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Pathology

Department of Pathology

“Understanding how disease begins”

OVERVIEW

The Department of Pathology is the backbone of laboratory services and healthcare system, providing critical diagnostic reports and results crucial for patient care.

Unlocking Health Through Microscopic Insight: Diagnose diseases by examining blood cells (haematology), tissues (histopathology), cells (cytopathology), and bodily fluids (clinical pathology) to identify abnormal changes and causes of disease.

Vision and Mission
    Vision:
  • Empowering students with a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms and effects of the disease process and providing accurate diagnostic services for optimal patient outcome and health.

  • Mission:
  • Provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses for patients.
  • Develop and deliver outstanding educational programs for undergraduate medical students and foster a culture of lifelong learning and professional competence that prepares students for global medical practice.
  • Engage in investigative research to deepen the understanding of disease mechanisms. Support interdisciplinary research efforts to solve complex health challenges.
Academic Activities
  • Regular theory classes, practical and demonstrations Integrated teaching sessions with other departments for a holistic approach.
  • Problem based learning, OSPE, seminars and workshops.
  • Revision Lectures, Tutorials/ Practicals In Small Batches
  • Student Research Projects
Infrastructure & Facilities
  • The department is equipped with up to date equipment for various subspecialties- histopathology, cytology, haematology and clinical pathology.
  • Microscopes for diagnostic services and students teaching.
  • A museum for specimens, demonstration rooms for students and department library comprising of latest books and journals.
Services
  • Hematology: CBC, Peripheral smear, manual platelet count, ESR, Coagulation profile (PT/INR, APTT), Bleeding time, Clotting time
  • Cytology: FNAC, Pap smear, Fluid cytology, gastric aspirates, cytology for malignant cells
  • Urine routine and microscopy
  • Semen analysis

FACULTY

DR. ARCHNA RAUTELA PAHWA
Professor
MBBS (Maulana Azad Medical College),MD (Lady Hardinge Medical college)

Dr Archna is a senior faculty with teaching experience of more than 11 years. She is an alumnus of MAMC & LHMC and has passed her MD in 2012. She has been a teaching faculty at Army college of medical sciences,Delhi since 2015.

She has experience in reporting hematology, clinical pathology , cytopathology and histopathology. She has been associated as consultant pathologist and involved in getting NABL accreditation for laboratories like Hindustan Wellness and Dr Dangs lab LLP.

She has a keen interest in academics and has completed Advanced course in medical education in 2018. She has been resource faculty for basic course in medical education.

She has successfully mentored two ICMR-STS projects under her guidance.

She has also completed post graduate outreach program in renal pathology by ISRTP in 2025.

She has presented various posters and papers in national conferences is a recipient of the “Nalini Bai Thakkar award” for best oral paper in CYTOCON 2013. She has also won second prize for poster presentation in PATHCON in 2016.

