Page 62 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 6 Junel - July 2018

PEOPLE
D r. Ramasami Nandakumar, also known as

Dr. Kumar, is one of Singapore’s leading
D cardiologists. As a Senior Interventional
Cardiologist at Cardiac Centre International, The Mt.
Cardiologist
Elizabeth Hospitals (Orchard & Novena)
Elizabeth Hospitals (Orchard & Novena) and Mount
Alvernia Hospital
Alvernia Hospital, Dr. Kumar has gathered a wealth
of knowledge through his profound experiences in
of knowledge through his profound experiences in
both medical school and practice. Masala meets this
both medical school and practice.
celebrated specialist to discuss why South Asians are
celebrated specialist to discuss why South Asians are
at a high risk for heart diseases, as well as the steps
at a high risk for heart diseases, as well as the steps
that can be taken to protect their health.
that can be taken to protect their health.
Did you always have an interest in medicine
Did you always have an interest in medicine
and health?
and health?
At school, I had an interest in the ecosystem which
At school, I had an interest in the ecosystem which
only grew as time went on. This interest, coupled with
only grew as time went on. This interest, coupled with
a fascination for sociology, led me down the path of
a fascination for sociology, led me down the path of
medicine when I began university.
medicine when I began university.
What led you down the career path of becoming
What led you down the career path of becoming
a cardiologist?
a cardiologist?
I remember a time when my friend’s father passed
I remember a time when my friend’s father passed
away suddenly. He was only in his 40s, so this was
away suddenly. He was only in his 40s, so this was
the fi rst time I was exposed to how devastating a
the fi rst time I was exposed to how devastating a
heart attack could truly be. Following his death,
heart attack could truly be. Following his death,
I learnt that the attack could’ve been easily
I learnt that the attack could’ve been easily
prevented and treated, and it was this realisation
prevented and treated, and it was this realisation
that prompted me to pursue a career in cardiology.
that prompted me to pursue a career in cardiology.
A Heart to

HEART Dr. Kumar with a team of talented medical professionals

So what training did you undergo to become
a cardiologist?
After I completed my undergraduate studies in 1995 in
Celebrated cardiologist Dr. Ramasami Coimbatore, India, I left for the United Kingdom where I
Nandakumar shares advice on how to trained at a number of hospitals across the country. Upon
completing specialist training in interventional cardiology in
maintain a healthy heart. London, I took up a consultant post in the National Health
B YA SHIMASETHI Service (NHS) based in Lincolnshire. I then returned to Asia
in 2011 to work in Chennai, India, after which I moved to
Singapore in 2013.

What are some notable accomplishments you’ve achieved
in your fi eld?
When I moved to Singapore, I helped set up a new cardiac
catheter laboratory with my colleagues. As the Associate
Program Director, I am involved in the training of junior

62 Masala Magazine
JUNE - JULY 2018