London, April 24 (IANS): An India-born dental surgeon will be felicitated Friday at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, (RCSEd) Scotland, for his contribution in the field of oral oncology.

Jatin Shah, a North America-based head and neck cancer surgeon, will receive the prestigious honorary fellowship in dental surgery from the RCSEd’s Faculty of Dental Surgery at the diploma ceremony of the 500-year-old college Friday.

Shah will be joined by several other surgeons and dental professionals from across the world, who will also receive fellowship and membership diplomas in recognition of their professional attainment and excellence, the college said.

Shah is currently heading the head and neck service in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Shah, expressing his gratitude at being bestowed the honour, said in a statement: "Recognition by colleagues from a different background is a high point in my career, and a unique privilege with a special meaning."

"Such recognition will go a long way towards strengthening the common platform created between surgeons from differing backgrounds involved in the care of patients with oral cancer, such as head and neck surgeons, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons and dental / oral/maxillofacial surgeons," he added.

Commenting on Shah's nomination, Richard Ibbetson, dean of the RCSEd's Dental Faculty, said: "Professor Shah is one of the most distinguished and leading figures worldwide in the field of oral oncology. His significant contribution to health care and education, particularly in the field of oral cancer, worldwide, deserves to be duly recognised."

Shah is also Chair of the Council of the International Academy of Oral Oncology (IAOO).

Having received medical training in Vadodara in India, Shah undertook a research fellowship in Philadelphia, US, before moving to New York and undertaking a series of research and senior surgical positions, including most recently being appointed to the position of professor of surgery at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York.

Shah has reportedly over 400 peer-reviewed publications to his name as well as honorary fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, England and Australia.

Established in 1505, and with a worldwide membership, the RCSEd is one of the world’s oldest and largest surgical establishments dedicated to surgical and dental practice through ducation, training and examinations.