Rajaganesh “Raj” Rajagopalan, MD, credits his mother as his inspiration to pursue a medical degree. As a young man, he witnessed her make a difference in their community with compassion and expertise, especially to those who were the most underserved.
Today, Dr. Raj serves patients within the scope of pulmonology and critical care at Avera Medical Group Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine in Sioux Falls, SD.
“I’m dedicated to helping patients in their most vulnerable moments,” he said. “A significant part of my practice is listening to my patients, addressing their symptoms and subjective feelings about their symptoms, which helps me help them.”
Expert Care in Pulmonology and Critical Care
As a pulmonologist and critical care doctor, Dr. Raj treats conditions of the lungs and critically ill patients in the ICU. Some of these conditions include:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Lung nodules
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- COPD
Doing his best, and applying the highest level of his expertise, at every encounter is Dr. Raj’s goal. He receives a deep sense of job satisfaction and feels rewarded when his patients return with a better ability to breathe and live their lives.
“I can relate to my patients with sleep apnea because I use a CPAP myself,” said Dr. Raj. “You’re talking to a patient.”
Active Lifestyle
After incorporating a CPAP at night, Dr. Raj has new-found energy for his life. He enjoys exercising, reading (particularly nonfiction), and spending time with his wife and family.
