Ernest Borges

Ernest Joachim Joseph Borges FRCS (1909 - 3 March 1969) was an Indian oncologist and cancer surgeon known for his contributions to the field of oncology in India. He pioneered cancer treatment in India during a period when radiation therapy and chemotherapy were in their early stages of development, while surgery remained the predominant option for cancer patients. In 1966, he was honored with the Padma Shri, the third highest civilian award, by the Government of India. The family was from Ucassaim, Goa.

Borges received his early education at St. Teresa's High School in Girgaon and later attended St. Xavier's High School and College in Dhobitalao. He pursued his medical degree (MBBS) from Grant Medical College and furthered his studies by obtaining an MS degree with distinction from the University of Bombay. He went on to pursue a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in England. He was trained at Memorial Hospital in New York. He served as the President of the Indian Federation of Catholic Medical Guilds since 1964. He was also elected as the vice president of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations in 1966. In 1964, he and his wife had a private audience with Pope Paul VI when the Pope visited India for the Eucharistic congress.

Awards and recognition In 1966, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in recognition of his contributions to the field of medicine.

Roads named after him include Dr. Ernest Borges Road in front of Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, Mumbai, as well as roads in Dona Paula and Ucassaim, Goa.