For Dr. Lawrence Rajan, compassion for others and a desire to pursue a meaningful life was engrained in him from a young age.
“Medicine gives me a lot of joy and a personal sense of reward and satisfaction," Dr. Rajan said. “Communicating with patients is a great privilege."
Dr. Rajan has always had an instinct for cardiology and knew in medical school this was the specialty he would choose.
He received his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. He completed an internship at Richmond Hospital and an internal medicine residency in Dublin. He is fellowship-trained in interventional cardiology and peripheral vascular cardiology. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology.
He sees patients for treatments including blockages to vessels, heart attack, chest pain, rhythm abnormalities and hypertension.
“This specialty is rewarding in many ways. It's a rapidly-evolving specialty and you see noticeable improvements," he said.
When meeting with patients, he wants to have as much information at hand as possible and truly listen to what they have to say.
“We can't assume we know what's best for them," he said. “We share our expertise with them, but we listen and work toward shared decision-making so we can be on the same page at the end of the day."
The most important thing to Dr. Rajan is spending time with his patients.
“Every patient is an individual," he said. “There is not one standard of care. I am very interested in their opinion in their treatment options and care plan."
Outside of work, Dr. Rajan enjoys reading, listening to music and exercising. He has three sons and loves living in Eau Claire. He's worked in many different countries, including Ireland and Malaysia, but appreciates the Midwest culture.
“The people and the culture here are extraordinary," he said. “It's one of the best places I have ever lived."