Highlights:
- Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu receives Padma Bhushan in 2026
- Recognized for major advances in radiation oncology
- Pioneer of high-dose-rate brachytherapy techniques
- Former principal investigator for US cancer trials
- Padma Awards announced on India’s Republic Day
Renowned Indian-American radiation oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his exceptional contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in advancing cancer treatment. The honor was announced by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs as part of the Padma Awards list for 2026, released on the occasion of Republic Day.
The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors and are approved by the President of India each year. For 2026, President Droupadi Murmu has approved a total of 131 Padma Awards across three categories.
These include five Padma Vibhushan awards, 13 Padma Bhushan awards, and 113 Padma Shri awards, with two joint awards counted as single honors. The formal award ceremonies are typically held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi during March or April.
Dr. Nori’s Padma Bhushan recognizes his decades-long dedication to improving cancer care and patient outcomes around the world. A globally respected figure in radiation oncology, he has played a major role in shaping modern cancer treatment practices through research, clinical innovation, and mentorship.
One of Dr. Nori’s most significant achievements is his pioneering work in high-dose-rate brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy that delivers targeted radiation directly to tumors. His research and clinical application of remote after-loading brachytherapy have helped transform the treatment of cancers of the cervix, urinary system, chest, and head and neck. This technique allows doctors to precisely target cancerous tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells.
First introduced in the 1970s, this approach has since become a globally accepted standard of care and has benefited millions of patients worldwide. Dr. Nori’s work has been instrumental in improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients, particularly women undergoing treatment for gynecological cancers.
In addition to his clinical innovations, Dr. Nori has served as the principal investigator on numerous clinical trials sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. His leadership in research has helped advance new treatment protocols and establish best practices in radiation oncology.
Dr. Nori’s contributions have earned him widespread recognition both in India and internationally. In 2014, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to American society while maintaining strong ties to their heritage. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his services to medicine.
He has also been consistently ranked among the top doctors in the United States by his peers, based on evaluations by tens of thousands of oncologists. He is particularly noted for his expertise in treating cancers affecting women.
Born into a Telugu family in Mantada village in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, Dr. Nori completed his medical education at Kurnool Medical College. He later pursued postgraduate studies at Osmania Medical College before building an internationally distinguished medical career.
The Padma Bhushan award stands as a testament to Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu’s lifelong commitment to medical excellence and his enduring impact on cancer treatment worldwide.
