Dr. Ashutosh Tewari honored with prestigious inaugural award at international urology conference in Mount Sinai

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The Department of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai hosted the Fifth International Prostate Cancer Symposium and World Congress of Urologic Oncology.

A significant highlight was the presentation of the first Golden Robot Surgical Award for Excellence in Surgical Innovations for Cancer Patients to Indian American physician, Dr. Ashutosh Tewari, MBBS, MCh, Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at Icahn Mount Sinai. This award was presented by Merryl and James Tisch, Co-Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of the Mount Sinai Health System, during a gala at the Pierre Hotel. The award recognizes a significant leap in medical innovation and patient care.

“It feels very humbling that a major award of this magnitude is being bestowed for something I do on a day-to-day basis,” Dr. Tewari told News India Times. “Validation once in a while makes it worthwhile and feels very fulfilling,” he added. The award was also a recognition for being appointed Surgeon-in-Chief at a new cancer hospital, Dr. Tewari said.

Indian-origin physicians were a visible presence at the conference which was held Dec. 8-10, 2023. The event is considered a cornerstone in prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer, attracting more than 500 registrants including 90 of the world’s most renowned experts from more than 20 countries.

Dr. Tewari was one of three Mount Sinai leaders to open the symposium: Dr. Tewari, Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of Icahn Mount Sinai, and David Reich, MD, President,The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Queens. Their insightful opening remarks set the tone for what was to be an intensive three-day exploration of the latest advancements and challenges in urologic cancer care, the press release from Mount Sinai said.

One of the symposium’s highlights was a presentation by best-selling author Deepak Chopra, MD, a pioneer in integrative medicine and a prolific writer titled “Major Breakthroughs in the Science of Healing.” Dr. Chopra’s talk focused on integrating AI with the holistic interplay of mind, body, and spirit in medical science.

Additionally, a debate between Mount Sinai radiation oncologist Richard Stock, MD, and robotic surgery pioneer Mani Menon, MD, Professor and Chief of Strategy and Innovation at the Department of Urology, offered contrasting perspectives on treating intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Ketan Badani, MD, the Department’s Vice Chair and Director of Robotic Operations, and other renowned speakers contributed to the symposium with their expertise on modern surgical techniques in kidney cancer.

Reflecting on the symposium’s impact, Dr. Tewari noted, “This gathering served as a dynamic platform for exploring the various facets of urology and robotic surgery. The exchange of ideas and insights among our peers underscores our collective capacity to shape the future of urologic oncology significantly.”

Dr. Tewari is a world-renowned urologist and prostate cancer specialist. As Director of the Department of Urology, he leads a multidisciplinary team committed to improving prostate cancer treatment, research, and education. To date, he has performed over 5,000 robotic radical prostatectomy surgeries. The Tewari Lab is working on unlocking the genomic causes of prostate cancer and translating genomic information to practical physician application through imaging. In 2012, he was awarded the American Urological Association’s Gold Cystoscope Award. This honor is given annually to the urologist who has contributed significantly to the field within 10 years of completing residency. Dr. Tewari holds several leadership positions domestically and internationally, according to his profile on the hospital website.