The
Signing of MOU between CARF & Manipal University - from left: Mr. Shamshi
Mulla, Prof. Bellur Rajashekhar, Dr. Raj Tendulkar, Dr. Ramdas Pai, Dr. H. S.
Ballal, Dr. Vinod Bhat, Dr. G. K. Prabhu & Dr. Rehan A. Kazi (Inset
Picture)
A Professorial Chair
titled “CARF & Prof. Bellur
Rajashekhar Chair in Head & Neck Cancer Research and Voice Restoration
was constituted between Manipal
University and CARF (Cancer Aid
and Research Foundation, Mumbai) a
registered medical NGO, and a member of UICC (Union International against
Cancer), Geneva, Switzerland on the 18th day of January 2012. The chair
was officially initiated by the signing of a MOU between CARF and Manipal
University in the presence of University officials- Dr. Ramdas Pai,Chancellor,
Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Dr. Vinod Bhat, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. G. K.
Prabhu, Registrar and the CARF team comprising of trustees, Dr. Raj Tendulkar,
and Mr. Shamshi Mulla. This chair bears the name of the Foundation and Prof. Dr.
Rajashekhar (Dean, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences) as an
acknowledgement of his pioneering work as a Speech Pathologist over the last
several years. This endowed professorial chair is the first of its kind in
India and its chief aim is to foster research in the field of head and neck
cancer. Dr. Rehan A. Kazi Head &
Neck Cancer Surgeon & Scientist was unanimously appointed by the selection
panel as the 1st recipient of the Chair. Prof. Rehan Kazi has trained and worked at the best cancer centers in the world
(such as The Royal Marsden Hospital, UK; Institute of Cancer Research, UK &
Maria Sklodowska Curie Memorial Institute, Poland.) This has allowed him to
develop a global perspective on cancers and be at the helm of cutting edge
technology/research in head and neck cancers.
Winner of the 2006 Byer’s
Award from the AHNS for his PhD work, he is currently involved
in newer research in quality of life, functional outcomes and their
implications in head and neck cancer using subjective and objective methods.
Over the past few years, he has published more than 100 peer-reviewed
scientific papers, 7 books and numerous chapters in leading head and neck
textbooks.
He is also actively involved in the teaching of medical undergraduate / postgraduate students in ENT especially head and neck and the supervision of MSc./MD and PhD students.
It is hoped that he will
build upon the recognized research strengths of the Manipal University and help
develop strong translational research programs in Head & Neck cancers and voice
restoration.
CARF established in 2001 is the largest NGO in India related to cancer.
It has made significant contribution in the area of cancer by providing
generous funding and services for cancer treatment, education, research,
screening, awareness, boarding and lodging for cancer patients and their
families.
