Alumnus – JNV Shivamogga, Karnataka (1986–1993 Batch)
Director, Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery – Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad; Founder & CEO – Grace Cancer Foundation
Early Life and Navodaya Foundation
Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli’s journey began in the quiet setting of Shivamogga, Karnataka, where he became part of the very first batch of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in 1986. For seven years, Navodaya nurtured his intellectual curiosity, discipline, and sense of service to society. The values he imbibed at JNV became the foundation of his medical career, guiding his vision to make cancer treatment more accessible, affordable, and compassionate.
Academic Excellence and Medical Training
Dr. Chinnababu pursued medicine with a deep sense of purpose. His academic journey reflects both brilliance and commitment:
- MBBS – Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra Medical College (JJM Medical College), Davangere
- MS in General Surgery – Government Medical College, Surat (Gold Medalist and University Topper)
- MCh, Superspeciality in Surgical Oncology – Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad (University 2nd Rank)
- Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgery (FIAGES)
- Professional Diploma in Clinical Research (PDCR)
- Advanced Liver Surgery Fellowship – New Tokyo Hospital, Japan
- Robotic Surgery Training – Paris, France and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, USA
- Fellowship – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute, New York, USA
- Fellowship – Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Los Angeles, USA
This extensive training in India, Japan, France, and the USA established him as a surgeon of global caliber.
Professional Journey
Dr. Chinnababu has over two decades of surgical experience, marked by progressive leadership roles:
- Director of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad (since 2022)
- Senior Consultant Robotic Surgical Oncologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hitech City
- Founder & CEO, Grace Cancer Foundation (since 2012)
- Consultant Robotic Oncosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals (2012–2022)
- Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Kamineni Hospitals (2007–2012)
- Professor, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences (2007–2012)
- Surgical Oncologist, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (2004–2007)
- General Surgeon, Government Medical Hospital, Surat (2001–2004)
As the first qualified robotic surgeon in Andhra Pradesh, he has performed more than 1,500 robotic surgeries across cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovary, breast, colon, stomach, oesophagus, oral cavity, kidney, and lung. He also serves as a Proctor and Mentor for Da Vinci Robot training, shaping the next generation of surgeons.
Contributions and Innovations
- Clinical Practice: Over 20 years of treating complex cancer cases with cutting-edge surgical oncology and robotic techniques.
- Clinical Research: Principal Investigator for multiple international clinical trials.
- Innovation in Public Health: Pioneered low-cost cancer screening in India through mobile cancer screening campaigns.
- COVID-19 Response: Established India’s first mobile COVID ICU.
- Education & Advocacy: TEDx Speaker (2022) and motivational speaker, inspiring young professionals and communities with talks on leadership and social impact.
- Infrastructure Development: Established a state-of-the-art cancer center in rural Telangana in 2017.
Grace Cancer Foundation – Extending Care Beyond Hospitals
In 2012, Dr. Chinnababu founded the Grace Cancer Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to making cancer care available to underserved populations. Its initiatives include:
- Mass cancer screenings in rural and urban India.
- Global awareness drives such as the Global Grace Cancer Run, with participation from more than 130 nations.
- Free cancer screenings for thousands of underprivileged individuals.
- Awareness campaigns that have been recognized by Guinness World Records and the Limca Book of Records.
The foundation continues to stand as a beacon of hope for families battling cancer.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Chinnababu’s pioneering contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally:
- Best Doctor Award – King Foundation, 2022
- Guinness World Records – Largest Breast Cancer Screening (2016), Largest Oral Cancer Screening (2019), Oral Hygiene Awareness Campaign (2019)
- Limca Book of Records – Highest Cervical Cancer Screening, 2016
- Vaidya Rathna Award – Suman Foundation, 2012
- Young Oncologist of the Year – Times of India, 2018
- Best Poster Award – Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO), 2006
- Recognized for establishing India’s first Mobile COVID ICU
- Featured in leadership and motivational platforms, including Lead-Talk (2018) and TEDx (2022)
Research and Publications
His academic contributions extend into research and thought leadership. One of his notable publications, “Project Ashray: Planning a Time Constrained Project”, has been featured on the Harvard Business Publishing Education Website.
Professional Memberships
- Member, Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO)
- Member, Indian Medical Association (IMA)
A Navodaya Soul
For the Navodaya community, Dr. Chinnababu is more than a world-class oncologist; he is a mentor, guide, and source of pride. He remains supportive and approachable for Navodayans, especially in times of medical need. His humility, combined with his professional stature, makes him a shining example of the Navodaya spirit: excellence rooted in service.
Legacy of Service
From a student at JNV Shivamogga to a globally recognized oncologist, Guinness World Record holder, and cancer awareness crusader, Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli’s journey is an inspiring testament to knowledge, innovation, and compassion. His legacy continues to be written every day — in operating rooms, in rural health camps, in research projects, and in the lives of patients who find hope through his work.
