About Us
Know About Dr. Ashish Vashistha
MBBS, MS, FNBE (MAS), FIAGES, FALS (Bariatrics), FALS (Hernia), FALS (Robotics)
Principal Director & Head, Department of General Surgery & Robotics Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Dr. Ashish Vashistha is a distinguished General, Gastrointestinal, Bariatric, Metabolic, Hernia and Robotic Surgeon with nearly three decades of experience in advanced surgical practice, clinical leadership, postgraduate education, and the advancement of minimally invasive surgery in India. He currently serves as the Principal Director and Head of the Department of General Surgery & Robotics at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, where he leads one of the country's premier surgical units dedicated to advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Pioneering Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeon
Dr. Ashish Vashistha is a distinguished General, Gastrointestinal, Bariatric, Metabolic, Hernia and Robotic Surgeon with nearly three decades of experience in advanced surgical practice, clinical leadership, postgraduate education, and the advancement of minimally invasive surgery in India. He currently serves as the Principal Director and Head of the Department of General Surgery & Robotics at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, where he leads one of the country's premier surgical units dedicated to advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
After completing his MBBS and MS in General Surgery from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Dr. Vashistha pursued specialized training in Minimal Access Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. He subsequently earned the prestigious Fellowship of the National Board in Minimal Access Surgery (FNBE-MAS), becoming the historic first surgeon in India to receive this formal accreditation in this rapidly evolving field. Throughout his career, he has continued to strengthen his expertise through advanced fellowships and international training programmes in robotic surgery, bariatric surgery, and advanced laparoscopic techniques at leading centres in the United Kingdom, Austria, France, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
His clinical practice encompasses robotic gastrointestinal surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, complex hernia surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal surgery, and laser proctology. He has consistently embraced innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to patient safety, evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary care, and enhanced recovery pathways.
In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Vashistha has made substantial contributions to surgical education. As a DNB teaching faculty, he actively mentors postgraduate residents through structured bedside teaching, operative supervision, journal clubs, academic discussions, morbidity and mortality meetings, and hands-on laparoscopic and robotic training programmes. His passion for teaching has contributed to the development of numerous young surgeons who now practice across India.
Advancing Surgical Excellence & Global Academics
Dr. Vashistha has also played a pioneering role in establishing and expanding bariatric surgery programmes across multiple centres within the Max Healthcare network and beyond. His leadership has facilitated the growth of comprehensive robotic surgery services while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and excellence in patient care. He has served as an organising chairman, organising secretary, invited faculty member, moderator, and live surgery demonstrator at numerous national and international conferences dedicated to minimally invasive, bariatric, robotic, and hernia surgery.
Recognised for his academic leadership, he holds executive and leadership positions in several prestigious professional organisations, including the Hernia Society of India (HSI), Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo Surgeons (IAGES), Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI), Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA), Asia Pacific Hernia Society (APHS), and the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA). He also contributes to surgical literature as a reviewer for the Journal of Minimal Access Surgery (JMAS).
Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Vashistha has remained committed to advancing the science and practice of surgery through clinical excellence, innovation, education, mentorship, and ethical patient care. His career reflects a sustained dedication to improving surgical outcomes while shaping the future of minimally invasive and robotic surgery in India.
Career Highlights
Nearly three decades of dedicated experience in General Surgery and Minimal Access Surgery.
Principal Director & Head, Department of General Surgery & Robotics, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
Historic first surgeon in India to obtain FNBE (Minimal Access Surgery).
Internationally trained in advanced robotic, bariatric, and minimally invasive surgery.
Instrumental in establishing bariatric surgery programmes across multiple Max Healthcare centres.
Led the Department of General Surgery & Robotics to recognition as a Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery by HSI (National Chapter of APHS).
Pioneered the development of comprehensive robotic surgery services within his institution.
DNB Teaching Faculty actively involved in postgraduate surgical education.
Organiser and faculty for numerous national and international workshops, live operative demonstrations, and CME programmes.
Executive member and office bearer in several leading national and international surgical societies.
Reviewer for the Journal of Minimal Access Surgery.
Recognised for combining clinical excellence, academic leadership, and mentorship.
Excellence in Patient Care & Surgical Innovation
Dr. Ashish Vashistha is widely recognised as a leader in minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery, robotic surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. His surgical philosophy is founded on evidence-based practice, precision, innovation, patient safety, and compassionate care.
His career has been characterised by a continuous pursuit of excellence in surgical practice while simultaneously contributing to academic surgery through postgraduate education, faculty development, and professional society leadership. He has successfully integrated advanced technology into routine surgical practice and has been actively involved in training the next generation of surgeons in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques.
