When Success is Defined by the Joys Within the Journey
Dr. Anthony V. Pais’ life and career clearly reflect an extraordinary journey filled with struggle, resilience, and purpose. Today, he is a Professor of Surgical Oncology and Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, the Clinical Director of the EVEN Group of Hospitals, Bangalore, and HOSMAT Hospital, Sadashivnagar, with nearly 38 years of experience in oncology. But his story did not begin with success or comfort.
This edition of Founders’ Fiesta saw an unprecedented number of attendees on the evening of 9th January 2026, at Catholic Club, Bangalore. Dr. Pais’ early life was marked by discipline, hardship, and academic difficulty. School was a constant challenge, yet even in those years, a deep sense of determination was forming. Sports became his escape and his teacher, instilling in him discipline, focus, and the belief that consistent effort can overcome any starting disadvantage.
Dr. Pais graduated from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, and developed a strong interest in surgical oncology early in his medical career. To pursue this passion, he underwent rigorous training for seven years at two of India’s most prestigious cancer institutions, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and Kidwai Memorial Cancer Institute, Bangalore. These formative years shaped his approach to cancer care, grounding him in discipline, ethics, and evidence-based practice. He later joined St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, where he rose to the position of Professor of Surgical Oncology and served the institution for ten years.
Seeking further specialization and global exposure and an offer that had found him at a period when finances were grim, Dr. Pais moved abroad and became the Head of the Breast and Endocrine Department at King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He also received advanced training at the John Hopkins Avon Breast Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA, to establish a “Breast Center of Excellence.” On returning to India in 2008, he made a landmark contribution by starting the first dedicated breast unit in South India at the Majumdar Shaw Cancer Center, Narayana Hrudayalaya. He also initiated a Fellowship in Breast Diseases, recognized by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, helping train the next generation of breast surgeons.
This edition of Founders’ Fiesta also saw a lot of members not just thank Dr. Pais but also give their personal testimonies. Many of these were stories that showed absolute grace and humility, qualities that are hard to find in a person of such qualifications in his field. Kanara Entrepreneurs, Bangalore Chapter President, Mr. Pramod D’Souza handed over the memento and a gift for his time and effort in sharing his journey. This event was coordinated by Mr. Sunil Attavar.
With 85 registered members, this has to be one of the biggest Founders’ Fiesta sessions. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!