Research and Publications:
  1. Rautela A, Dudani S, Sharma V, et al. Analysis of Changes in Hematological Parameters of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease before and after Dialysis. J Med Acad 2024;7(2):43–46.
  2. Rautela A, Dudani S. Unusual case of mature cystic teratoma showing rare tissues.J of Med Acad 2023;2:69-71.
  3. Dudani S, Manglesh S, Rautela A, Maskara R. Tuberculous mastitis masquerading as an inflammatory cellulitis, a case report.J of Med Acad 2022;23-24.
  4. Dudani S, Rautela A, Manglesh S. Capillary hemangioma of toe in an adult: clinically mistaken as a pyogenic granuloma. J of Med Acad 2022;25-26.
  5. Pahwa, Archna R.; Dudani, Sharmila1; Gangadharan, Vandana1; Gulati, Rachna1. Introduction of the Jigsaw Technique of Cooperative Learning in Teaching Pathology to Medical Undergraduates. CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research 2022;9: 252-257.
  6. Banerjee P, Verma N, Mohan C, Rustagi SM, Nair BT, Rautela A. Listening between the lines: Introduction of a module for teaching nonverbal communication skills to MBBS students. Arch Ment Health Sci 2021;9:264-9
  7. Verma N, Rustagi SM, Rautela A, Agrawal P, Ashta KK. Colour coding to facilitate learning in a Jigsaw Classroom sharing our experiences. J Educ Technol Health Sci 2020;7(2):72-75
  8. Rustagi SM, Verma N, Mohan C, Toora BD,Gulati SK, Makkar A, Nair BT, Banerjee P, Rautela A. Participant Perception of a CME cum Hands-on Training Workshop on Small Group Teaching Methodologies at a North Indian Medical College. J Med Acad 2019;2(2):39–43
  9. Verma N, Rustagi SM, Rautela A, Agrawal P, AshtaKK. Colour coding to facilitate learning in a Jigsaw Classroom –sharing our experiences. J Educ Technol Health Sci 2020;7(2):72-78
  10. Pahwa AR, Dudani S, Sharma V, Malik P. Coagulation profile in patients with chronic liver disease. Int J Med Sci Public Health 2019;8(11):916-921.
  11. Bargotya M, Pahwa AR, Sood N.Anaplastic large cell neuroblastoma and lymphoma- cytological twins.MOJ Clin and med case reports.2018;8:100-102
  12. M.Choudhury, A Rautela, M Nain.Myxopapillary ependymoma- Lesser known cytomorphologic features . Journal of Cytology. 2015 Jan-Mar 32(1):42-45
  13. Pahwa M, Pahwa AR, Batra R, Abraham RR, Chawla A, Kathuria S, Sharma A. Robotic assisted Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Initial experience from a tertiary care centre in India. J Minim Access Surg 2015 Jan-Mar;11(1):83-6
  14. Pahwa M, Pahwa AR, Girotra M, Abrahm RR, Kathuria S, Sharma A. Defining the Pros and Cons of Open, Conventional Laparoscopy, and Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty in a Developing Nation. Advances in Urology. Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 850156, 6 pages
  15. Pahwa M, Pahwa AR, Girotra M, Chawla A. Isolated renal mucormycosis in healthy immunocompetent patient-atypical presentation and course. Korean J Urol. 2013 Sep;54(9):641-3. doi: 10.4111/kju.2013.54.9.641. Epub 2013 Sep 10.
  16. Pahwa M, Pahwa AR, Girotra M, Chawla A, Sharma A. Changes in S-PSA after transurethral resection of prostate and its correlation to postoperative outcome. Int Urol Nephrol. 2013 Aug;45(4):943-9
  17. Pujani M, AgarwalA S, Goyal RK,Jyotsna PLJ, Tejwani N, Rautela A. Pilomatricoma coexistent with epidermal cyst -case report.International journal of dermatology vol 51 , issue 5, 624-625
  18. Pahwa M, Girotra M, Rautela A, Abrahim R. Penile cancer in India:A clinicoepidemiological: study. Gulf Journal of Oncology 2012;1(12):7-10
  19. Agarwal K, Verma D, Kashyap A, Rautela A. Necrotic Pseudoxanthomatous Nodule: An Unusual and Less Known Manifestation of Endometriosis . World J Pathol 2014;3:77- 79
  20. M Bargotya, K Agarwal, R Bhushan , A Rautela. Extraskeletal ewings sarcoma presenting as nasopharyngeal mass-Rare tumor and rarest presentation.World J Pathol 2014;4
  21. Choudhury M, Pujani M, Katiyar Y, Rautela A. Idiopathic eosinophilic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis- report of two cases. Turk Pathol 2014;30:142-4
  22. Abraham R, Pahwa M, Rautela A , Girotra M. A rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding: Endoscopic venous malformations, but not vasculitis. Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology (2013) 37,224—225
DR. GAURAV JAIN
Assistant Professor
MBBS (Gold Medalist), MD (Pathology)
J.N. Medical College, Belgaum | UCMS & GTB Hospital, New Delhi

Dr. Gaurav Jain is a Senior Consultant Pathologist with over 16 years of experience in diagnostics, blood banking, academics, and quality management. He completed his MBBS with a Gold Medal from Meerut University and earned his MD in Pathology from J.N. Medical College, Belgaum, in 2009.

He has served as Principal Consultant and HOD, Blood Centre, Max Hospital Shalimar Bagh (2020–2024) and as Principal Consultant Pathologist at Max Hospital, Delhi (2014–2024). His earlier career includes roles as Consultant Pathologist and Quality Manager at Ganesh Diagnostics, Consultant at Star Imaging, and Senior Resident at UCMS & GTB Hospital, New Delhi. Since April 2024, he has been associated with Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Bahadurgarh as Senior Consultant Pathologist.

Dr. Jain’s areas of expertise include hematology, cytology, clinical pathology, blood banking, immunology, biochemistry, and laboratory quality management. He is trained in NABL ISO 15189:2022 standards and has extensive experience in NABL/NABH audits, donor screening, component separation, and transfusion medicine services.

