American Oncology Institute (AOI) at Citizens Specialty Hospital, in collaboration with the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), successfully hosted the R.I.S.E. (Robotic Innovation, Skills & Education) Program at Citizens Specialty Hospital, Nallagandla. The scientific workshop brought together 229+ surgeons from across India to strengthen expertise in robotic and minimally invasive cancer surgery.
The program was led by the Dr Suresh Chandra Hari, Chief of General, Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery and team. Robotic Cancer Surgery Team headed by Dr. Jagdishwar Goud Gajagowni, along with Dr. Bala Vikas Kumar, Dr. Soumya Dayyala, Dr. P. Pragnia. Live robotic procedures demonstrated included Robotic Esophagectomy, Robotic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer, Robotic Hysterectomy with Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, and Robotic Hernioplasty, along with advanced robotic techniques in thoracic, colorectal, upper GI, gynaecologic, and endocrine surgeries.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Suresh Chandra Hari, Chief of General, Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Jagdishwar Goud Gajagowni, National Director – Robotic Onco Surgery, AOI at Citizens Specialty Hospital and National Project Lead, ASI R.I.S.E. Program, said the initiative follows the philosophy of “Teach 10, who will teach 10 more,” creating a strong network of trained robotic surgeons and expanding access to safe, precise cancer care across India.
The workshop featured live robotic surgeries, expert scientific sessions, case discussions, and hands-on learning, enabling surgeons to improve surgical precision, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes through standardized and reproducible techniques.
Dr. Prabhakar Palacharla, Regional Chief Operating Officer – South, American Oncology Institute and Citizens Specialty Hospital, emphasized that robotic technology delivers its greatest value when supported by structured training, mentorship, and continuous learning.
The scientific sessions were enriched by leading experts including Dr. Pallavi V. R., Dr. Kalayarasan Raja, Dr. Saravana Rajamanickam, while Dr. Gaddi Diwakar, Honorary Secretary, ASI, Marketing Head Kiran Kumar Kandepu & Dr Nickhil Vangapally- Head Medical Services attended the inauguration representing the Association of Surgeons of India.
Mr. Dileep Mangsuli, Chairman, CTSI, said the R.I.S.E. Program is a significant step toward strengthening surgical excellence and ensuring more patients across India can access advanced robotic cancer surgery closer to home. The management of American Oncology Institute and Citizens Specialty Hospital reaffirmed their commitment to advancing robotic surgery through innovation, structured surgical education, and collaboration with the Association of Surgeons of India to improve cancer care nationwide.
