Dr. Murtaza Rampurawala earned his medical degree from Government Medical College in Surat, supported by a scholarship from the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Syedna Taher Saifuddin Memorial Foundation. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut and a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Wisconsin, combining clinical experience in India with advanced research in the U.S.
For the past nine years, he has practiced at the University of Chicago and now serves as Medical Director for Oncology at the Center for Advanced Care in Orland Park. In this interview, we ask him about his medical journey and experiences dealing with cancer.
Who has been your inspiration in your medical journey?
Growing up, I was always fascinated by my father.
He was a family physician for 11 years who went above and beyond in caring for his patients, helping them through illness and relieving their suffering.
I lost him when I was still young, but the smiles he brought to his patients’ faces and comfort to their families is still very much alive in my memory. I guess it was destined that I would follow his path and continue his legacy of care.
What advancements have you seen in cancer diagnosis?
Cancer is still a difficult diagnosis to receive, but the way we treat it has changed dramatically. Advances in targeted therapies and precision medicine now allow us to tailor treatments to each patient’s specific cancer, allowing them to live longer and experience fewer side effects.
I have had a few patients with advanced cancer who, a few years ago, would have each had a life expectancy limited to months. Thankfully, they are doing well today — some with no visible signs of cancer, while others have been relieved from therapy completely.
One of my patients was diagnosed with advanced bile duct cancer in 2017, a disease that usually carries a life expectancy of about a year. Further genetic testing revealed a mutation that made her likely to respond to immunotherapy. She received medically advanced treatment for one year, and today—seven years later—she remains cancer-free and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
What motivates you to pull on the white coat?
As an oncologist, what I love most about my practice is the satisfaction from helping cancer patients through one of the toughest battles of their life. To hold their hand through this journey, supporting not just them but their families as well, is extremely rewarding.
I often meet patients and families several years later, and they still show immense gratitude which is heartwarming.
How do you unwind?
At home, life is lively with four school-aged boys. After a busy day’s work, spending time with them is the most fulfilling and uplifting time in my off-hours. My family loves exploring new restaurants and travelling together to new places. This quality time with them brings balance to my life.
What advice would you leave the readers with?
Screening saves lives. Having cared for cancer patients over the last several years, I cannot stress screening enough. Stay up to date on mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate, and cervical cancer screenings. Learn your family’s medical history and if several relatives have had cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing.
Early detection gives the best chance for cure and recovery. The sooner we find cancer, the sooner we can put it behind us.