He has participated in multiple national conferences and CMEs including APCON, PathCon, and RGCON, and has presented academic posters in pathology.

Research and Publications:
  • Wadhwa N, Jain G, Panikar N. Actinomycotic oophoritis misdiagnosed as an ovarian tumor. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2011 Jul;37(7):969–970. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01673.
DR. PALLAVI PUNHANI
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

Dr. Pallavi Punhani is a highly motivated and detail oriented pathologist with over four years of academic and diagnostic experience through laboratory and microscopic analysis of blood, tissues, cells and body fluids. She is skilled in managing laboratory operations and collaborating with clinicians to provide optimum patient care.

She pursued her MBBS degree from a prestigious medical institute- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, followed by MD in Pathology from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. Subsequently, she completed three years of senior residency at Safdarjung Hospital.

Throughout post-graduation and senior residency, she gained extensive experience and knowledge in various sub-specialties of pathology. Furthermore, she holds a strong interest in academia, dedicated to teaching and mentoring students and residents. She has acquired exposure in diagnosis of acute leukemias through flowcytometry analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirates. Her broad exposure to immunohistochemistry has honed her skills in interpreting challenging histopathology cases, encompassing neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases.

Dr. Punhani has presented seminars, journal clubs and several posters and oral papers in state, national and international conferences like ASOMACON. She has participated in workshops and CME on flowcytometry, GI pathology, neuropathology and renal pathology over the years. Her research on an emerging immunotherapy biomarker- PDL-1 (Programmed death ligand 1) in breast cancer patients has been particularly noteworthy.

She is a lifetime member of Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists. (IAPM- L 6015). Additionally, she has been trained in Laboratory management Systems and Internal audit as per ISO 15189:2022.

Dr. Punhani is an avid admirer of the microscopic world with great academic and research experience in the field of pathology. She is committed to advancing medical knowledge and fostering the next generation of medical students through innovative teaching and scholarly pursuits.

Research and Publications:
  1. Punhani P, Ahluwalia C. (2023). Expression of Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) in Breast Cancer patients in India and its Correlation with Prognostic Parameters: Expression of PD-L1 in BC in India. Archives of Breast Cancer. 10(3): 280–290. https://doi.org/10.32768/abc.2023103280-290.
  2. Punhani P, Ahluwalia C. (2024). Biomarkers in the Screening and Management of Cervical Cancer. Journal of Colposcopy and Lower Genital Tract Pathology. 2(1): 6-14. DOI: 10.4103/JCLGTP.JCLGTP_28_23.
  3. Punhani P, Ahluwalia C, Agrawal M, Kandwal P. (2024). Expression of CD44 in Triple Negative Breast Cancer and its Correlation with Prognostic Parameters: Correlation of CD44 expression in TNBC. Archives of Breast Cancer. 11(4).
  4. Punhani, P., Ahluwalia, C., & Joseph, A. (2024). Malignant Phyllodes Tumour with Heterologous Osteosarcomatous differentiation and Osteoclast-like giant cells: Case Report of an uncommon neoplasm: Malignant Phyllodes Tumour with Heterologous Osteosarcomatous differentiation. Archives of Breast Cancer. 11(3). DOI:https://doi.org/10.32768/abc.2024113317-323.
  5. Punhani, P., Madan, N., Kaur, S., & Ranga, S. (2021). Toxoplasma Pericarditis in an Immunocompetent Child- A Rare Case Report. Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases. 7(4): 1-6.
  6. Kumari M, Singh M, Punhani P.(2020) Malignant melanoma in a child with giant congenital melanocytic nevus and satellite flekers: A rare entity. Diagn Cytopathol. 48(6):564-566. doi:10.1002/dc.24408
  7. Kumari M, Singh M, Punhani P. (2019) Suppurative Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) lymphadenitis in an infant- an unexplored entity. International Journal of Science & Healthcare Research. 4(4): 67-69
  8. Punhani, P., Ahuja, S. & Zaheer, S. (2025). A Rare Case of Xanthogranulomatous Salpingo-Oophritis Simulating Ovarian Malignancy with Associated Endometriosis and Uterine Adenomyosis. Indian J Surg Oncol .
  9. Rathore, R., Ahuja, S., Nakhro, N. Sufian Z., Punhani P. (2024) Malignant Transformation of an Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratoma to a Malignant Melanoma. Indian J Surg Oncol. 15: 380–384. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13193-024-01896-z.
DR. SAURABH JUNEJA
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak & BPS Government Medical College, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat

Dr. Saurabh Juneja is a Consultant Pathologist with more than five years of post-MD experience in diagnostic pathology, academics, and laboratory management. He completed his MBBS from Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, followed by MD in Pathology from BPS Government Medical College, Khanpur Kalan.

