Sushma Bhatnagar

Professional Summary

Dr. (Prof.) Sushma Bhatnagar is a distinguished Principal Director in Onco-Anaesthesia, Critical Care, Pain Management, and Palliative Care, currently practicing at Max Healthcare in New Delhi, India. With a career spanning over three decades, she is one of India's most accomplished specialists in cancer pain management and palliative medicine, bringing together expertise in anaesthesia, oncology, and compassionate end-of-life care. A pioneering figure in her field, Dr. Bhatnagar has served in prestigious leadership roles at AIIMS, New Delhi, and the Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, where she rose from Assistant Professor to Chief & Professor. She has been recognized internationally with numerous awards, including the Cynthia Goh Award from the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network and the IASP Award for Excellence in Clinical Research. Her commitment to advancing palliative care globally is reflected in her role as an Implementation Group Member of The Lancet Commission on Global Access to Pain Control and Palliative Care. Dr. Bhatnagar is an ideal choice for international patients seeking expert cancer pain management, supportive oncology care, and palliative medicine from a physician whose credentials and experience are truly world-class.

Specializations

• Medical Oncology
• Cancer Pain Management
• Palliative Care
• Onco-Anaesthesia
• Critical Care

Procedures & Expertise

• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Chemotherapy for Cancer
• Targeted Therapy for Cancer
• Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer

Education & Qualifications

• Fellowship — National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (2023)
• MSc (Palliative Medicine) — Cardiff University, UK (2013)
• MD (Anaesthesiology) — SMS Medical College, Jaipur (1991)
• MBBS — SMS Medical College, Jaipur (1986)

Hospital Affiliations

• Max Hospital – Saket Smart, New Delhi
• Max Hospital – Saket East, New Delhi
• Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket 
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
• Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi
• Rajawadi Municipal Hospital, Mumbai

Awards & Recognition

• Chairperson, Clinical Services, COVID Task Force, NCI, AIIMS, New Delhi
• Founder, Pain Policy, End of Life Care Policy, AIIMS, New Delhi
• Founder, DN (Onco-Anaesthesia), MD (Palliative Medicine), AIIMS, New Delhi
• Individual Recognition Award, International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) (2024)
• Cynthia Goh Award, Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN), Singapore (2023)
• Dr. R. Joshi IMA Bhushan Award and Oration (2023)
• International Innovation Grant, Conquer Cancer Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology (2018)
• Award of Excellence in Palliative Medicine, SAARC Countries, Indian Association of Palliative Care Conference (2014)
• Nari Shakti Samman Project, "She to Shakti," Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Palliative Medicine
• Susan Raj Pain Physician Award, World Institute of Pain Conference, Kolkata (2013)
• IASP Award for Excellence in Clinical Research, Practice and Policy Change, World Congress on Pain, Milan (2012)
• Featured, Marquis Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Seventh Edition (2010)

Memberships

• International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
• IASP World Congress on Pain
• Implementation Group Member, The Lancet Commission on Global Access to Pain Control and Palliative Care
• Council Member, Asian Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN)
• Editorial Board Member, World Journal of Anaesthesiology
• Organising Committee Member, International Conference on Opioids