Gift strengthens patient care today, trains radiology leaders for tomorrow

Practicing medicine runs deep in Vijay Ramakrishnan’s family. 

A second-generation physician and Duke University alumnus, Vijay followed in his father’s footsteps and became a radiologist. Vijay’s two brothers also became doctors, and he hopes someday one of his children will practice medicine. 

To give back to radiology and his beloved alma mater, Vijay and his wife, Praveena, have made a $3 million gift designed to benefit both patients and radiology residents. In partnership with Duke Health, they have established a $2 million innovation fund for cutting-edge radiology equipment to advance patient care, and a $1 million endowment for the Department of Radiology to support resident education and training. 

“I have such a strong connection to Duke, so it made sense for us to focus our philanthropy efforts on what I consider my home base,” said Vijay, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke in 2001. “We wanted our gift to have broad impact, and we are incredibly proud to partner with both Duke Health and Duke University.” 

In recognition of the couple’s dedication and support, the Radiology Suite on the first floor of Duke Medical Pavilion will be named for them. Their blended gift strengthens Duke Health across multiple mission areas — patient care, education, and research — by supporting both Duke University Health System and the School of Medicine.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous gift from Vijay and Praveena,” said Erik Paulson, MD, chair of the Department of Radiology. “This is visionary philanthropy in action. Not only will their gift have a direct and lasting impact on resident training, but it will also enable the department to respond swiftly to emerging clinical needs and invest in advanced imaging technologies in our hospitals and clinics, improving patient care.” 

Radiology as an origin story

Vijay’s journey to becoming a physician began when his father, a doctor trained in India, and mother arrived in the United States in 1975 with little more than a pocketful of coins. His father eventually established a radiology practice in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, the small town where Ramakrishnan was born and raised.

Years later, Vijay would follow suit, completing medical school, a residency in diagnostic radiology, and then a fellowship in interventional radiology. He and Praveena married in 2007 and moved to rural Abingdon, Virginia, about an hour from his parents.  

Vijay, who humbly refers to himself as “a country radiologist,” reads every image generated in the hospital there and performs image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat disease. 

As the only radiologist in town, Vijay sometimes needs another doctor to cover his practice, such as when he, Praveena, and their children recently visited Duke for the first time since he graduated 25 years ago.

Fortunately, Vijay has someone reliable to step in — his father.  

“Radiology is a huge part of our family and a big part of our lives,” Vijay said. “I’d say it is our origin story. It’s where we started, and I’m blessed to have continued it.” 

Through the new endowment for the Department of Radiology, Vijay ensures that future radiologists will continue to receive state-of-the-art education and training at Duke. The gift will expand experiences for residents through simulation, informatics, AI, and augmented/virtual reality, as well as provide more opportunities to participate in global health initiatives and other vital projects and events.

“This gift will keep Duke at the forefront of innovative radiology education,” said Jonathan Martin, MD, director of the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program. “The endowment will allow us to continue delivering a premier training experience while creating new opportunities for residents to engage deeply in clinical study and research that have the potential to change the way radiology is practiced.” 

Paying it forward

For the Ramakrishnans, their philanthropic partnership with Duke goes beyond advancing patient care and preparing the next generation of radiologists. With their gift, the couple have a deep desire to show their children — Arjun, Arya, and Shivam — that practicing medicine means serving the community.

“We are honoring the people who raised us, who taught us that giving back is important, and reinforcing that with our own children,” Vijay said. “It’s not about just going out there and getting a paycheck. It’s how you pay it forward.”  

Fifteen years ago, when the couple arrived in rural Virginia at dusk to begin their new life, Praveena was startled by an unusual noise. After growing up in Dubai, she had never heard the distinctive sound of crickets chirping.

Today, Praveena is well accustomed to small town life and sounds, although she still does not like bugs. She is thrilled to help launch a new era of philanthropy for their family, particularly to benefit a place that means so much to her husband.

“Duke is very special to him, so it’s very special to me, too. It was wonderful to go for the first time and to get to experience it with the entire family,” she said. “We were incredibly impressed, and we know our gift will be put to very good use.”

About Duke Health

One of the world’s leading academic medical centers, Duke Health strives to transform medicine and health locally and globally. We do so by elevating standards of care; conducting breakthrough research and discovery; teaching and training the next generation of providers; and strengthening global and community health. Every donor joins Duke Health to advance health together. Learn more about why Duke Health is MADE FOR THIS.