Dr Anita Maria Borges, MBBS, MD, FRCPath, one of India’s foremost surgical pathologists and a highly respected teacher of national and international repute, passed away on 18 September 2025 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, following a massive heart attack. She was 78. She had been invited by Raghav Das Medical College, Gorakhpur, to conduct a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme scheduled for 19–20 September.
Career and Contributions
Dr Borges served at some of the leading cancer hospitals in India. She was Professor and Head of Surgical Pathology at Tata Memorial Hospital for 25 years, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Oncopathology, Wadala, Mumbai, and Head of Histopathology at S.L. Raheja Fortis Hospital, Mahim. Her expertise in histopathology and cytopathology drew cases from across India and abroad. She specialised in head and neck cancers, lymphomas, metastasis, and oncopathology of all organs and systems. Her diagnostic skills were considered exceptional.
She completed her MBBS and MD in Pathology from Topiwala National Medical College and B.Y.L. Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai. She was a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, London, and trained at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York—both world-leading institutions.
Teacher and Mentor
Dr Borges was widely admired as a teacher, mentor and role model. She taught students to focus on concepts, histology basics, critical thinking, problem-solving and the use of algorithmic approaches in diagnosis. Her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity made her a popular figure at conferences, attracting pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and general practitioners. She remained up to date with advances in knowledge, skills and technology, and was deeply respected for her commitment, humour and humane approach.
Recognition
She received many awards and orations across India and held several prestigious positions, including Chairperson of NABL, Vice-President and Dean of the International College of Pathologists (Indian Division), and member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS). She also served on the WHO Panel for Head and Neck Cancers and was on the editorial boards of several journals.
Personal Memories
I first met Dr Borges in 1984 as a postgraduate student during a CME in Pathology at JN Medical College, Belgaum, where she was a regular faculty member. I also trained under her at Tata Memorial Hospital in 1987 and learnt much pathology from her.
She treated all patients equally—whether poor or rich, common people or VIPs such as chief ministers, governors, ministers, bureaucrats, doctors and industrialists. She was always kind to nurses, technicians, medical social workers and support staff.
She loved Goa, as she hailed from Ucassaim, Bardez. I invited her more than 15 times for CMEs and conferences in Goa. She enjoyed Goan cuisine, music and culture, and never accepted any payment for her visits, once even returning a cheque meant to cover her travel.
Dr Borges came from a distinguished family. Her father, Dr Ernest Joaquim Joseph Borges, was a renowned cancer surgeon and Director of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Roads in Parel, Mumbai, and Dona Paula, Goa, are named after him. Her brother, Dr Eric Borges, is a cardiologist from Bombay Hospital who is now active in palliative care. The family has endowed a scholarship at Goa Medical College to support oncology training at Tata Memorial Hospital.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr Anita Borges was known for her elegance, grace and charm. She enjoyed fine cuisine, Italian and French wines, and often lit up the dance floor during conference banquets.
She leaves behind a legacy of excellence in oncopathology, having inspired countless students, colleagues and patients. She was a perfectionist who raised standards to new heights and will be remembered as an icon in her field.
On behalf of myself, my family, and many Goan patients she helped, I express my deepest gratitude for her guidance, knowledge and friendship.
My heartfelt condolences to her family. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations.
