Dr. Zachariah Chowdhury | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award
Professor, Dept Of Oncopathology from Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre (Tata Memorial Hospital) Varanasi, India
Dr. Zachariah Chowdhury is an accomplished academician, clinician, and researcher in the field of oncopathology, currently serving as the Professor and Officer-in-Charge of the Department of OncoPathology at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) & Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH) in Varanasi, under the Tata Memorial Centre. With foundational training in MBBS and MD in Pathology from Assam Medical College and a UICC Fellowship in Oncopathology, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in pathology and cancer diagnostics. His extensive teaching background includes instruction at multiple academic levels, including DM, MD, MBBS, nursing, and laboratory technology programs. Dr. Chowdhury has amassed an impressive portfolio of over 50 peer-reviewed publications, addressing both common and rare oncological conditions, contributing significantly to the evolving understanding of oncopathology. He is recognized for his comprehensive approach that merges histopathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, and molecular pathology. As a reviewer, invited speaker, and research presenter at both national and international platforms, he exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and visionary medical researcher. His contributions to both clinical practice and research make him a pivotal figure in the Indian medical community and a strong candidate for national and international honors in the field of cancer pathology.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Chowdhury’s academic journey began with outstanding scholastic achievements, securing the 5th rank in his Higher Secondary School Examination from Cotton College, Guwahati, with a remarkable 83.6% score. He earned his MBBS from Assam Medical College under Dibrugarh University in 2004, ranking 2nd in his final examinations. His dedication to medical sciences continued with an MD in Pathology in 2011 from the same institution, where he again demonstrated academic excellence by clearing all examinations in his first attempt. Complementing his postgraduate training, Dr. Chowdhury was awarded the prestigious UICC/Dr. Praful Desai Fellowship in Oncopathology at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, where he further honed his expertise in histopathology, cytopathology, and molecular diagnostics. Additionally, he underwent advanced training in molecular pathology at Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, and Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, reinforcing his foundation in modern cancer diagnostics. His academic credentials are supported by multiple merit certificates from the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, All Assam Students Union, and Assam Medical College, highlighting consistent academic distinction from secondary education through to his postgraduate years. This strong educational foundation has enabled Dr. Chowdhury to effectively lead both clinical and academic responsibilities in the field of oncopathology.
Professional Experience
Dr. Zachariah Chowdhury has accumulated rich and diverse professional experience across multiple prestigious institutions. He began his teaching career as a Senior Resident Doctor at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, where he served for three years post-MD, laying a strong foundation in clinical pathology and academic instruction. Currently, he serves as Professor and Officer-in-Charge of the Department of OncoPathology at MPMMCC & HBCH in Varanasi, both units under the Tata Memorial Centre. In this leadership role, he oversees academic training and diagnostic services in a high-volume cancer care setting. Dr. Chowdhury’s responsibilities include teaching DM (OncoPathology), MD (Pathology), MBBS, nursing, and laboratory science students in both theory and laboratory environments. His clinical expertise encompasses a wide spectrum, including histopathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, molecular diagnostics, clinical pathology, renal pathology, immunopathology, and blood banking. Additionally, he plays an active role in quality assurance programs within the diagnostic laboratory. Beyond his hospital commitments, he contributes to academia as a peer reviewer for multiple reputed medical journals and participates in national and international conferences as a speaker, panelist, and faculty. This blend of academic, clinical, and leadership experience underscores his stature as a seasoned medical professional.
Research Interest
Dr. Chowdhury’s research interests center around oncopathology with a multidisciplinary focus that integrates histopathology, molecular pathology, cytopathology, and hematopathology. His scholarly work investigates a wide range of oncological conditions, including breast cancer, thyroid lesions, ovarian tumors, pediatric malignancies, head and neck cancers, and hematolymphoid neoplasms. A key area of his research explores the diagnostic challenges and spectrum of rare tumors such as salivary gland neoplasms, solitary fibrous tumors, and angiosarcomas, with a special emphasis on cytohistological correlations and immunomorphological profiling. Additionally, he has contributed to understanding emerging themes like artificial intelligence in histopathology and the role of molecular diagnostics in rare malignancies. His recent studies include real-world clinical data on metastatic cancers and chemotherapy outcomes, bridging clinical practice with diagnostic research. Dr. Chowdhury’s commitment to evidence-based pathology is evident in his methodical approach to publishing both retrospective reviews and case-based literature, offering valuable insights to the global oncopathology community. His collaborations with multidisciplinary teams from oncology, radiology, and surgery reflect his integrative research philosophy. By focusing on both common diagnostic patterns and rare, underreported entities, his work not only advances academic pathology but also significantly contributes to clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Research Skills
Dr. Zachariah Chowdhury brings to the research landscape a comprehensive skill set encompassing classical and modern pathology techniques. He is proficient in histological examination, cytopathological evaluations (including FNAC and core biopsies), hematopathology analyses, and cutting-edge molecular diagnostics. His training at leading cancer centers like Tata Memorial Centre and Tata Medical Centre has equipped him with practical expertise in PCR, FISH, and immunohistochemistry techniques—essential tools in the molecular characterization of tumors. He also has expertise in immunomorphology and has applied these skills across a broad range of clinical cases, from pediatric cancers to high-grade lymphomas and soft tissue tumors. Dr. Chowdhury is also skilled in academic writing and statistical analysis, as evidenced by his extensive publication record across peer-reviewed indexed journals. His systematic approach to clinical audits, retrospective analyses, and diagnostic algorithm development further highlight his research rigor. Additionally, he has contributed to AI applications in cancer diagnosis, showcasing adaptability to new technologies. His experience in organizing research presentations and mentoring junior faculty and students also reflects strong leadership and team management skills within research settings. Altogether, his multidimensional research skills strongly align with the goals of translational oncology and precision medicine.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Chowdhury’s illustrious career has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, validating his significant impact in the field of pathology. Among the most notable are the Bharat Gaurav Puraskar (2023) and the Jewel of India Award (2024), both conferred by the KTK Outstanding Achievers and Education Foundation, New Delhi, for his exemplary contributions to pathology and medical education. During his academic years, he received multiple certificates of merit for academic excellence, including top ranks in both secondary and medical school examinations. His postgraduate performance earned him a Certificate of Merit from Assam Medical College. As a faculty member and researcher, he has consistently excelled in academic events, winning the first prize in Oral Paper Presentation at the 5th International Pediatric Pathology Conference (2022) and the Poster Presentation at NEIGRIHMS Annual Research Day (2018). His early career awards also include the North Eastern Council (NEC) Scholarship for MBBS, which supported his foundational medical education. Beyond these, his recognition extends to being a respected reviewer for multiple journals, and his frequent roles as invited speaker and panelist at various conferences. These accolades reflect both peer and institutional acknowledgment of his enduring impact on medical research and education.
