August 11, 2021
Episode 7: Dr. Vadrevu K. Raju, MD
A discussion on
“The unquenching desire to deliver eye care in underserved settings & reviving the past to contrive a better future”
Eye Foundation of America & ‘Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History: India's Legacy’
Dr. Vadrevu K Raju, MD
In this episode we talk with Dr. VK Raju, MD, a renowned ophthalmologist who has served many roles at the international level. He is a clinical professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University and is also an adjunct professor of Wilmer eye institute, JHU. He serves as the director of International Ocular Surface Society. Additionally, Dr. Raju is the founding chairman of Goutami Eye Institute in Rajahmundry, Andra Pradesh and is the President and founder of the Eye Foundation of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and curing childhood blindness. Some of the many awards he has won include being a four time awardee by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He also received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. Dr. Raju has had over 100 publications and is the author of multiple books, one of which we will be discussing in today’s episode.
Key discussion points:
-The decision to pursue ophthalmology
The journey from the United Kingdom to the United States (West Virginia)
-How The Eye Foundation of America came to be?
Following up the lead of Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy’s eye camp model in India
The role of medication companies in delivering treatment
How has India changed in receptiveness to global ophthalmology work since the time Dr. Raju began his service work?
Eyecare in Uzbekistan
“Reach them, don’t wait for them to come to you”
-Nanabhoy Palkhivala: “We the people” book
“We need American culture for standard of living & Indian culture for standard of life”
-What hardships were encountered in starting the Eye Foundation of America?
What are some hardships you continue encountering in delivering care in India?
-”Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History: India’s Legacy” book
Principles of the original Ayurveda (not to be confused with currently practiced Ayurveda)
Treating patients should not be limited to eye pathology. Rather focusing on systemic reasons for eye pathology is very important
Moderation + Balance should be important in health of patients. Described in original Ayurveda
How did the book came to be?
2nd edition of book will address advancement in cataract surgery and much more!
‘Sushruta Samhita’- A text well ahead of its time
What does the following quote mean? “A physician well versed in the principles of the science of medicine (Ayurveda) but unskillful in his art through want of practice, loses his wit at the bedside of his patient, just as a coward…in the ranks of a contending army. On the other hand a physician, experience in his art but deficient in the knowledge of the Ayurveda, is condemned by all good men as a quack, and deserves punishment at the hands of the king” -Sushruta
What can we learn from Sushruta’s teaching in modern medicine?
-Health management for our souls in different stages: naturopathy (ex: right diet, good mental health), Allopathy (without a doubt, you must consult here and not skip), Homeopathy (ex. if nothing works), Tirupati (spiritual healing)
When you can cure, then cure. When you cannot cure, then treat. When you can neither cure nor treat, then CARE
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