He has served as Senior Resident at BPS Government Medical College, Khanpur Kalan, and Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, Dehradun, gaining extensive experience in hematology, transfusion medicine, and cytopathology. He also worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at World College of Medical Sciences, Jhajjar, and has been associated as Consultant Pathologist at MK Hospital, Bhiwani.

Dr. Juneja’s expertise spans clinical pathology, hematology, cytopathology, blood banking, and fine needle aspiration techniques. He has contributed to laboratory operations, quality control, and coordination in blood centers, ensuring high standards of patient care and diagnostic accuracy.

He was awarded 1st Runner Up in the National Pathology Quiz at APCON-2018. Beyond his professional role, Dr. Juneja has been actively involved in community health initiatives, voluntary blood donation (with more than 45 donations), and organizing blood donation and health check-up camps.

Research and Publications:
  1. Juneja S, Agarwal R, Agarwal D, Rana P, Singh K, Kaur S. Correlation of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 with histopathological grade in cases of carcinoma breast. Int J Contemp Med Res. 2019;6(9):I26–I29. doi:10.21276/ijcmr.2019.6.9.26.
  2. Mittal P, Karagwal P, Gilotra M, Kulhria A, Saini A, Juneja S. Autopsy and medicolegal evaluation in a case of sudden maternal death from pulmonary embolism. Int J Pathol Clin Res. 2021;7:121. doi:10.23937/2469-5807/1510121.
  3. Hooda R, Ragini S, Juneja S, et al. Blood bank practices during coronavirus pandemic. Int J Med Sci Curr Res (IJMSCR). 2021;4(5):1191–1196.
  4. Agarwal D, Gilotra M, Makkar K, Juneja S. Diffuse intestinal lipomatosis presenting as intussusceptions: a case report. Int J Contemp Med Res. 2019.
  5. Juneja S, Gilotra M, Agarwal D, et al. Cardiac metastasis from unknown primary: a rare case report. Int J Med Sci Innov Res. 2019;4(4):117–118.
Dr. ANNU KHOKHAR
Sr. Resident Pathology

A dedicated medical professional with an MBBS from Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai and an MD from Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune, trained across diverse and high-volume clinical settings. Clinical experience includes working as a Clinical Associate at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, followed by the role of Senior Resident at Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital, Mumbai, gaining extensive exposure to patient care and diagnostic practice.

Actively engaged in continuous medical learning through participation in national CMEs such as APCON, YUVACON, and PATHCON. Possesses a strong academic and practical interest in Haematology, with hands-on exposure to Flow Cytometry, and a keen inclination toward advancing diagnostic precision and patient-centered care.

She has also trained in Laboratory Management Systems and Internal Audit as per NABL ISO 15189:2022.

Research and Publications:

Khokhar A, Karandikar M, Patil A, Bhardwaj R, Mani NS, Nimbargi RC. Diagnostic utility of immunohistochemical analysis of tumours of sino-nasal region and nasopharynx. Res J Pharm Biol Chem Sci

Dr. Shikhar Chohan
Sr. Resident Pathology
MBBS, MD(Pathology)
VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

Dr. Shikhar Chohan is a motivated and academically driven pathologist with strong experience in diagnostic, research, and teaching across both anatomic and clinical pathology. He has trained in high-volume tertiary care settings with extensive exposure to histopathology, cytopathology, and multidisciplinary oncologic diagnostics. He completed his MBBS and then pursued an MD in Pathology (2022–2025) at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. During his residency, he developed broad-based expertise across multiple subspecialties, with a particular academic interest in gynecologic pathology, the tumor microenvironment, and cancer stem cell biology.

Dr. Chohan's postgraduate thesis focused on CD44 as a cancer stem-cell marker in ovarian epithelial malignancies, reflecting his interest in translational oncologic pathology. He has authored 30+ PubMed-indexed publications, presented oral papers and posters at national and international conferences, and actively contributed to academic discussions through seminars and journal clubs. He has also participated in AI/ML-based digital pathology collaborations, including work on the analysis of Pap smear images.

