Our Founders
DR. DEBRAJ SHOME
Professor Dr. Debraj Shome MBBS, DO, DNB, FRCS (Glasgow), FICO (USA), MNAMS, MBA (Vanderbilt University, USA), and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons is an internationally acclaimed expert in Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Shome is globally recognized as the first in Asia to be American Board Certified in Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Dr Shome has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed papers. A pioneering innovator, he co-invented the breakthrough QR678® hair regrowth treatment, now used in 25+ countries. Widely known as the “celebrity surgeon,” he has treated leading personalities worldwide. Beyond surgery, Dr. Shome is an entrepreneur, academic mentor, author, and philanthropist, having founded healthcare institutions and trained 1,000+ doctors. His mission extends beyond beauty—building systems, knowledge, and lives to create meaningful, lasting impact in global healthcare.
DR. AARTI HEDA
Dr. Aarti Heda MBBS, DNB, FRCS (Glasgow), FACS (USA), MRCS (Edinburgh), FICO, Fellowship in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, ICO (Glaucoma), MNAMS, FGCPS, FCOECSA, PG Diploma in Medico-Legal Services, is a highly accomplished anterior segment surgeon and consultant ophthalmologist based in Pune, India, with advanced fellowships in cataract and refractive surgery and certifications in glaucoma and global ophthalmic practice. She serves as Associate Editor of the Global Journal of Cataract Surgery and Research in Ophthalmology and holds leadership roles in national and international ophthalmic societies. Passionate about service and education, she has contributed extensively across Africa, authored 15+ peer-reviewed publications, and actively shapes medico-legal and academic discourse in ophthalmology, making her a respected clinician, researcher, and advocate for ethical, innovative eye care.
DR. APARNA GOVIL BHASKER
Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is a bariatric and laparoscopic general surgeon and practises in the city of Mumbai. She is associated with Global, Hinduja, Currae, Namaha, Suchak and Apollo group of hospitals. She has multiple publications and numerous book chapters to her credit. She is the managing committee member of many surgical societies and has a keen interest in clinical research. She is an avid reader and an artist. She is the co-founder of Debabrata Auro Foundation which was set up in 2016 to help the poor and needy. She is deeply involved in the activities of this foundation and through this she does her bit for the betterment of the society.
Our Story
What began as a simple idea, a mission to spark a nationwide conversation about the state of the doctor–patient relationship, has grown into a larger movement under the aegis of the Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation. Our journey began three years ago, with a desire to share stories of grit, success, and even failure that truly capture what this sacred bond entails. We wanted to create a platform where both doctors and patients could come together and tell their sides of the story, initiating a positive and much-needed dialogue.
As two surgeons with no prior writing experience, we knew that publishing a book would be a challenge. We sent our proposal to multiple publishers and waited, fingers crossed. The stars aligned on a beautiful Monday morning when we received an email from Mr. Rajiv Beri of Bloomsbury. Intrigued by our concept, he was willing to take a chance on us, and for that, we will always be grateful. Our first book, Dear People, was published by Bloomsbury.
The journey continues with our latest book, Doctors Are Not Murderers, a deeply moving collection of real-life stories that shines a compassionate light on the fragile bond between doctors and their patients. This book is published by Blueone. These narratives reveal the profound humanity at the heart of medicine, where every decision carries the weight of hope, life, and sometimes, heartbreaking loss. They also confront a sobering reality: doctors are too often misunderstood, vilified, and judged, even as they struggle with impossible choices and heavy ethical dilemmas.
We were heartened by the overwhelming response from our contributing authors for both books. Doctors were more than happy to share the most touching experiences of their careers, and the stories we received were so heartfelt they sometimes brought tears to our eyes. To ensure a unique and balanced dialogue, we also invited non-medical people to share their stories as patients dealing with the healthcare system. It took us two years of living and breathing this book to compile these 34 stories, and the journey was an immense learning experience for us both.
Together, Dear People and Doctors Are Not Murderers stand as a testament to trust. The trust patients place in their doctors, and the unshakable commitment doctors make to honor that trust with empathy, courage, and integrity. We hope these books strike a chord with people, and our only prayer is that doctors are treated like all other human beings with dignity and respect.
Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation
The Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation (DAF), established in 2016 in Mumbai by visionary doctors Dr. Mitalee Shome, Dr. Debraj Shome, and Dr. Rinky Kapoor, is a beacon of hope inspired by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the humanitarian spirit of Dr. Debabrata Shome. Dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities, DAF drives change through healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
From free fungal infection check-up camps in slums, police stations, and BMC offices to mega medical camps offering general health check-ups, free consultations, medicines, oral cancer screenings, and breast screenings, DAF ensures critical healthcare reaches those who need it most. Beyond health, the foundation fosters awareness on menstrual hygiene, supports women’s skill-building initiatives, provides scholarships for children, and champions environmental drives such as tree plantations and beach clean-ups.
Through impactful programs like the Abhilasha Scholarship, DAF WOW (Women Owns Wings), cancer survivor hair regrowth camps, and the Joy of Giving initiative, the foundation empowers individuals with dignity, opportunity, and holistic growth. Working tirelessly at the grassroots, DAF is committed to building a future where no one is left behind.
