Cancer survivor scores 715 marks in NEET UG results 2024, wants to pursue oncology

NEW DELHI: After the initial cancer surgery, I could not attend NEET coaching classes, so I started studying from home, Maulik Patel recalled. Fighting against all odds, the 18-year-old cancer survivor scored 715 out of 720 in the single-largest medical entrance exam, NEET UG 2024. He wishes to pursue a career as an oncologist, reaffirming his lifelong dream of making a meaningful impact in the field of medicine.

Maulik Patel, a ALLEN coaching institute student, is a native of Ghatkopar, Mumbai. In November 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic when classes were shifted to online classes, Nikhil Mehta, the Mumbai centre head of Allen Career Institute, enrolled Maulik in the ALLEN Andheri Centre in Mumbai.

Seven months later, in a sudden change of events, he began experiencing health issues. The subsequent sonography revealed a sizable tumour near Maulik's urinary bladder, measuring 10 centimeter in each dimension. On further diagnosis, including CT scan and biopsy, confirmed 'Sarcoma'. His cancer was in an advanced stage by the time they detected the illness.

The treatment which continued till October 2022 found the persistence of residual tumour. “To facilitate chemotherapy administration, a chemo port was inserted near Maulik's chest for ease of blood draw and drug delivery during chemotherapy. Several chemotherapy sessions were held after which recognizing the need for additional treatment modalities, Maulik's medical team recommended radiation therapy, consisting of 31 fractions,” the institute said.

After another year of his treatment, in November 2023 the medical results showed some improvement, with the tumour reduced to 2 centimeter and devoid of cancerous cells. Another 5 months later, Maulik received positive news stating that all test reports were normal. He had in total undergone 23 chemotherapy sessions and 31 radiation fractions.

Also read The other Kotas: Inside the new NEET, JEE coaching hubs

Studied during cancer treatment

"After my initial surgery, I was unable to attend coaching classes due to my illness so I continued my studies from home," Maulik recalled. Due to the cancer treatment and frequent hospital visits, Maulik’s studies were disrupted and he had to defer NEET UG and Class 12 board exam in 2023.

"I relied on recorded lectures from ALLEN after my second surgery, and when my health improved in September 2023, I diligently took all major tests at the ALLEN center," Maulik said.

In March, he resumed the ALLEN crash course to overcome the challenges posed by his cancer. "Though the cancer treatment was traumatic, I never let it interfere with my studies as I do not consider studies as burden," he affirmed. He used to carry books to the hospital even during chemotherapy admissions.

Despite the adversities, Maulik retained top position in both Class 12 board exam and NEET. He obtained 94.67% in the Maharashtra State Board results 2024, and scored 715 out of 720 marks in NEET UG 2024 results.

Maulik’s parents, father Rakesh Patel and mother Priti Patel, said that they spent Rs 35 lakh in savings on his treatment. “Apart from exhausting our savings, we also sold our jewelery battling the deadly disease, cancer of our son”, he said.