PHYSICIAN PROFILE
A Fellow with Heart
Q & A with cardiology fellow Sivakumar Sudhakaran , MD
rowing up in Corpus Christi , Texas , Sivakumar Sudhakaran ,
MD , knew he wanted to be a doctor — combining his love of math and science with his passion to help others . Now in his third year of a cardiovascular disease fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center , he is training with an experienced team of physicians . He shared , “ What I ’ m learning at
Sivakumar Sudhakaran , MD
Baylor Scott & White from my attendings is informing and shaping the type of doctor I want to be , in addition to teaching me how to care for the medical and procedural needs of my patients in the future . I firmly believe people go into medicine to help and serve
those in front of them , and that is clear in the actions I see displayed by physicians across the hospital every day .”
What makes Baylor Scott & White a unique place to learn ?
The environment here is a great combination of clinical practice and academic medicine . Many places lean to one side , but one of the core principles taught here is the importance of having an academic mindset to know how to best treat the person in front of you . The best , most well-rounded physicians are constantly learning to inform best practices and are able to analyze new information to see how we can better serve patients . The program at Baylor Scott & White is very unique in that it hits a great middle mark between clinical and academic medicine , and trains physicians to be lifelong learners for their patients .
How has your training impacted how you hope to care for patients in the future ?
The best thing I can say is that the patient always comes first . No matter what , act in the best interest of the patient .
What would you say to donors , like the Radkes , who supported our cardiology fellows ?
A sincere and heartfelt thank you , because in my mind , supporting education and training is the most important thing we can do to deliver advanced quality patient care . Top institutions all have smart people and good resources , and supporting education like this fellowship really elevates and differentiates Baylor Scott & White from others and prepares us to best care for generations in the future .
Letter from the Chair
I ’ ve been on the Baylor University Medical Center campus countless times over the years — routine doctor ’ s appointments , complex medical treatments , the birth of new family members and visiting loved ones who are ill . I ’ m always struck by the realization that there is a combination of people in the building — some experiencing the best , most joyful moments in life , and others experiencing one of the worst days in their life .
When I think about the care Baylor Scott & White provides patients and families through all these experiences , I recognize how privileged we are to live in these times and have access to such quality , experienced , innovative and compassionate healthcare . While the industry is complicated , Baylor Scott & White is committed to consistently delivering exceptional care and outcomes for patients at every intersection of their care needs — from basic checkups to the most complex of diagnoses . The big picture suggests we are all very fortunate .
Another thing I have noticed during my walks through the BUMC campus is the number of names that grace the sides of buildings , line hallways and cover plaques throughout the hospital . It ’ s humbling to think that countless patients served here have been so grateful for their care they have generously given back to change the odds for patients who come after them . Through philanthropy , these grateful patients are paying it forward and creating a legacy that will have a meaningful impact on others .
This is a large part of our Foundation work , and the impact of this combined generosity is immeasurable .
For Kym and Jack Radke , their generosity in memory of their daughter will enhance cardiovascular care for communities across North Texas . For Bill and Sharron Dawson , their gratitude and support ensure older adults have access to the care they need to stay well . For Marc Paskin , his passion and investment in research have the opportunity to improve outcomes for patients following a stroke . As you reflect on your own experiences and gratitude , I want to remind you that we stand ready now to help you lean in and leave a lasting impact in an area that is meaningful to you .
Norm Bagwell Chair , Board of Directors Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation
To learn more about any Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation initiative or to opt out of these communications , contact the Foundation at 214.820.3136 or email
DallasFoundation @ BSWHealth . org . Write to us at 301 North Washington Avenue , Dallas , TX 75246 .
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