Rahul Jandial’s decision-making is guided by the words of a mentor who told him: “I know you will do well, but I hope you do good.” Those words have gone with Jandial, 33, now a neurosurgeon at UCSD Medical Center and research associate at The Burnham Institute for Medical Research.

Colleagues noted that he immediately demonstrated a unique ability to get challenging projects off the ground, says Ernesto Ortiz, manager of the Center for Regenerative Medicine, Burnham.

He led projects to identify the origin of cancer cells and the use of stem cells to treat cancer. Jandial’s efforts include creating collaborations with medical research centers at UC San Francisco and the University of North Carolina. The three institutions collectively tackle fundamental questions about cancer’s origin and treatment.

Jandial started a nonprofit organization that identifies hospitals in need of support and provides them with equipment and training. The International Neurosurgical Children’s Association raised funds and generated enough interest from clinicians to lead several pediatric neurosurgery missions.

He finds time for other pursuits as well. Jandial teaches an undergraduate course that he created at UCSD. He has written two books and is working on two more. The proceeds from his writing are donated to charity.

The neurosurgeon’s tributes include the 2006 AMA Excellence and Leadership in Medicine Award. Jandial’s wife, Danielle Jandial, is an obstetrician/gynecologist. They have three sons: Zain, Kai and Ronak.