Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli
Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli is a globally recognized surgical oncologist, robotic surgery pioneer, and public health advocate based in Hyderabad, India. Serving as the Director of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Yashoda Hospitals and the Founder & CEO of the Grace Cancer Foundation, he is widely acknowledged for introducing advanced minimally invasive robotic techniques to the region and championing large-scale cancer awareness, screening, and rural healthcare initiatives.
Early Life & Navodaya Foundation
Dr. Chinnababu’s journey began in the quiet setting of Shivamogga, Karnataka, where he became part of the very first batch of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in 1986. For seven years, Navodaya nurtured his intellectual curiosity, discipline, and sense of service to society. The values he imbibed at JNV became the foundation of his medical career, guiding his vision to make cancer treatment more accessible, affordable, and compassionate.
Academic Excellence & Medical Training
Dr. Chinnababu pursued medicine with a deep sense of purpose. His academic journey reflects both brilliance and commitment:
- MBBS: Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra Medical College (JJM Medical College), Davangere.
- MS in General Surgery: Government Medical College, Surat — Gold Medalist and University Topper.
- MCh, Superspeciality in Surgical Oncology: Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad — University 2nd Rank.
- Advanced Fellowships & Certifications: Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgery (FIAGES); Professional Diploma in Clinical Research (PDCR); Advanced Liver Surgery Fellowship at New Tokyo Hospital, Japan; Robotic Surgery Training in Paris, France and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, USA; Fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, and Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Los Angeles.
This extensive training across India, Japan, France, and the USA established him as a surgeon of global caliber.
Professional Journey & Robotic Oncology Leadership
With over two decades of surgical experience, Dr. Chinnababu has held progressive clinical and academic leadership positions:
- Director of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery: Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad (2022–Present).
- Senior Consultant Robotic Surgical Oncologist: Yashoda Hospitals, Hitech City.
- Founder & CEO: Grace Cancer Foundation (2012–Present).
- Consultant Robotic Oncosurgeon: Apollo Hospitals (2012–2022).
- Consultant Surgical Oncologist & Professor: Kamineni Hospitals and Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences (2007–2012).
- Surgical Oncologist: Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (2004–2007).
- General Surgeon: Government Medical Hospital, Surat (2001–2004).
As the first qualified robotic surgeon in Andhra Pradesh, he has performed more than 1,500 robotic surgeries across cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovary, breast, colon, stomach, oesophagus, oral cavity, kidney, and lung. He also serves as a Proctor and Mentor for Da Vinci Robot training, shaping the next generation of surgeons.
Grace Cancer Foundation & Public Health Impact
In 2012, Dr. Chinnababu founded the Grace Cancer Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to making cancer care available to underserved populations. Key milestones and initiatives include: - Mass Cancer Screenings: Pioneered low-cost mobile cancer screening campaigns across rural and urban India. - Global Awareness Drives: Spearheaded initiatives like the Global Grace Cancer Run, with participation from more than 130 nations, earning recognition from Guinness World Records and the Limca Book of Records. - COVID-19 Response: Established India’s first mobile COVID ICU during the pandemic. - Infrastructure Development: Established a state-of-the-art specialized cancer treatment center in rural Telangana in 2017.
Awards, Honors & Records
Dr. Chinnababu’s pioneering contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally:
- Guinness World Records: Largest Breast Cancer Screening (2016), Largest Oral Cancer Screening (2019), and Oral Hygiene Awareness Campaign (2019).
- Limca Book of Records: Highest Cervical Cancer Screening (2016).
- National & Regional Honors: Best Doctor Award by King Foundation (2022); Young Oncologist of the Year by Times of India (2018); Vaidya Rathna Award by Suman Foundation (2012); Best Poster Award by IASO (2006).
- Thought Leadership: Featured speaker at TEDx (2022) and Lead-Talk (2018). His academic case study, “Project Ashray: Planning a Time Constrained Project”, is featured on the Harvard Business Publishing Education Website.
A Navodaya Soul & Legacy
For the Navodaya community, Dr. Chinnababu is more than a world-class oncologist; he is a mentor, guide, and source of pride. He remains supportive and approachable for Navodayans, especially in times of medical need. His humility, combined with his professional stature, makes him a shining example of the Navodaya spirit: excellence rooted in service.
Institutional Media Archives
Savrosi's Video Spotlight Section
Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli' Remarkable Journey | LeadTalks Hyderabad 2018
References & External Links
- Official Grace Cancer Foundation Website
- Yashoda Hospitals Expert Profile
- TEDx Talk - Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli
- Official Website