As a department head, Dr. Vashistha has consistently promoted multidisciplinary collaboration, quality improvement, ethical clinical practice, and innovation in patient care. His leadership has contributed significantly to the development of comprehensive surgical programmes that combine advanced technology with evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Educational Qualifications
| Qualification | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan | 1994 |
| MS (General Surgery) | Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan | 1997 |
| Fellowship of National Board (Minimal Access Surgery) – FNBE (MAS) | National Board of Examinations, New Delhi | 2001 |
| Fellowship of Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo Surgeons (FIAGES) | IAGES | 2012* |
| Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery (Bariatric Surgery) – FALS | IAGES | 2020* |
| Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery (Hernia) – FALS | IAGES | 2023* |
| Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery (Robotics) – FALS | IAGES | 2024* |
Dr. Ashish Vashistha has pursued a structured academic pathway in General Surgery followed by formal training in Minimal Access Surgery and advanced fellowship programmes in bariatric, hernia, and robotic surgery. His educational journey reflects a sustained commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
Professional Appointments
Dr. Ashish Vashistha's professional career spans nearly three decades and reflects progressive leadership in academic surgery, advanced minimally invasive surgery, bariatric surgery, and robotic surgery. Throughout his career, he has consistently combined clinical excellence with programme development, postgraduate teaching, and institutional leadership.
| Position | Institution | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Resident, Department of General Surgery | SMS Medical College, Jaipur | During MS Training |
| Registrar, Department of Minimal Access Surgery & Tele-Robotics | Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi | 1998–2000 |
| Senior Consultant, Department of General Surgery | Global Hospital, Hyderabad | 2001–2005 |
| Senior Consultant / Director, Department of General Surgery | Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket | 2005 onwards |
| Principal Director & Head, Department of General Surgery & Robotics | Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket | Present |
Advanced Training & International Fellowships
Dr. Ashish Vashistha has consistently pursued advanced surgical training throughout his career, recognizing that excellence in surgery requires continuous learning and exposure to evolving technologies. Beyond his formal postgraduate education, he has undergone structured national and international training in advanced laparoscopic surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery at several internationally renowned centres of excellence.
These fellowships have enabled him to integrate global best practices into clinical practice while contributing to the advancement of minimally invasive surgery in India.
University Hospital Innsbruck, Austria
Mentors: Professor Rudolf Margreiter, Professor Helmut Weiss, Professor Florian Aigner, and Professor Alexander Klaus
Gained extensive experience in:
- Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Adjustable Gastric Banding
- Comprehensive perioperative management of bariatric patients
- Multidisciplinary obesity care
- Management of complex metabolic disorders
This programme provided valuable exposure to contemporary European approaches to bariatric surgery and enhanced recovery protocols.
Vienna, Austria
Mentors: Professor Stephen Kriwanek
Under the mentorship of Professor Stephen Kriwanek, Dr. Vashistha received specialised training in advanced laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, with emphasis on operative planning, technical precision, and management of complex bariatric procedures.
Krems, Austria
Mentors: Professor Gerhard Schwab
At Krems, he underwent focused training with Professor Gerhard Schwab in Adjustable Gastric Banding, gaining expertise in patient selection, operative techniques, and long-term follow-up of bariatric patients.
European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France
Mentors: Professor Jean-Marc Chevallier
Dr. Vashistha further refined his bariatric surgical expertise under Professor Jean-Marc Chevallier, one of Europe's leading bariatric surgeons. The programme emphasised on comprehensive obesity management and the pearls of surgical techniques in bariatric surgery.
Cleveland Clinic Florida, USA
Mentors: Professor Raul J. Rosenthal
Dr. Vashistha completed advanced bariatric training under Professor Raul J. Rosenthal, internationally recognised for his contributions to bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. Exposure to one of the world's leading bariatric centres further strengthened his understanding of contemporary obesity surgery.
Advanced Robotic Surgery Training: Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
To remain at the forefront of evolving surgical technology, Dr. Vashistha underwent advanced robotic surgery training at Guy's Hospital, London, a centre internationally recognised for robotic gastrointestinal surgery.
This training facilitated the adoption of robotic surgical techniques into his clinical practice while reinforcing principles of precision surgery.
Dr. Vashistha successfully completed formal Da Vinci Surgical System Console Surgeon Training, acquiring proficiency in robotic instrumentation, console operation, three-dimensional visualization, articulated instrumentation, and advanced robotic procedural workflows.
Areas of Clinical Expertise
Dr. Ashish Vashistha's clinical practice is founded on the principles of precision surgery, evidence-based decision-making, patient safety, multidisciplinary collaboration, and minimally invasive techniques. Over nearly three decades, he has developed comprehensive expertise across a broad spectrum of general, gastrointestinal, bariatric, hernia, and robotic surgery. His practice combines advanced technology with sound surgical judgment to deliver individualized, patient-centred care.
