Dr. Vijay Chandiramani named Hospitalist of the Year

Vijay Chandiramani, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, received the Hospitalist of the Year award from the American College of Physicians Arizona Chapter.

At right: Hospitalist of the Year award presentation to Vijay Chandiramani, MD, at ACP Arizona Chapter event in October 2023 in Phoenix (from left): Eileen Barrett, MD, chair of the ACP Board of Regents; Dr. Chandiramani; Allan Markus, MD, governor of the ACP Arizona Chapter; and Umesh Sharma, MD, ACP-AZ Education Committee Chair.

The award honors a hospitalist – a physician who cares for inpatients – “for significant contributions in the field of hospital medicine in the areas of critical care, patient safety, quality improvement and leadership,” according to the ACP website.

“I am humbled by this honor and consider myself very fortunate that my work has been appreciated and people took the time out of their busy lives to nominate me,” said Dr. Chandiramani, who is also an associate chief in the Division of Inpatient Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson and Banner – University Medicine Tucson.

He joined the Arizona chapter of the American College of Physicians in 2005. Over the years, he has volunteered at its annual meeting and judged poster presentations. Dr. Chandiramani spends most of his time in a clinical setting and teaching residents in the hospital. He said receiving the honor would not be possible if it were not for the team of people he works with daily.

“In an age when most providers use texts or documentation to communicate, Dr. Chandiramani can often be seen stopping by the emergency department doc box (doctors’ station) to discuss care face to face,” said Matthew Berkman, MD, a clinical professor of emergency medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson and the Emergency Department medical director at Banner – University Medical Center South.

“This conversation allows for a more complete understanding of the specific needs of the patient and the best clinical path forward. Time after time, I have found Dr. Chandiramani’s approach to communication and handoff between our departments results in better care.”

Dr. Chandiramani said he is grateful to Shannon Marshall Harrison, MD, former assistant clinical professor of medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson, who recently passed away, and Carlos M. Perez-Velez, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson, for inspiring him throughout his career.

At left: Considered the father of the hospitalist field – the fastest growing specialty in the history of modern medicine, UCSF’s Robert Wachter, MD (2nd from left), in January 2024 before his Medicine Grand Rounds lecture in Tucson, with Division of Inpatient Medicine hospitalists (from left): Vijay Chandiramani, MD (associate division chief); Tejo Vemulapalli, MD (division chief); Rajesh Kotagiri, MD; and Ahmad Iftikhar, MBBS.

“Both doctors have dedicated their lives to service of patients,” Dr. Chandiramani said, “and have role-modeled exemplary work ethic, professionalism and care provided to their patients.”

He said his parents, extended family, his wife Arundhuti and daughter Anukriti inspired and motivated him to make a difference in the world.

“I would like to give a shout-out to all ancillary staff, volunteers, transporters, therapists, techs, nurses, pharmacists, case managers, house supervisors, emergency department and specialty physicians, residents and medical students who show up to work every day with the hope of creating a better world,” he said. “The positive energy they bring to the workplace inspires and motivates me to do better and be kinder, more empathetic, more patient and more mindful. They serve as role models for me.”

The award was presented to Dr. Chandiramani at the ACP-AZ Chapter awards ceremony Oct. 30, 2023, and included in the College of Medicine – Tucson MedCat Connect newsletter’s Dec. 17, 2023, edition.  

ALSO SEE:
“Department of Medicine Does Well Again at College Faculty Awards” | Posted March 9, 2023
“South Campus Residents Join at the Omni Resort for Grad Night Festivities” | Posted June 19, 2017
“Host of New Department of Medicine Hires Named, More to Come” | Posted June 9, 2016

Media contact:
Nita Ramsundar
Manager, Campus Communications and Publications,
UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications
nchoonsingh@arizona.edu

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