Patan's Dr. Arun Shahi named to ASCO's Asia-Pacific council, a first for Nepal

Senior oncologist Dr. Arun Shahi has been nominated as a member of the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), marking the first time Nepal has had representation on the council.

Dr. Shahi serves as registrar at Patan Academy of Health Sciences. According to a letter from ASCO President Dr. Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, his three-year term will run from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2029.

This time, 13 new countries, including Nepal, have been added to the council. ASCO is an organization active worldwide in cancer treatment, research, education and policy reform.

Dr. Shahi said he views the nomination not as a personal achievement but as a matter of pride for Nepal's cancer treatment sector. He said he plans to work with regional experts through the council to expand access to cancer treatment in Nepal, promote research, transfer modern technology and support policy reforms.