His principal areas of clinical expertise include advanced laparoscopic surgery, robotic gastrointestinal surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, upper gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal surgery, and laser proctology.
Professional Memberships
KEY LEADERSHIP IN CONFERENCES, CMEs AND WORKSHOPS
ORGANISING CHAIRMAN
ROBOCON 2017 UNDER THE AEIGIS OF AIGRS
ORGANISING CHAIRMAN
ROBOLAPCON 2019.
ORGANISER
ORGANISED THE FALS ROBOTICS, 2025 UNDER THE AGEIS OF IAGES AT THE TAJ HOTEL, NEW DELHI WHERE HISTORICALLY OVER 200 DELEGATES PARTICIPATED IN THE CONFERENCE UNDER ONE ROOF FOR THE 3 DAYS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM OF IAGES.
WORKSHOP DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
CONDUCTED A WORKSHOP ON LAPAROSCOPIC ADVANCED HERNIA SURGERY WORKSHOP AT THE MAX HOSPITAL, SAKET, NEW DELHI IN 2026.
AUTHORED A CHAPTER ON ROBOTIC HELLER MYOTOMY IN THE TEXTBOOK OF LAPAROSCOPIC, ENDOSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY.
Awards and Accomplishments
One of the significant milestones under Dr. Ashish Vashistha's leadership has been the recognition of the Department of General Surgery & Robotics, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, as a Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery by the Hernia Society of India (HSI), the National Chapter of the Asia Pacific Hernia Society (APHS).
Under Dr. Vashistha's stewardship, the department has developed into a referral centre for the management of both routine and complex abdominal wall disorders, offering contemporary surgical solutions for primary, recurrent, and complex hernias, including abdominal wall reconstruction. The designation as a Centre of Excellence by the Hernia Society of India (HSI) and the National Chapter of the Asia Pacific Hernia Society (APHS) stands as a testament to the department's unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, surgical innovation, patient safety, academic leadership, and the continual pursuit of the highest standards in abdominal wall surgery
OTHER AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Distinguished Faculty
Felicitation as Distinguished Faculty at Surgicon 2024, Annual Conference of the Delhi State Chapter of ASI.
Susruta Award
Awarded the "Susruta Award 2021" by Max Healthcare for clinical excellence in Minimally Invasive, Robotic Surgery, AWR and Complex Hernia Surgery.
DMA Oration
Felicitation for delivering the oration "Evolution of Surgery: Laparoscopic to Robotics" at the Annual Conference of DMA, New Delhi.
IMA NDB Oration
Prestigious bestowing of Dr. J. J. Sood Memorial IMA NDB Oration at the NMMC Medical Enclave.
Convener
Appointed as Convener, FALS Hernia of the FALS Board (2023–2024), IAGES.
Invited Faculty
Invited as Esteemed Faculty for the IAGES Course at SOA University, Bhubaneswar, to deliver a lecture on the Role of Robotics in Hernia Repair.
Commitment to Community Service
Throughout his distinguished professional career, Dr. Ashish Vashistha has remained deeply committed to the principles of social responsibility and equitable healthcare. He strongly believes that the impact of medicine extends beyond the walls of the operating theatre and that physicians have a fundamental responsibility to serve vulnerable and underserved populations.
In addition to his clinical, academic, and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Vashistha has actively participated in charitable initiatives, public health awareness programmes, and community outreach activities aimed at improving access to healthcare and promoting early disease detection. His efforts have particularly focused on addressing the growing burden of obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorders, and age-related health concerns among the elderly population.
Mega Charitable Health Camp for Senior Citizens, Lucknow
One of the most notable examples of Dr. Vashistha’s dedication to public service was his active participation in a Mega Charitable Health Camp for Senior Citizens, organised in collaboration with the Bhartiya Varishtha Nagrik Samiti and Aastha Geriatric Centre & Hospice, Lucknow. The camp witnessed the participation of approximately 1,620 elderly individuals, making it one of the largest community-based health initiatives of its kind in the region. Comprehensive medical screening was conducted, including:
- Diabetes screening
- Obesity assessment
- Evaluation for metabolic disorders
- General health examination
- Risk assessment for age-related comorbidities
- Patient counselling and health education
As part of the initiative, diagnostic testing and medical consultations were provided free of cost, and medications were distributed to patients requiring immediate intervention. The programme also emphasised preventive healthcare, lifestyle modification, and the importance of early diagnosis in improving long-term outcomes.
Dr. Vashistha’s involvement in this large-scale charitable initiative reflects his enduring commitment to extending quality healthcare services beyond institutional settings and addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. His participation not only facilitated access to essential medical care but also reinforced the importance of preventive medicine and community engagement in modern healthcare.
