He has a particular clinical interest in proctology and functional bowel disease and has published a number of books for the general public on this topic. More recently, he has published a novel about the art world entitled The Gallerist. In 2003, he was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to public education about bowel cancer and was nominated for Australian of the Year (Western Australian branch) in 2018. He continues to be actively involved in community and not-for-profit board roles.

Dr Sharma is a Senior Consultant in Surgery at Jehangir Hospital & Medical Centre in Maharashtra, India, and Professor for the MUHS Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery & Coloproctology. He is also President Elect for the Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI).

Dr Sharma has extensive overseas experience in Israel, UK, USA, Hong Kong and Spain, including being a recipient of a Travelling Fellowship of the IAGES & ACRSI. He has 28 publications to his name and is an Editorial Board Member for the Indian Journal of Colorectal Surgery. Some of Dr Sharma’s past awards include Best Research & Experimental Surgery Paper Award from the ASICON 2004 National Conference and Best Poster Award from the ASICON 2003 National Conference.

Dr Shailesh Puntambekar is the Director & Consultant Laparoscopic Oncosurgeon at Galaxy CARE Multispeciality Hospital. His is a pioneer of Laparoscopic anterior/posterior exenteration for colorectal/uterine malignancies and known for performing the most difficult Laparoscopic/Endoscopic surgeries. Dr Puntambekar has also been selected as International Secretary Treasurer for AAGL. He will be the first person to hold this prestigious position and will work closely with the AAGL board to promote and teach laparoscopy internationally.

As well as patenting the technique of radical hysterectomy “Pune Technique” of Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy, Dr Puntambekar conducted India’s first successful Laparoscopic Assisted Uterine Transplant. A baby girl was delivered in October 2018 at Galaxy Care Multispeciality Hospital. He also holds the largest published series of transthoracic esophagectomy Endoscopic/Robotic.