NMRRC in persons. Alexey Krasheninnikov

Alexey Krasheninnikov, Candidate of Medical Sciences, is the Head of the Urology Department with Chemotherapy at the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Alexey’s parents were not involved in medicine, and as a schoolboy, he was passionate about various sciences. However, the example set by his uncle – a respected cardiologist and resuscitation specialist – left a lasting impression.

“I grew up in a generation raised with simple and clear values. For instance, we were taught to choose a profession that benefits others. So, I decided I could help people by becoming a doctor,” Alexey shared.

After graduating from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Alexey joined the residency program at the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute.

“Sadly, my decision was influenced by a personal tragedy. My beloved grandfather passed away from cancer while in our care. Naturally, I felt a strong desire to find ways to help others recover from this terrible disease.”

“My grandmother was the one who brought me here,” he continued. “She worked as a clerk at the institute’s chapel and had many friends among the veterans. Before I made my decision, she wanted to introduce me to the institute’s atmosphere, traditions, and people.”

This led Alexey to the Urology Department, then headed by Professor Boris Alekseev “Boris Yakovlevich was one of those people who could ignite passion for a specialty. His enthusiasm was contagious. I stayed on in his department after my residency and have never regretted it.”

“What is the most important aspect of an oncologist’s work?” Alexey reflected. “Receiving a cancer diagnosis is still a life-altering and difficult moment for patients and their families. Unlike other specialties, oncology requires not just exceptional professionalism but also the ability to empathize deeply with patients. Additionally, oncology is one of the fastest-evolving fields in medicine, so continuous learning and skill enhancement are crucial.”

Alexey has been in the profession for 13 years. In the Urology-Oncology Department, he defended his thesis and developed as a specialist. In 2022, a major change occurred in his life.

“To my great surprise, I was offered the position of department head,” he said with genuine humility. “It’s a tremendous responsibility because now you’re accountable not only for your work but also for the entire team’s results. Teamwork is essential; you can’t manage this alone.”

Over the years, Alexey has encountered many memorable cases, both tragic and inspiring. One, in particular, stands out from the early days of his career. A young businessman was admitted with kidney cancer, already metastasized to other organs. Despite the team’s best efforts, the patient passed away within days. A strong, successful man, he left behind young children and a wife. The unfairness and relentless nature of the disease deeply affected the young oncologist. “Had he undergone a pelvic ultrasound in time, the outcome might have been different.”

“And how do you recover from such experiences? After cases like these, it must be difficult to return to the operating room,” we asked after a pause.

“There’s the chapel, where I can seek spiritual support anytime, and my children, who bring me joy… And then, moments like this. Just yesterday, I got a call. A voice on the other end asked, ‘Doctor, do you remember me?’ The voice sounded familiar, and after a few words, I recognized the patient. Ten years ago, in October, I had operated on him. ‘Everything’s fine with me!’ he said. Calls like these give us doctors the strength and confidence to keep going.”