Mumbai: India’s foremost oncopathologist, Dr Anita Borges, whose report on a patient’s biopsy was considered the “final verdict” on the cancer’s type and grade and helped oncologists draw up a treatment plan, passed away in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, while attending a medical conference.The 78-year-old doctor reportedly suffered a heart attack. Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, where she began her career, posted on X: “We deeply mourn the loss of Dr Anita Borges, India’s most illustrious oncopathologist. Her service to countless patients at TMH and beyond leaves an indelible legacy. It was indeed fitting that she left for her heavenly abode doing what she was most passionate about, teaching.”Her younger brother, cardiologist Dr Eric Borges, said, “My sister was caring, humane in her approach to patients, and most passionate about teaching.
She will be missed not only in pathology but also by thousands of young doctors whom she mentored.” Her body hasn’t yet reached Mumbai, and funeral plans haven’t yet been finalised, added Dr Eric Borges.
The road on which TMH is located is named after their father, Dr Ernest Borges, who was a director of the institute.“A doyen amongst the pathologists, her word used to be the last word. And yet, her passion drove her to go to tier 2 cities to teach basics like staining slides well to pathologists and technologists,” said TMC professor Dr Akshay Baheti. Apart from Gorakhpur, she also visited Latur and Jammu in the last few weeks.