Conclusion
Dr. Zachariah Chowdhury exemplifies the ideals of a clinician-scientist dedicated to excellence in oncopathology. With a firm grounding in both classical pathology and modern diagnostic innovations, he bridges the gap between histological diagnosis and translational cancer research. His career reflects a rare combination of clinical acumen, academic mentorship, research productivity, and institutional leadership. Through his prolific authorship of over 50 peer-reviewed publications, he contributes actively to the global understanding of complex and rare oncological entities. His commitment to education is evident in his multi-level teaching engagements and ongoing mentorship of pathology trainees. Dr. Chowdhury’s recognition through multiple national honors and academic awards further substantiates his role as a leading figure in cancer pathology in India. While already operating at a high level of academic and clinical distinction, future initiatives such as enhanced international collaborations, grant-funded research, and patent development would elevate his profile even further. Overall, Dr. Chowdhury represents a distinguished and highly qualified candidate for any recognition aimed at honoring pathologists and researchers who make substantial contributions to medical science, and particularly, to the evolving discipline of oncopathology.
Publications Top Notes
1. The many faces of ovarian sex cord stromal tumors: a clinicopathological analysis at a tertiary cancer center in North India
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Year: 2025
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Authors: Chowdhury Z, Agrawal S, Gupta S, Rai S, Jethani R, Saha S, Ranjan R, Pal A
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Journal: Surgical and Experimental Pathology
2. The Myriad Spectrum of Salivary Gland Lesions: Cytohistological Correlation on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Core Needle Biopsy, and Resections in a 5-Year Single Institutional Experience of North India
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Year: 2025
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Authors: Chowdhury Z, Majumdar P, Narain S, Lamba K
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Journal: Diagnostic Cytopathology
3. ALK-positive large B-cell lymphoma: A study of six cases from an oncopathology center in North India
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Year: 2025
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Authors: Verma A, Chowdhury Z, Singh A, Kant A, Yadav A, Patne SCU
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Journal: Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology
4. Cyto-Histomorphological Analysis of Thyroid Lesions and Risk Assessment of Malignancy/Neoplasia: Insights from a North Indian Tertiary Oncology Center
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Year: 2025
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Authors: Haiyat S, Chowdhury Z, Rudra Pal P, Patne S, Dhal I, Paul P
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Journal: Cureus
5. An Analysis of Pediatric Round Cell Tumors Highlighting the Spectrum of Differential Diagnosis – A Single Center Experience and Systematic Review of Literature
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Year: 2025
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Authors: Dhal I, Lali BS, Rai H, Chowdhury Z, Patne S, Tripathi P, Saha S
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Journal: International Journal of Scientific Studies
6. Real-world data on trastuzumab emtansine (TDM1) efficacy and safety: Results of a single-centre retrospective study of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients
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Year: 2025
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Authors: Gupta A, Sansar B, Mishra BK, Khan A, Singh A, Upadhyay A, Chowdhury Z, Patne S, Tripathi M, et al.
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Journal: Scientific Reports
7. Triple Oral Metronomic Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy of Physician Discretion After Failure of Platinum-Based Therapy in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: A Phase III Randomized Study (METRO-CHASE Study)
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Year: 2025
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Authors: Kapoor A, Gupta A, Sansar B, Mishra BK, Gupta P, Singh A, Upadhyay A, Kashyap L, Pal A, Kumar A, Nanda SS, Mukherji A, Kapoor AR, Pradhan S, Mishra A, Chowdhury Z, Patne S, Dhal I, Singh N, et al.
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Journal: JCO Global Oncology
8. Exploring Solitary Fibrous Tumors at a Tertiary Cancer Center: Clinicopathological and Immunomorphologic Profile
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Year: 2024
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Authors: Chowdhury Z, Mishrikotkar S, Nehra P, Patne S, Tripathi M
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Journal: Cureus
9. A Review of the Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Histopathology
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Year: 2024
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Authors: Kandarpa S, Chowdhury Z, Pal PR, Rajput K, Saraf SA
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Journal: Journal of Cancer Research Reviews & Reports
10. Outcomes of De Novo Oligometastatic Breast Cancer Treated With Surgery of Primary and Metastasis Directed Radiotherapy
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Year: 2024
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Authors: Pujari L, Suresh A, Chowdhury Z, Pradhan S, Tripathi M, Gupta A, Singh P, Giridhar P, Kapoor AR, Shinghal A, Sansar B, Mv M
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Journal: American Journal of Clinical Oncology