Top honors for Rajiv Datta, Chair of Surgery at South Nassau

Long Island Business News, Dec 14, 2007 by Erin E Edmonds

NAME: Rajiv Datta

POSITION: Chair of Surgery and Director of Surgical Onocology

HOSPITAL: South Nassau Communities Hospital

AWARD: 2006 Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award

Chair of Surgery and Director of Surgical Oncology at South Nassau Communities Hospital, Rajiv Datta has been awarded the 2006 Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award for the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Datta is one of 55 physicians nationwide to receive this award.

"It is very gratifying to know that the work we do in the community is recognized nationally, because ultimately the patients are most important," Datta said.

Datta's nomination was based on his improving the quality of care, contributing to the cancer program's approval status, exceeding expectations in strengthening the cancer program, demonstrating leadership in the community and serving as a champion and role model for other staff at South Nassau. Prior to joining the Oceanside Hospital in 2001, Datta served as director of surgical oncology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.

"We want to take care of cancer on a multidiscipline level so patients get a better outcome," Datta said. "We want to get patients the best possible care at a level they're comfortable with."

A graduate of Grant Medical College in Bombay, India, Datta is recognized as one of the leading head and neck surgeons in the United States. He currently resides in Muttontown.