Dr. Subodh Chandra Pande

Our 6-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, and Dr. Pande became our guardian angel. He'd kneel to her eye level, using puppet shows to explain procedures. When she lost her hair, he gave her a sparkly headscarf and said 'Now you look like a superhero.' Three years later, she's cancer-free and still draws pictures for his office wall.

Rushed to Artemis with acute abdominal pain, I was terrified when they found a pancreatic tumor. Dr. Pande performed emergency surgery at 2 AM, then sat with my wife for hours explaining the complex Whipple procedure. His hands were steady, his voice calmer than any meditation app. I'm alive because he treats emergencies like they're his only case.

As a hypochondriac with family cancer history, my annual checkups are anxiety-filled. Dr. Pande noticed my trembling hands and spent extra time showing me clear scans, explaining what each shadow meant. He didn't rush me through my fears. Now I actually look forward to these visits.

My husband's glioblastoma required a risky surgery where millimeters mattered. Dr. Pande used augmented reality mapping to show us exactly how he'd navigate the tumor. During the 9-hour operation, he sent us three updates. The precision left his cognitive functions completely intact - a miracle we attribute to Dr. Pande's steady hands and brilliant mind.

At 78, I thought my persistent cough was just old age, but Dr. Pande discovered early-stage lung cancer during a routine checkup. His gentle manner of explaining the radiation therapy options made me feel hopeful rather than scared. He even called my daughter personally to ensure she understood the treatment plan.