Dr. Manu Rajachandran, or Dr. Raj, as he is referred to, recently joined Memorial Hospital as the chief of Memorial’s Cardiovascular program.  “This is an exciting opportunity to build a comprehensive cardiovascular disease service line.  It is clear that Memorial Hospital can be a valuable resource for cardiovascular services in the community, and I look forward to leading the effort to provide state-of-the-art services to our patients,” said Dr. Raj. 

In addition to invasive and non-invasive cardiac procedures, Dr. Raj has expertise in vascular medicine and he is anxious to promote vascular disease awareness in the community.  He has performed endovascular procedures on patients who fear they may lose their leg, and Dr. Raj has been able to save their limb by opening an artery.  “It is an absolute joy to know what I have done has changed someone’s life,” said Dr. Raj. 

Before coming to Memorial, Dr. Raj was the chairman of the Department of Endovascular Medicine and the Director of the Comprehensive Vascular Program at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in New Jersey. 

When asked why he likes being a cardiologist, Dr. Raj said he enjoys the “instant gratification.”  “When I see a patient who presents with chest pain and severe arterial blockages and I open that vessel by placing a stent, there is an immediate positive effect.  I know that I have instantaneously made a difference,” he added.

Dr. Raj said he is looking forward to working with other physicians in the Memorial Hospital family to help patients with risk factor management.  He wants to help patients deal with their risk factors through medication and modification.  “I am concerned not only with how many more years I can give a patient, but what the quality of that patient’s life will be.”

For questions or more information on the new Heart and Vascular Center at Memorial Hospital, call 849-5588.