Dr. Sandeep Vaishya is an Indian neurosurgeon who serves as Executive Director and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram. With more than 30 years of experience, he trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, served on its neurosurgery faculty, and later received the Sundt Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. He is known for his work in Gamma Knife radiosurgery, deep brain stimulation (DBS), brain tumour surgery, brachial plexus surgery and minimally invasive, image-guided neurosurgery.
Mayo Clinic
Quick Facts
| Name | Dr. Sandeep Vaishya |
| Profession | Neurosurgeon |
| Current position | Executive Director and Head of Neurosurgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram |
| Experience | 30+ years |
| Education | MBBS and MS (General Surgery), G. R. Medical College, Gwalior; MCh (Neurosurgery), AIIMS, New Delhi |
| Fellowship | Sundt Fellowship, Mayo Clinic, USA |
| Earlier role | Faculty, Department of Neurosurgery, AIIMS, New Delhi |
| Areas of expertise | Gamma Knife radiosurgery, deep brain stimulation, brain and skull base tumours, brachial plexus injuries, peripheral nerve surgery, spinal surgery, minimally invasive and image-guided neurosurgery |
| Publications | More than 150 papers in international journals; two edited textbooks |
| Honours | Herbert Krause Medal (best paper in neuro-oncology); MBBS gold medallist |
Education and Training
Dr. Vaishya completed his MBBS at G. R. Medical College, Gwalior, where he is reported to have been a gold medallist, and then took an MS in General Surgery at the same college. He went on to specialise in neurosurgery, earning an MCh at AIIMS, New Delhi, one of India’s most competitive super-speciality programmes.
He later won the Sundt Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, named after the neurosurgeon Thoralf M. Sundt Jr. The fellowship gave him advanced training in neurosurgical techniques that he brought back to India. He has also received the Herbert Krause Medal for the best paper in neuro-oncology.
Career Timeline
At AIIMS, Dr. Vaishya’s academic work laid the base for his later research output. At Fortis Memorial Research Institute he is associated with the Gamma Knife radiosurgery programme, which is among the best known in South Asia.
Areas of Expertise
Treating Roona Begum and the Netflix Documentary
Dr. Vaishya was the neurosurgeon in the widely reported case of Roona Begum, a toddler born with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain. At about 18 months old, her head had swollen to more than three times its normal size, reported at around 94 cm. A photojournalist photographed her in her village, and the image spread around the world. Media coverage drew help from charities, and she was admitted to Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram.
According to published accounts, Dr. Vaishya treated her with a gradual drainage approach, removing the excess fluid slowly so that the brain could adjust to the change in pressure. Her treatment was described as life-changing for the child and her family. Detailed clinical information, such as the number and dates of the procedures, has not been made public.
Roona’s story was told in Rooting for Roona, a documentary directed by Pavitra Chalam and Akshay Shankar and produced by Curley Street. The film follows not only Roona’s unusual medical case but also the stress on her young parents as they raised her. It won the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the South Asian Film Festival of Orlando.
Research, Awards and Honours
Dr. Vaishya has published more than 150 research papers in international journals and has edited two textbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Dr. Sandeep Vaishya practise?
He practises at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Sector 44, Gurugram, where he is Executive Director and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery.
What are Dr. Sandeep Vaishya’s qualifications?
MBBS and MS (General Surgery) from G. R. Medical College, Gwalior, and MCh (Neurosurgery) from AIIMS, New Delhi, followed by the Sundt Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, USA.
What conditions does he treat?
Brain and skull base tumours, brachial plexus and other nerve injuries, movement disorders treated with deep brain stimulation, conditions treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, hydrocephalus and spinal problems.
How many years of experience does he have?
More than 30 years in neurosurgery.
Which Netflix documentary features his work?
Rooting for Roona (2020), about Roona Begum, a child with hydrocephalus treated at Fortis Memorial Research Institute.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about any medical condition.