Beyond pathology, Dr. Chohan is a professional musician and content creator, an experience that has strengthened his communication skills, creativity, discipline, and ability to connect meaningfully with diverse teams, qualities he brings into academic medicine and collaborative clinical environments.

Research and Publications:
  1. Chohan S, Ahuja S, Sharma A, Zaheer S.. Collision-type adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon with signet-ring adenocarcinoma: A rare case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. February 2025; 127(110808):110808. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 39793336.
  2. Chohan S, Ahuja S, Zaheer S. A rare case of dedifferentiated intracranial solitary fibrous tumor with chondrosarcomatous differentiation.. Neuropathology : official journal of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology. December 2024; 45(3):257-262. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 39688163.
  3. Chohan S, Ahuja S, Zaheer S.. Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Arising from Perianal Fistula. . Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology. September 2024; Volume 15(15 (Suppl 4)):627–630. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 39995539.
  4. Chohan S, Mishra A, Mourya P, Ahuja S, Misra M, Zaheer S. Evaluation of histomorphological changes and chemotherapy response score (CRS) in ovarian malignancies post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Indian Journal of Gynecologic Oncology. August 2025; 23(111):111.
  5. Chohan S, Sharma S. Assessment of health profile and relationship between health disorders with work-related abuse of housemaids in Delhi.. New Indian Journal of surgery. September 2012; Volume 3(Number 3):215.
  6. Chohan S, Zaheer S.. Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm of Gall Bladder Lacking the Usual Ovarian-Like Mesenchymal Stroma. Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology. November 2024; 16(2):717–721. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 40337016.
  7. Chohan S, Zaheer S.. Pathological extranodal extension in head and neck cancer: A prognostic biomarker with therapeutic ramifications and diagnostic pitfalls. Pathology - Research and Practice. August 2025; 274(156183):1-12. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 40840229 .
  8. Rathore R; Ahuja S; Gautam A; Chohan S; Zaheer S. Massive Plexiform Neurofibroma Involving Multiple Salivary Glands: A Rare Case Report.. Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India. March 2025; 77(4):1903-1906. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 40226249.
  9. Teckchandani V, Chohan S, Zaheer S. Intracranial solitary fibrous tumour with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation: A diagnostic challenge of a rare presentation . International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. December 2024; 125(110586):110586. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 39547032.
  10. Aggarwal N, Chohan S, Zaheer S. IgG4-Related Orbital Pseudotumor: A Rare Case Report with Literature Review. Revista Española de Patologia. August 2025.
  11. Aggarwal N, Pathak C, Chohan S. De novo acute erythroid leukemia with predominant late erythroblast population: An unusual presentation. Polish journal of pathology. January 2025.
  12. Ahuja S, Madan K N, Chohan S, Sureka N, Zaheer S. . High-Grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma Presenting as a Large Pelvic Mass: A Case of Diagnostic Complexity. Indian Journal of Gynecologic Oncology . September 2025.
  13. Chohan S, Madan N, Nautiyal R, Kumar N, Vasudeva P, Mandal A. Robotic Surgery for Adrenal Masses."Pushing the Boundaries!!. As ian Journal of Urology. June 2025.
  14. Chohan S, Aggarwal N, Ahuja S, Guglani V, Zaheer S.. Giant Pineal Region Transitional Meningioma: A Rare Case Mimicking a Midbrain Mass. Indian Journal of Neurosurgery. August 2025.
  15. Chohan S, Ahluwalia C, Ahuja S . Radiological Aggressiveness versus Histological Benignity: Rare case of Desmoplastic Infantile Astrocytoma in Infancy. Asian Journal of Neurosurgery. September 2025.
  16. Chohan S, Ahuja S, MK Gnanesh R, Ahmad A, Kumar R, Zaheer S. . Extranodal Extension in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Association with Clinicopathological Parameters. Korean Journal of Clinical Oncology. September 2025.
Research and Publications:
  • Faculty has several publications in well-reputed and indexed national and international journals.
  • Integrated research projects with other clinical departments.
  • Participation in national and international conferences, CMEs and webinars.
  • Active focus on immunopathology, neoplasia, immunohistochemistry and genetics.
Career Relevance:
  • The field of pathology is a vital medical specialty for diagnosing diseases, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring patient outcomes.
  • Pathologists provide crucial insights into the nature, cause, and progression of diseases like cancer and infections, enabling clinicians to develop personalized treatment plans and improving overall patient care.
  • Scope of research in pathology is vast, encompassing carcinogenesis, molecular diagnostics, genomic classification of diseases and digital pathology.