Leading oncologist honoured for groundbreaking contributions in cancer care, AI-driven healthcare innovation, and medical education at Vigyan Bhavan ceremony
At the 23rd convocation ceremony of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on May 23, 2026, renowned oncologist and physician-scientist Dr. A.V.S. Suresh was awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit.
The award was presented by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda in recognition of Dr. Suresh’s exceptional contributions to oncology, medical research, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and medical education.
Dr. Suresh, an eminent medical oncologist associated with Citizens Hospital, Hyderabad, is widely recognised for his clinical expertise and academic excellence. With over two decades of experience in oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, he has been associated with more than 800 stem cell transplants and has played a key role in advancing precision oncology and personalised cancer treatment approaches.
A prolific academician, Dr. Suresh has authored over 290 scientific publications and multiple textbook chapters, along with holding more than 20 patents in artificial intelligence-enabled healthcare technologies. His research contributions span oncology innovation, digital health systems, and clinical decision support tools powered by AI.
He is also a Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology and Hematology at the American Oncology Institute and serves as Co-Founder and Chief Physician Scientist at CognitiveCare. His work in integrating artificial intelligence into clinical practice since 2015 has positioned him as one of the early adopters of AI-driven healthcare transformation in India.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Suresh has led large-scale healthcare outreach initiatives focused on cancer awareness, early screening, rural healthcare access, and preventive medicine. Through these programs, he and his teams have reportedly impacted over three million lives across India.
His contributions have earned him several national and international recognitions, including the GS Bhattacharya Award and acknowledgment from the American Association for Cancer Research. He has also been listed among the “Top 100 Physicians of the World” for his achievements in oncology, innovation, and medical education.
The NBEMS Presidential Medal of Merit marks another major milestone in his distinguished career, highlighting his sustained efforts in advancing cancer care, medical innovation, and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare systems.
