V.R. Khanolkar: father of pathology and medical research in India

Abstract

Vasant Ramji Khanolkar was the first pathologist in India. He made major contributions to the epidemiology and understanding of cancer, blood groups, and leprosy. He was the first to show the existence of dhoti cancers, and was among the earliest to demonstrate the carcinogenicity of tobacco and the use of needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of neoplasms. He was an acclaimed teacher and was on the boards of numerous international organizations. He was a bibliophile and his writings are Oslerian in style. He serves as a role model to the few in India who are aware of him. He deserves to be called the "Father of pathology and medical research in India."