Ramesh Soundarajan Oral History Interview

DESCRIPTION
Born in Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Dr. Ramesh Soundarajan was inspired by his father to practice medicine. After immigrating the United States, he established himself as a practicing nephrologist for over 30 years in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Working with this population allowed him an opportunity to forge deep relationships with his patients and their families, a component of medicine that he loved. He shares how working during the pandemic impacted his ability to support his patients and inspired creative ways to stay connected. The pandemic created an environment for a lot of sacrifice, but it also created space for a lot of hope and Dr. Soundarajan feels privileged to have served in the capacity he had.

His passion for teaching can be seen on the units when he is precepting new fellows in the art of listening and providing compassionate care. Outside of the hospital, he is a loving husband and father to his family, and son to his mom who still resides in India. Driven by an internal purpose and supported by his faith, Dr. Soundarajan thrives through the success of his patients. A beloved "nerd", medicine always felt like the perfect intersection of science + faith + humanity and he hopes by sharing the realities of working in this career, he can inspire hope for humanity moving forward.

In this slideshow, you will see:
A photo of Ramesh rounding between patients with PPE.

Ramesh getting his vaccine. He was thrilled to finally have a sense of peace through the advances of science.

Ramesh taking a break from the frontlines to reunite with classmates in 2021, which offered some welcome relief.

THEMES
Education

AUDIO
Duration: 00:26:48

ADDITIONAL METADATA
Date: February 15, 2022
Subject(s): Ramesh Soundarajan
Type: Oral History
Source: Archival Creators Fellowship Program
Creator: Roshni Shah
Contributor: Ramesh Soundarajan
Location: Chicago, Illinois

PROVENANCE
Collection: Roshni Shah Fellowship Project
Donor: Ramesh Soundarajan
Item History: 2022-06-17 (created); 2022-07-12 (modified)

* This digital object may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media without express written consent from the copyright holder and the South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA). The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. If you are the rightful copyright holder of this item and its use online constitutes an infringement of your copyright, please contact us by email at copyright@saada.org to discuss its removal from the archive.