Dr Shrestha's journey on cancer pain management
14 March 2025
Dr Sunil Shrestha, a PhD alumni from the School of Pharmacy at Monash University Malaysia, has ventured on a journey of passion, purpose, and commitment to leading cancer pain management in Nepal. As a clinical pharmacist and researcher, Dr Shrestha is determined to change the role of pharmacists in cancer care, emphasising that effective pain management should not just be a possibility but a necessity, even if there is a limit to the source.
From left: Bhakta Sunder Shrestha (Father), Susmita Shrestha (Mother), Sanskriti Shrestha (Daughter), Chin Kumari Shrestha (Mother-in-law) and Nita Shrestha (Wife).
Dr Shrestha's research focuses on addressing the unmet needs of cancer patients in Nepal. His work deals with the gaps in pain management, and he implies offering practical solutions with the support of policymakers in order to improve the healthcare situation. His PharmaCAP model aims to combine clinical pharmacists into a cancer care team to ensure better pain assessment and optimal medication use and to strengthen patient education. "Cancer pain is often overlooked, but with the right interventions, we can make a significant difference in patients' lives," Dr Shrestha emphasised. By promoting this model, he looks forward to a more inclusive and compassionate approach to the healthcare system.
Born and raised in Nepal, Dr Shrestha owes his deepest gratitude to his family, which has been the foundation of his academic journey, both emotionally and practically. His father, a businessman and mother, a businesswoman and a housewife, believed in the power of education and hard work, encouraging him to pursue his dream. "Pursuing higher education abroad came with its share of financial and emotional challenges, but my parents were unwavering in their encouragement," Dr Shrestha explained.
Dr Shrestha received the Young Health Researcher Award 2023 (Nepal Health Research Council) from Mr Upendra Yadav (Minister of Health and Population, Nepal).
"I still vividly remember the heartache of leaving home, knowing that I would miss some of the most precious years of my daughter’s early childhood. My wife took on immense responsibilities in my absence, balancing her commitments. Her strength and understanding during those difficult years were truly extraordinary."
Dr Shrestha recognised his experience at Monash University Malaysia as one of his life's most uplifting periods. The environment here being inclusive with excellent mentorship, played an important role in his research and his professional journey. He remembers the times he had with his peers from different backgrounds, which helped broaden his perspective and understanding of global healthcare challenges.
Dr Shrestha cherishes his experiences at Monash University Malaysia, particularly the freedom to explore his research interest under the guidance of mentors:
- Professor Siew Hua Gan (former Head of the School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia; Currently the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya)
- Professor Shaun Lee Wen Huey (Head of the School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia)
- Dr Siew Li Teoh (Lecturer at School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia)
- Dr Bhuvan KC (Former Lecturer at School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia; Currently the Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, Australia)
- Dr Simit Sapkota (Consultant Medical Oncologist and Chairperson, Kathmandu Cancer Center, Nepal)
They taught him the technical aspects of research and the importance of critical thinking, perseverance and collaboration.
Beyond academics, Dr Shrestha actively participated in competitions like the '3-Minute Thesis', which helped him communicate critical ideas effectively. Serving as Vice President of the Monash University Postgraduate Association in 2023 further strengthened his leadership and organisational skills.
Dr Shrestha with his wife and daughter.
The PharmaCAP project by Dr Shrestha is an important initiative in cancer pain management, particularly in Nepal, which has a resource-limited healthcare system. Dr Shrestha's pharmacist-led trials have significantly reduced pain severity among patients through structured assessments and personalised medication plans. "We saw remarkable improvements; patients who once struggled with severe pain were able to regain a sense of normalcy," he noted.
One of the project's major successes has been its impact on medication adherence; patients have better understood their treatment regimens, leading to improved adherence and reducing medical-related complications. The project has also provided emotional support to patients, reducing the level of anxiety and depression associated with unmanageable pain.
Dr Shrestha's research addresses barriers in Nepal, including a shortage of trained specialists in pain management and limited access to essential medications. "Pharmacists have the expertise to optimise pain management, but their role is often underutilised. My research aims to change that," he asserted.
Dr Shrestha's long-term vision is to expand his research, influence health policies, and inspire the adoption of similar models in low-resource settings worldwide. By advocating for integrating clinical pharmacists into healthcare teams and emphasising patient-centred care, his research aims to contribute to building a more inclusive, effective, and compassionate healthcare system.
Despite the challenges, Dr Shrestha's determination never wavered. Looking back at his time at Monash University Malaysia, he credits the diverse academic community and supportive environment for shaping his journey. “What I enjoyed most about my student life at Monash was the vibrant and diverse community that fostered an enriching learning environment,” he shared. The opportunities for research, leadership, and collaboration gave him the skills and confidence to drive change in cancer pain management, a mission he continues to champion in Nepal.