Professor Raghu Ram Pillarisetti, an eminent breast cancer surgeon, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
The award was made at a Diploma Ceremony held in the College last night (Wednesday 10 September 2025) in recognition of his services to surgery and breast cancer patients.
Commenting on the award, Professor Pillarisetti said: “I am deeply grateful to the President, for conferring this highest honour and dedicate this singular recognition to my family, patients and motherland.”
The award was presented by College President, Professor Hany Eteiba, who said: “I’m delighted to award Professor Pillarisetti this Honorary Fellowship this evening. For over two decades, he has dedicated himself to his community, bringing hope to millions of people in the fight against breast cancer.
"Fostering close links with surgeons in the UK, India and across the world, Raghu has been integral to our mission of improving health and professional standards in surgery. We are immensely proud to have him as part of our College community and we will continue to work together to strengthen our bond between the UK and India.”
Beginning his career in surgery in 1995, Professor Pillarisetti has revolutionised breast cancer care in India. After graduating from Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India, he travelled to the UK in 1997 for surgical training. In 2007 he returned to India to care for his mother, who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.
In India, where the subject was considered a ‘taboo’, he recognised the need to standardise breast cancer care and increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Motivated by this, he went on to establish South Asia’s first free-standing breast cancer clinic at KIMS Hospitals in Hyderabad and later founded the Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation to support patients.
In partnership with the Indian government, he has implemented a nationwide population-based breast cancer screening programme. He developed the world's first breast health mobile app in English and 11 commonly spoken Indian languages, which has helped make women across India more aware of the importance of early detection.
In 2011, Professor Pillarisetti established of the Association of Breast Surgeons of India, serving as its Founder Honorary Secretary (2011–2013) and later as President (2015–2017). In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours. In 2020, he became President of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) and in 2023, he became the youngest recipient of the ASI’s Lifetime Achievement award.
He has also received the Dr B.C Roy National Award from the President of India in 2016; this is the highest recognition that can be achieved by a doctor practicing medicine in India.
Professor Pillarisetti was awarded an OBE in Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours in 2020 for services to breast cancer care, surgical education in India and UK/India relations.
On the night, he joined in celebration of the achievements of physicians, surgeons, dentists and podiatric medical professionals.