About me

Personal Background

Hello, I’m Dr. Goutham Sunny, a medical oncologist dedicated to treating cancer and supporting patients through their most challenging times. My journey in medicine began with a deep-rooted desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Growing up, I witnessed how cancer affects not just the patient but entire families, and this inspired me to pursue oncology as my specialty. I strive to combine scientific excellence with human empathy in my practice – treating every patient with respect, honesty, and compassion.

Beyond my professional role, I’m also a family person and a lifelong learner. I value open communication; I always encourage patients to ask questions and voice their concerns. This website is an extension of who I am – a doctor who cares deeply about community education, patient rights, and improving quality of life for those touched by cancer. When I’m not in the hospital, I often engage with the public through social media to spread awareness and debunk myths about cancer, because I believe no one should be misled by fear or misinformation.

Education and training

I have undergone extensive medical training to ensure I can provide the best care possible:

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery): Completed my foundational medical degree from the prestigious Christian Medical College, Vellore, which laid the groundwork in understanding general medicine and patient care.

  • MD (Doctor of Medicine): Pursued postgraduate training in Radiation Oncology, also from CMC Vellore, where I gained broad experience in managing cancers and developed a strong clinical acumen. I was awarded the Dr. Ida B Scudder Gold Medal for best outgoing postgraduate student.

  • DM (Doctorate of Medicine in Medical Oncology): Specialized in Medical Oncology at GCRI/BJ Medical College, Gujarat University – a premier regional cancer center. I was honored to graduate with a Gold Medal for academic excellence in my DM program. This advanced training focused on chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and the latest cancer treatment protocols.

  • ECMO (European Certified Medical Oncologist): In addition to my degrees, I achieved certification from the European Society for Medical Oncology, earning the title of European Certified Medical Oncologist. This reflects my commitment to meeting international standards in oncology knowledge and practice.

Throughout my education, I actively participated in research and stayed updated with emerging developments. My areas of interest include preventive oncology, mathematical oncology, and artificial intelligence in cancer care, as well as improving patient quality of life through supportive care. This diverse training and skill set enable me to approach cancer treatment with a holistic and up-to-date perspective.

Work Experience

After over a decade of medical studies and residency training, I am currently serving as an Assistant Professor in Medical Oncology at GCRI, Ahmedabad. In this role, I divide my time between clinical duties, research, and teaching:

  • Clinician: I treat patients with all types of cancers – from common cancers like breast, lung, and colorectal, to rare tumors. Working at GCRI (a 1000-bed comprehensive cancer center), I collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of surgical and gynecological oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncopathologists, and other specialists to provide integrated care. I hold outpatient clinics, oversee chemotherapy sessions, manage inpatients, and ensure that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan suited to their condition and needs.

  • Academic Faculty: As a faculty member at a teaching hospital, I mentor and train postgraduate residents and fellows in oncology. I conduct bedside teaching, give lectures, and organize case discussions for medical students and junior doctors. Educating the next generation of oncologists is something I’m very passionate about – I emphasize evidence-based practice, compassionate patient communication, and staying abreast of global guidelines.

  • Researcher: I am actively involved in clinical research aimed at improving cancer outcomes. I have been a co-investigator in clinical trials and have contributed to institutional research projects. My particular research interests lie in predictive oncology (using patient and tumor factors to predict outcomes), and applying machine learning to better analyze cancer data and imaging. Keeping an investigative mindset helps me bring the latest innovations from the lab to my patients’ bedside.

Prior to my current appointment, I completed my residency (specialist training) in Medical Oncology at GCRI itself. This intensive hands-on experience under the guidance of senior experts shaped my approach to patient care. Each chapter of my work experience – from junior resident to assistant professor – has reinforced my commitment to fighting cancer and caring for patients with utmost dedication.

Professional affiliations

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

To stay connected with the wider oncology community and continually update my knowledge, I am affiliated with several professional organizations:

European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric oncology (ISMPO)
Immuno-Oncology society of India (I -OSI)
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)
Society of Heamotological Oncology (SOHO)
Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI)

By engaging with these professional societies, I adhere to international standards of care and bring global perspectives to my practice. These affiliations also allow me to contribute to the oncology field beyond my hospital – whether it’s by presenting cases at conferences, publishing articles, or simply exchanging ideas with peers worldwide.

Publications & Research

Research and knowledge-sharing are integral to my career. I have authored and co-authored publications in the field of oncology:

  • Academic Publications: I have contributed to case reports and clinical research articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals. For instance, most recently, I published an invited review article on the role of immunotherapy in advanced head and neck cancers. These works explored unique clinical scenarios and reviewed relevant medical literature, providing insights for other doctors handling similar cases.

  • Research Interests: My research pursuits often intersect with technology and innovation. I am fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in oncology – in one project, I collaborated on developing a framework for using CT/PET scan radiomic data to predict treatment outcomes. Additionally, I am involved in studies on cancer vaccines and immunotherapy; I stay updated on breakthroughs such as therapeutic cancer vaccines and share those insights with peers. Through ongoing research, I strive to contribute to advances that can lead to early detection, better treatments, or improved quality of life for cancer patients.

  • Conferences and Presentations: I regularly attend scientific conferences and national oncology meetings. I have presented posters and talks, especially on topics like preventive oncology and quality-of-life studies. Engaging in conferences not only lets me showcase my work but also helps me learn from global experts. The News section of this site will often reflect key takeaways from major conferences that I attend or follow.

By publishing and participating in research, I remain at the forefront of oncology progress. I believe that being a good oncologist means being a lifelong student – always curious, always analyzing new data, and always ready to adapt practice based on the latest evidence. My patients ultimately benefit from this, as I can offer them treatments that are backed by the newest and best available knowledge.

(For a detailed list of my publications and conference presentations, please feel free to contact me or visit my LinkedIn profile. I am happy to share my work with anyone interested.)