Indian American Duke Alumnus and Wife Give $3M to Transform Radiology and Patient Care

Duke University alumnus Dr. Vijay Ramakrishnan and his wife Praveena Ramakrishnan, an Indian origin couple, have made a generous $3 million gift to Duke University and Duke Health to strengthen patient care and advance radiology training.

Of the total gift, $2 million will go toward an innovation fund for radiology equipment, while the remaining $1 million will endow a resident education fund within the Department of Radiology at the School of Medicine. In recognition of the donation, the Radiology Suite on the first floor of Duke Medical Pavilion will be named after the couple.

Dr. Ramakrishnan, a second generation physician who earned his bachelor's degree from Duke in 2001, currently practices as a radiologist in Abingdon, Virginia. The endowment will expand resident training in simulation, informatics, artificial intelligence, and augmented and virtual reality, while also supporting global health initiatives.

"This is visionary philanthropy in action," said Dr. Erik Paulson, chair of the Department of Radiology, adding that the gift will enable the department to invest in advanced imaging technologies and respond swiftly to emerging clinical needs.

The couple said the donation reflects their deep desire to instill values of service and giving back in their own children.

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