Ropana Podcast (रोपण), What's On A Medic's Mind

S4 Ep 12: Aum Voice Prosthesis: The Innovation That Gave Throat Cancer Survivors a Voice and a Surgeon a Deeper Purpose Ft. Dr. Vishal Rao


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I sat down with Dr. Vishal Rao, a renowned cancer surgeon and the visionary behind the Aum Voice Prosthesis, a device that’s changing the lives of throat cancer survivors across India.

Have you ever imagined what it’s like to survive cancer… but wake up unable to speak again? No words, no name, no way to say “I’m here.” Just silence.

In this powerful episode of the Ropana Podcast, we dive deep into that silence and how one surgeon refused to let it be the final chapter.

From the rising tide of throat cancer in India to the shocking lack of awareness about early symptoms, Dr. Rao breaks down the truth we don’t talk about enough.

We explore:

  • What throat cancer really takes from a person, beyond the physical.

  • How the Aum Voice Prosthesis is restoring dignity, identity, and connection.

  • The uphill battle of building a life-changing invention on a shoestring budget.

    • Why throat cancer awareness still lags and why banning tobacco is non-negotiable.
    • The urgent need for real Make in India healthcare solutions, affordable, accessible, and Indian at heart.


  • This isn’t just a conversation about cancer. It’s about hope, purpose, and human connection, about giving voice to the voiceless, literally and metaphorically.

    If you believe in second chances, in innovation rooted in empathy, or just want to understand how one idea can change countless lives, this episode is for you.

    👉 Hit play, share it forward, and let someone know: healing isn’t just science, it’s soul.


    🔔 Follow the podcast/channel for more expert-led health insights

    Reach me (Host of Ropana Podcast) –

    LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-innovative-medic-voice/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ropanapodcast⁠


    📩 Reach out to Dr Vishal Rao: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvishalrao/

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    Ropana Podcast (रोपण), What's On A Medic's MindBy Shreya Mishra