Dr Omkar Churi combines international experience and local commitment to revolutionize neurosurgical care, ensuring a healthful recovery for his patients
Dr Omkar Churi, a devoted neurosurgeon with a passion for the intricate workings of the human brain, shares his unique journey in the field of medicine. His family is from Goa with firm roots in Camurlim-Bardez, although he was born and raised in Mumbai.
He is a first generation doctor. The influence of his teachers and also a personal experience shaped his aspirations.
His academic journey is rooted in a middle-class background, where success in school often meant following one of the two traditional paths: engineering or medicine. The decision to pursue medicine, specifically neurosurgery, was not a dramatic one. As he progressed through his studies, he found himself drawn to the study of biology, particularly neurobiology. This interest in the field of brain solidified when he enrolled in medical school, sparking an undeniable passion for neurosurgery.
Dr Omkar went on to complete his MBBS at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (LTMMC) and Sion Hospital. The most pivotal moment in his career occurred during his second year of medical school when he found himself captivated by the structural and functional intricacies of the brain. During his further training, he realized that neurosurgery was where his heart truly lay. This led to his eventual specialization in neurosurgery, despite his initial interest in the branch of general surgery.
His professional training began at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai, where he underwent a rigorous six-year Diplomate
of National Board (DNB) program in neurosurgery. Under the guidance of some of the finest neurosurgeons in the country, he honed his skills and gained deep insights into the field. As a resident, he won multiple awards for his
academic presentations and research papers. His dedication paid off when he was given the opportunity to present his research findings at national and international forums, including prestigious medical conferences in Japan and Greece.
After completing his neurosurgical training, he went on to pursue multiple fellowships first in Japan and
then to the United Kingdom. His experience in Japan was particularly transformative. He describes Japan as a place where excellence in medicine and a relentless pursuit of perfection are intertwined. It was there that Dr Omkar specialised further in vascular surgery, learning advanced techniques in endovascular procedures and microscopic approaches to brain blood vessels. Japan’s unique culture of precision, punctuality, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of society left an indelible mark on his professional philosophy.
He also gained invaluable experience with cutting-edge technologies that helped him refine his techniques in neurosurgery.
His time in the UK followed, where Dr Omkar participated in further specialized training, this time focused on epilepsy surgery and pediatric neurosurgery. His expertise in pediatric surgery was deepened by working with
young patients and addressing complex cases in this delicate age group. Whilst in UK, he continued expanding his knowledge base by completing another fellowship in Spinal Surgery and learning about the recent advances in this field. The opportunities presented to settle permanently in UK presented themselves duly; however, a deep sense of responsibility to make a meaningful impact in his homeland made it easy to return back to India with vast experience and expertise.
The people from smaller towns and villages, including his home state of Goa, had to travel to metropolitan cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru for specialized neurosurgical care. Therefore, he made it his mission to bring
those advanced procedures and treatments accessible and available in Goa. With his wife, a psychiatrist, who shares his commitment to serving the community, he moved back to Goa to establish a practice that would serve patients locally. He joined Manipal Hospital as a consultant neurosurgeon, where he became an integral part of the team. His role involves not only providing cutting-edge care to patients but also upholding the ethos of Manipal Hospital–putting the patient’s needs first and ensuring a high standard of care. Dr Omkar frequently works with other specialists and ancillary staff to provide holistic care, addressing both the surgical and emotional aspects of patient recovery. He is aware that Goa and the neighboring Konkan region have a significant elderly
population. Their problems are different, and so the approach to these patients and their issues should be catered to improve not only the quantity, but also the quality of their lives.
Since moving to Goa, Dr Omkar has introduced newer surgical techniques and making advanced neurosurgical procedures available to people in the region. His work ranges from brain tumor surgeries to complex spinal surgeries, and he frequently utilizes advanced technologies such as intraoperative ultrasound, spinal cord and nerve monitoring, and endoscopic procedures. The youngest patient he treated was just nine months old, and despite the initial challenges, that child is now celebrating his fifth birthday, a testament to the life-changing impact of neurosurgery; the eldest being a centurion. Dr Omkar has also been instrumental in pioneering surgeries for conditions that were once thought to require travel to larger cities. These include large skull base tumors, life-threatening bleeds, or pediatric craniosynostoses. He is committed to providing a broad spectrum of care, from trauma surgeries to minimally invasive procedures, and has a special interest in brain and spine tumors, epilepsy surgeries, and vascular neurosurgery. His extensive training abroad has made him proficient in handling rare and complex cases, further elevating the standard of neurosurgical care available in Goa.
Looking ahead, Dr Omkar plans to continue expanding his practice while ensuring that Goa becomes a center
for neurosurgical excellence. He aspires to establish a comprehensive, state-of-the-art neurosurgical facility that
will serve patients from both within Goa and neighboring regions. His experience abroad has shown him the potential for growth and the importance of educating patients about the possibilities within modern
medicine. He is particularly passionate about educating both patients and fellow doctors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricacies of brain and spine surgeries. As a strong advocate for patient education, he aims to demystify the medical conditions he treats and bridge the gap between patient knowledge and surgical
expertise. Dr Omkar believes that better communication with patients can alleviate fears and improve their understanding of their own health, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes.
Dr Omkar also recognizes the critical role of family support in a surgeon’s life. Having had the unwavering support of his family, particularly his parents and his wife, throughout his demanding career, he stresses the importance of having a strong personal network to navigate the highs and lows of this challenging profession.
Dr Omkar remains committed to the idea of delivering exceptional care while continuously learning and evolving. His time in Japan, and the UK has shaped his approach to medicine, and he now aims to pass on the lessons learned
to his colleagues and patients in India.
