According to Dr. Maharaj, patient testimonials illustrate the positive outcomes.  "I had to take a lot of medications, but I never lost my appetite or had any side effects." states Mae, a post-transplant breast cancer patient.  "Even though I was sick during the high-dose chemotherapy, it wasn't very bad.  A nurse came to my house every night and took care of me."  Bernadette, a multiple myeloma patient echoes the sentiment.  "I have been totally thrilled [with the experience]," she says.  "A home care nurse came to my house every day.  I was never hospitalized, I never lost my appetite, and I was never sick, not even during the high-dose chemotherapy."

Dr. Maharaj has been performing the totally outpatient transplant procedure with extremely favorable outcomes since 1995.  The procedural mortality rate is zero and only five percent of his patients have been admitted to the hospital - a reflection of the close monitoring and expert care patients receive from the BM/SCT team at Bethesda.  Yet the key to improving outcomes for all eligible patients, explains Dr. Maharaj, is early referral into the program.  "Patients need to be identified as eligible soon after their diagnosis so that BM/SCT becomes part of their overall treatment plan rather than a last resort".

He has also presented papers at recent annual scientific meetings for both the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.  He hosts local presentations on advancements and outcomes in stem cell transplant procedures, as well.

Dr. Maharaj has made a name for himself on two continents.  While practicing in Europe, he was awarded Fellowships at The Royal College of Physicians of Glasgow, The Royal College of Pathologists of the United Kingdom, and The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.  Here in the United States, Dr. Maharaj achieved the honor of being named Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP).

Honors are gratifying, but Dr. Maharaj derives his greatest rewards from patient care.  He understands the uncertainty, fear and frustration associated with cancer and stem cell transplant procedure. Throughout the process, he encourages and supports his patients.  "There was a time when I wanted to give up; I had lost my focus," states Terry, another post-transplant multiple myeloma patient. "But Dr. Maharaj would explain why things had to be done and made me see that he was trying to do what was best for me."

Perhaps the doctor's most reassuring qualities, however, are his accessibility and concern.  Patients can access him anytime. He gives each of them his pager number so they can reach him day or night.  Both Bernadette and Terry, patients at BMSCTI, can testify firsthand.  "Dr. Maharaj was on the phone with me, checking on me all the time.  he was always at my fingertips," states Bernadette.  Adds Terry, "Dr. Maharaj is a warm compassionate man.  He was always there for me....he's there for everyone!