Dr. med. Kavitha DÄSTER
Languages
- German
- English
Professional background
- Since 01/2022 – Senior Physician, Breast Center Zurich
- 03/2020 – 12/2021 – Research Associate, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel
- 12/2017 – 02/2020 – Postgraduate Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Fellow, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Sydney
- 10/2016 – 10/2017 – Specialty Registrar, Breast Surgery, Frimley Park Hospital (UK)
- 04/2016 – 10/2016 – Specialty Registrar, Breast Surgery, Royal Surrey County Hospital (UK)
- 10/2014 – 04/2016 – Specialty Registrar, Department of Surgery, Frimley Park Hospital (UK)
- 10/2011 – 10/2014 – Higher Surgical Training (Academic Vascular Surgery), North West England Deanery (UK)
- 08/2009 – 10/2011 – Core Surgical Training (including Academic Surgery rotation), North West England Deanery (UK)
- 08/2007 – 08/2009 – Foundation Training, North Central Thames, London
Dissertation
- 03/2020 – 11/2023 – Doctoral thesis at the Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, titled: “BRCA promoter methylation in triple‑negative breast cancer is preserved in xenograft models and represents a potential therapeutic marker for PARP inhibitors.” Published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment (2024)
Publications
Biography
Dr Kavitha Däster is a nationally and internationally renowned breast surgeon. She is fluent in English, German and Malay. She has outstanding expertise in oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery, as demonstrated by the many procedures she performed during her fellowship programmes and advanced surgical training in the UK.
Her impressive career began with medical studies at the University of Manchester, where she received an Honours Degree for her academic excellence. She completed her breast surgery training in the UK in 2016 (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England), then expanded her expertise through an oncoplastic surgery fellowship in Australia. In 2019, she passed the European Board of Surgery exam in breast surgery, earning the ‘Gold Award’ as the best candidate.
Dr Kavitha Däster gained clinical experience at prestigious institutions such as Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and the University Hospital of Basel, where she currently holds a research fellowship in breast cancer. She also leads a number of important research projects and has contributed to several key publications on topics such as ‘BRCA1 promoter methylation in metastatic breast cancer’ and ‘oncoplastic breast surgery’.
Recognised as an outstanding trainer and mentor, Dr Kavitha Däster shares her knowledge and expertise with young physicians. Her contributions to the surgical community have earned her numerous awards and scholarships, including a research grant from the Dr Hans Altschüler Foundation.
Education
- 2024 – Appointment as Senior Breast Surgeon (Senior‑Mammaoperateurin), German Cancer Society
- 2019 – Fellow of the European Board of Surgery (FEBS, Breast Surgery), European Board of Surgery Qualification (EBSQ), Gold Award for best examination performance
- 08/2018 – Fat transfer and breast lipomodelling techniques with Dr. Emmanuel Delay, Sydney
- 08/2017 – BSI Oncoplastic Workshop, World Congress of Surgery, Basel
- 2016 – Breast Reconstruction (Level 1), The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
- 2016 – FRCS (Eng), The Royal College of Surgeons of England, UK
- 10/2015 – Bristol Breast Ultrasound Course, The Royal College of Radiologists (UK)
- 2012 – Master of Research (MRes) in Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
- 2002 – 2007 – Medical Studies, Medical School, University of Manchester
Memberships
- Breast Surgery International (BSI),
- Honorary Secretary Swiss Society of Senology (SGS)
- FMH – Swiss Medical Association
- Association of Swiss Resident and Senior Physicians (VSAO)
- Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS)
- International Society of Surgery (ISS)