Pioneering the Bariatric Programme in Bathinda
Dr. Ashish Vashistha has been widely recognised for his pioneering role in establishing the first comprehensive Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Programme in Bathinda, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to advanced obesity care in Northern India. At a time when bariatric surgery remained largely confined to metropolitan centres, Dr. Vashistha envisioned the need to make evidence-based obesity and metabolic care accessible to patients residing in smaller cities and underserved regions. Through his leadership and clinical expertise, the programme was successfully developed, providing a multidisciplinary platform for the management of obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
Under his guidance, numerous patients suffering from morbid obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, and obesity-related disabilities underwent comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Particular emphasis was placed on elderly and high-risk patients, many of whom had exhausted conventional therapeutic options and experienced significant impairment in their quality of life.
The programme adopted a holistic approach encompassing:
- Comprehensive obesity assessment
- Multidisciplinary metabolic evaluation
- Bariatric and metabolic surgery
- Nutritional counselling
- Long-term follow-up
- Lifestyle modification
- Psychological support
- Management of obesity-related comorbidities
Through timely intervention and sustained postoperative care, many patients experienced substantial weight reduction, improved mobility, enhanced quality of life, and meaningful remission or improvement of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and other obesity-related metabolic disorders. Beyond its clinical impact, the establishment of the Bathinda Bariatric Programme represented an important step toward increasing awareness regarding obesity as a chronic disease rather than merely a lifestyle issue. The initiative also contributed to reducing disparities in access to advanced surgical care by bringing specialised metabolic services closer to patients who would otherwise have been required to travel to major metropolitan centres.
Dr. Vashistha’s contributions in this field underscore his broader vision of making advanced surgical care accessible, equitable, and patient-centric. His pioneering efforts have left a lasting impact on the region and continue to benefit patients seeking comprehensive solutions for obesity and metabolic disease.
Health Camps and Community Outreach
Beyond his responsibilities as a surgeon, educator, and administrator, Dr. Ashish Vashistha has remained actively involved in numerous charitable healthcare initiatives and public awareness programmes across Northern India. Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated the importance of preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and patient education as fundamental components of improving long-term health outcomes.
He has participated in and supported several health camps, public awareness programmes, and community engagement initiatives conducted in collaboration with professional bodies, charitable organisations, and healthcare institutions. These programmes have focused on promoting awareness regarding obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, and the benefits of timely surgical intervention.
Dr. Vashistha has been associated with multiple healthcare outreach activities in Moradabad, where he has contributed to patient education and community-based medical initiatives aimed at increasing awareness about lifestyle diseases and improving access to specialist consultation.
In addition, he has actively supported and participated in numerous health camps and awareness programmes organised under the aegis of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Delhi State Chapter, contributing his expertise to initiatives designed to benefit underserved and economically disadvantaged populations.
Community Outreach Activities
- Public awareness sessions on obesity and metabolic disorders
- Screening programmes for diabetes and hypertension
- Community health consultations
- Health education initiatives
- Awareness campaigns promoting preventive healthcare
- Counselling regarding lifestyle modification and weight management
- Surgical awareness programmes for common gastrointestinal and hernia-related conditions
Health Awareness Camp at SR Hospital, Agra (2019)
His commitment to community engagement extends beyond individual events and reflects a broader philosophy that healthcare should be proactive, accessible, and inclusive. Through sustained participation in charitable programmes, Dr. Vashistha has contributed to improving public awareness regarding chronic diseases while encouraging early intervention and healthier lifestyles.
In recognition of these contributions, he was honoured with the "Distinguished Physician Award" by the DMA.
National Consensus Building and Policy Contributions
Historical Collaboration Between the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) and the Endocrine Society of India (ESI)
Dr. Ashish Vashistha was privileged to be associated with a landmark collaborative initiative between the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) and the Endocrine Society of India (ESI) aimed at developing national recommendations for the management of obesity in the Indian population.
Held in New Delhi on 29 June 2025, this historic meeting brought together leading experts in bariatric surgery, endocrinology, and metabolic medicine to formulate evidence-based recommendations addressing the growing burden of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders in India.
Dr. Vashistha's participation in this national initiative reflects his continued commitment to advancing the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery through collaboration, academic leadership, and evidence-based practice. His involvement in such consensus-building exercises underscores his dedication to shaping the future of obesity management in India and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation for improved patient outcomes.
This landmark collaboration between the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) and the Endocrine Society of India (ESI) stands as a testament to the collective vision of India's leading experts working together to address one of the most significant public health challenges of the modern era.
"I extend my sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Endocrine Society of India and Team OSSI for their vision, dedication, and commitment in bringing together experts from diverse disciplines for this landmark initiative. It has been a privilege and an honour to contribute to this historic effort aimed at shaping the future of obesity care in India."