Dr. Bhuvan Nagpal

A Beacon of Innovation in Diagnostics and Education

Dr. Bhuvan Nagpal

Director & Senior Consultant

Tohana Manglam Diagnostics

Dr. Bhuvan Nagpal is a globally distinguished leader in oral pathology and laboratory medicine, renowned for his unwavering commitment to advancing the field through innovative research and exceptional clinical practice. With over 65 published research articles and numerous authoritative textbooks in oral pathology, haematology, oncology, clinical biochemistry, microbiology and forensic odontology, he adeptly merges academic rigour with practical application. His groundbreaking initiatives, particularly the Early Oral Cancer Prevention project, address critical health challenges by emphasising early detection strategies in response to the rising incidence of oral cancer in India. Further, leveraging his law acumen, Dr. Bhuvan founded Ravijyoti Medlab and Medicolegal Consultancy, offering expert guidance in diagnostic centre setup, medico-legal consultations, and NABL accreditation. He also offers his legal advice as its medicolegal advisor. As the Laboratory Director and Senior Consultant at Tohana Manglam Diagnostics—the first NABL-accredited laboratory in District Fatehabad, Haryana—Dr. Bhuvan has transformed diagnostic services in the region. His visionary leadership has led to the provision of advanced histopathology and cytopathology, significantly enhancing healthcare access, especially for underserved rural communities. By establishing multiple diagnostic centers, he bridges critical healthcare gaps while fostering trust among patients and medical professionals. Beyond diagnostics, Dr. Bhuvan passionately advocates for recognising oral pathology’s vital role in comprehensive healthcare. As the founder of the Practicing Oral Pathologists and Microbiologists Association (POPMA), he champions multidisciplinary collaboration, elevating the profile of oral pathologists and highlighting their critical contributions to diagnosing systemic diseases. Dr. Bhuvan Nagpal also established the first and only diagnostic centre named Centre for Oral Pathology & Maxillofacial DiagnosticsT (COPMD) in Hisar, Haryana, specialising in histopathological diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases. His accolades, including Best Oral Pathologist in Haryana in 2018 and the ‘Utkrisht’ icon of Manav Rachna in 2022, underscore the profound impact of his work.Dr. Bhuvan is not just shaping the future of oral pathology; he is redefining its significance as an essential pillar of preventive healthcare, ultimately transforming patient outcomes and advancing health standards across India. Speaking exclusively with TradeFlock, he discloses more about his work and vision.

What was your vision when you established POPMA, and how does AOPLM contribute to the advancement of oral pathology?

I founded POPMA to unify oral pathologists and enhance collaboration in our field. Our mission includes supporting young professionals through education and mentorship. The Academy of Oral Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (AOPLM) complements this by offering comprehensive training to bridge academic knowledge with clinical practice. Together, these organisations aim to empower “Aatmanirbhar oral pathologists” to innovate and contribute significantly to the healthcare system.

What challenges have you faced in your field, and how have you addressed them?

A major challenge in oral pathology is the lack of awareness about our role in disease prevention and early detection, particularly regarding oral cancer, which is a significant public health issue in India. To address this, I utilise media platforms and educational programmes to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis. Additionally, resistance to new technologies like AI can hinder progress. By demonstrating their benefits and leading by example, I’ve successfully encouraged the medical community to embrace these advancements in diagnostics.

What is your success mantra, and how has it guided your professional journey?

My success mantra is a blend of dedication, smart work, and a clear vision. I believe true success arises from hard work, informed decisions, and focusing on goals. In diagnostics, staying dedicated while adapting to new challenges is crucial.

What initiatives are you leading to enhance oral pathology in clinical practice?

One of my primary initiatives has been advocating for MDS-qualified oral pathologists to be recognised as authorised signatories for clinical laboratory reports, a proposal approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This expansion enhances career opportunities for specialists and strengthens their role in diagnostics. Additionally, through the Academy of Oral Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (AOPLM), I lead training programmes to equip oral pathologists with essential modern skills.

How do you define your leadership style as a mentor?

My leadership style prioritises collaboration and mentorship, aiming to cultivate leaders rather than followers. I strive to equip young professionals with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Through POPMA and AOPLM, I promote knowledge-sharing and continuous learning while encouraging adaptability to advancements like AI and machine learning, empowering my team to innovate and excel in oral pathology and diagnostics.

What is your vision for a self-sustaining ecosystem in oral pathology?

I envision a future where oral pathology is fully integrated into mainstream healthcare, with oral pathologists recognised as key contributors to overall health. My goal is to create a network of affordable, high-quality diagnostic labs across India to ensure underserved populations have access to early detection. Further, I aim to establish a national platform connecting oral pathologists for resource sharing, training, and collaboration, enhancing our role in diagnosing systemic diseases and preventive care.

You authored a Review of Contemporary Oral Histopathology Techniques, recognised by the Asia Book of Records. What does this achievement signify?

I was thrilled when my book, Review of Contemporary Oral Histopathology Techniques for Oral Pathology Postgraduate Students, made it into the Asia Book of Records for being one of 63 e-books published in a single day. This comprehensive guide aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, highlighting the need for accessible educational resources in oral pathology.

What are your goals for the future?

I aim to advance oral pathology through research and enhance diagnostic capabilities at Tohana Manglam Diagnostics and Centre for Oral Pathology & Maxillofacial DiagnosticsTM (COPMD). My future plans include establishing diagnostic centres in rural areas and empowering oral pathologists through organisations like POPMA and AOPLM. Ultimately, I want oral pathology to be recognised as a vital component of preventive healthcare worldwide.