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(Content Strategist/Editor: Josmi Jose)

Dr Jojo V. Joseph, affectionately known as Cancer healer, is one of the renowned Surgical Oncologists in India with more than 24 Years of Experience in the field of Cancer Surgeries and Comprehensive Cancer Care. His inspiring journey from a determined village youth to a renowned Surgical Oncologist is a testament to his dedication and resilience. In a society threatened by the pervasive impact of cancer, individuals like Dr. Jojo are on the frontline, tirelessly working to combat the disease and raise awareness about its complexities.

Dr. Jojo's early life was marked by determination and a thirst for knowledge. Born in a humble village in Kottayam District, Kerala, Dr. Jojo began his schooling at Malayinchippara UP School where electricity only graced his village after he reached the 8th standard. Growing up surrounded by simplicity and challenges, his parents, who were farmers, taught him the values of hard work and persistence. His teachers further motivated and assured him, conveying the belief that education could pave the way to a brighter world, full of the miracles he often read about in newspapers. This encouragement fueled his determination, inspiring him to embark on an academic journey that defied the odds, shaping his remarkable path in the field of surgical oncology.

Following his schooling, Dr. Jojo laid the cornerstone for his illustrious medical career by enrolling at Medical College Kottayam in 1986. After completing his MBBS, he made a pivotal decision to specialize in cancer care, recognizing the growing prevalence of the disease and the scarcity of oncology specialists in his state. Fueled by a profound passion for surgical oncology, he dedicated himself to further education, successfully attaining his MS in General Surgery from M.P Shah Medical College Jamnagar. His academic journey reached new heights with an MCh in Oncology Surgery from the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute at B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad. He also completed his fellowship in minimal-access surgery.

Dr. Jojo, with a rich experience spanning over two decades, currently holds the esteemed position of Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology at Caritas Cancer Institute Kottayam and Indira Gandhi Co-Operative Hospital Kochi. His unwavering commitment to the field is evident in an impressive track record comprising over 16,000 successful cancer surgeries conducted both in India and abroad, benefitting more than 22,000 cancer patients to date. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Caritas Cancer Institute, the second non-governmental cancer institute in Kerala. Dr. Jojo also initiated the Surgical Oncology Department at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka, accredited by JCI. He is adept in Organ Conserving and Minimal Access Cancer Surgeries, having received training in these advanced techniques. With a rich academic background, he served as a teaching faculty member at B J Medical College, Ahmedabad. Dr. Jojo's diverse expertise encompasses a range of cancer surgeries, specializing in Head and Neck, Breast, Gynecological, and GIT cancers, as well as Lung Cancer Surgeries.

What sets him apart is not just his clinical prowess but his holistic approach to cancer care. In a profession where the focus often narrows to curing ailments, Dr. Jojo advocates for a broader perspective. He believes that beyond the medical procedures, his duty is to instill hope and brightness in the lives of his patients. Contrary to the belief that cancer diminishes the quality of life, Dr. Jojo strives to empower his patients to live healthily, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset and a healthy lifestyle in maintaining their overall well-being. From conducting cancer screening and early detection camps to leading tobacco cessation programs, he champions the cause of preventive healthcare. This commitment is not merely confined to the operating room; it extends to his continuous efforts in educating the public about cancer through various platforms, exemplifying his dedication to bridging the gap between medical expertise and human experience.

Dr. Jojo's commitment to the advancement of surgical oncology goes beyond clinical practice. As a mentor, he has trained numerous surgeons, contributing to the global impact of his knowledge. His role as a resource person in conferences and workshops both in India and abroad showcases his dedication to the dissemination of knowledge. As a Resource person for conferences and workshops of surgical oncology, head and neck oncology, GI surgical oncology, etc. in India and abroad, Dr. Jojo's efforts extend to continuing medical education programs for various scientific associations, further establishing his influence in the field.

Recognizing the imperative of dispelling misinformation about cancer, Dr. Jojo utilizes modern technology to engage with the public. Since 2010, his social media presence has evolved into a powerful tool against fake information on cancer treatments. Fueled by a profound sense of social responsibility, he not only educates the public about cancer symptoms, treatments, and the importance of fact-checking in the digital age but also actively raises awareness and addresses doubts through his personal website.

Renowned for his humble and generous nature, Dr. Jojo approaches patient care with diligence. Integrating modern technology with his extensive experience, he navigates the digital age to facilitate early detection and treatment of cancer. Despite his hectic schedule as a senior oncology surgeon at Caritas Cancer Institute, Kottayam, he dedicates time to engage with the public through various social media platforms. This commitment is driven by a profound sense of social responsibility to combat misinformation surrounding cancer treatments—a responsibility he undertook due to the alarming number of misguided queries and blind belief in spurious cancer-related information circulating on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.

In his personal life, Dr. Jojo is supported by his wife, Dr. Jincy Mathew, a Consultant Radiologist at Caritas Hospital in Kottayam. Together, they exemplify the power of a united front in the fight against cancer. He also maintains a personal website as a repository of his experiences, stories, and knowledge, aiming to bust myths about cancer and provide valuable information to the public. His dedication to bridging the gap between medical expertise and public understanding is evident in his continuous efforts, both professionally and personally.

Dr. Jojo’s significant contributions to the field of Surgical Oncology have been widely recognized, with numerous awards and acknowledgments for his outstanding work. His dedication to advancing the understanding and application of surgical oncology is evident through the many accolades he has received. Despite these achievements, Dr. Jojo remains steadfast in his commitment, tirelessly working to enhance the lives of those affected by cancer. In addition to his clinical accomplishments, his impact extends to the academic sphere, with a considerable number of publications in reputable journals. Dr. Jojo's dedication to education is evident in his active participation in organizing continuing medical education programs for esteemed associations like IMA, ASI, ISO, IASO, KASO and other scientific organizations. Through these initiatives, he not only shares knowledge with fellow professionals but also contributes to the broader goal of nurturing a knowledgeable and skilled medical community.

Moreover, Dr. Jojo doesn't limit himself to surgery; he has expanded his skills into various aspects of healthcare, including technology, clinical trials, managed care, and acute care. This diverse expertise equips him to offer innovative and evidence-based solutions to the challenges and opportunities in cancer care. Always eager to learn, Dr. Jojo stays up-to-date with emerging tools and technologies, contributing to his field. His commitment to keeping abreast of medical advancements is clear in his articles, where he enthusiastically discusses the vital role of artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare practices. Driven by an unyielding quest for knowledge, he not only uses his expertise to improve patient care but also actively participates in discussions on how technology is reshaping the healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, Dr. Jojo's unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to advancing healthcare make him a true asset to society. Doctors like him are a real blessing, not only for their patients but for the overall betterment of our community's health and well-being. Their tireless contributions inspire hope and set a standard of compassionate care that uplifts the entire medical field!