Dr Rahul Kumar Gupta is a surgeon, researcher, and medical activist dedicated to making advanced and equitable healthcare accessible to all. He completed his MBBS from AIIMS Raipur and MS in General Surgery from Medical College, Jabalpur, followed by DNB in General Surgery. He further enhanced his expertise with a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and has worked extensively as a Senior Resident in Surgical Oncology.
With 14 years of clinical experience, Dr Gupta has a strong academic and research background and is actively involved in multi-center research on microbreaks in oncosurgery. His clinical and research interests include surgical oncology, colorectal cancer trials, and evidence-based cancer care.
Beyond the operating room, he is deeply engaged in public health initiatives, contributing to cancer awareness programs, HPV vaccination drives, and collaborations with non-governmental organizations aimed at improving cancer prevention and access to treatment. He is currently working as a Senior Resident at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital, Delhi.
In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Gupta shared why health literacy becomes important in cancer care. Read on…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One of the most common communication mistakes is hiding important facts and failing to understand the serious outcomes of life-threatening diseases.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy plays a vital role in removing barriers to understanding health information. It empowers individuals to question false claims, dispel myths, and overcome misconceptions created by misinformation.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When a patient is knowledgeable, it becomes easier for healthcare teams to coordinate care and make the journey from cancer to recovery smoother and more effective.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
When a patient lacks adequate knowledge, it can lead to delays in the treatment plan. Poor understanding may also contribute to undernutrition, making the patient weak and unfit to undergo further treatment.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Some of the most common myths and misinformation among patients include avoiding biopsy, skipping proper nutrition due to false beliefs, and fear or misunderstanding of chemotherapy, all of which can negatively affect timely and effective treatment.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give my patients is to seek answers and guidance only from qualified health experts, as this helps them avoid myths, misinformation, and delays in proper treatment.
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