology (medical). There were no doctors in my family, but my father encouraged me to consider medicine. Also, many of my close friends had chosen this stream. That played a role too,” Dr Rajat Saha, who leads a medical unit, said.

In a candid interview, he shares the fond memories from this school, among other things.

Tell us about yourself.

I cleared the all-India entrance exam and began my MBBS in Mumbai, along with my close friend. The transition was not easy. MBBS was intense, and I had no prior exposure to that level of academic pressure. But over time, I began to understand both the demands and the rewards of the field. I stayed on to complete my MD in Medicine as well.

What led you to specialise in oncology?

During my medical training, I realised that while we studied conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders in detail, cancer did not receive the same attention. This stood out to me because cancer was already becoming increasingly prevalent. That gap in the curriculum sparked my curiosity. I wanted to understand the disease better and contribute in a space that needed more focus. That is what led me to pursue oncology.

What are the biggest challenges in your field today?

The biggest challenge is the disease itself. Cancer is complex and carries a significant emotional and physical burden. In India, the situation is compounded by rising lifestyle risks such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor dietary habits. Another challenge is access to care. Advanced cancer treatment facilities are still concentrated in major cities, which makes it difficult for many patients to receive timely treatment.

Awareness is also a concern. Many people ignore early warning signs and approach doctors only at advanced stages. That delay can make treatment much more difficult.

Are there any common myths about cancer you would like to address?

A major misconception is that diagnostic procedures like biopsies can spread cancer. That is not true. Proper diagnosis is essential, and avoiding tests only delays treatment. Another issue is hesitation. People often avoid consulting even a general physician at an early stage. Early detection can make a significant difference, so seeking timely medical advice is important.

What values from Apeejay School still guide you today?

Discipline has stayed with me. The school instilled a sense of structure and humility. I have always felt that Apeejayites tend to remain grounded, and that has been a strength in my professional life.

Do you have a fond memory from your school days?

One moment that stands out is from Class XI, when my Principal entrusted me with assisting him during a conference. For a few days, I worked closely with him and observed how he interacted and managed situations. At that time, I did not fully grasp its value, but it taught me important lessons about leadership and communication.

Another special memory was returning to the school years later for my daughter’s admission. What stayed with me was that many of my teachers still recognised me, and I recognised them. That sense of continuity meant a lot.