Anita Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH, fellow, rheumatology, allergy & immunology
Why did you choose medicine and Yale?
Medicine has been a way for me to combine my love for science and education, while feeling like I am making a difference in people’s lives. I particularly find fulfillment in being knowledgeable about a broad range of disease processes and being able to communicate that information to my patients. I chose rheumatology as the specialty because it is highly cerebral, stretching the limits of medical knowledge, and demanding creativity in thinking about a patient’s symptoms. Additionally, the relationships between rheumatologists and their patients are often long-term ones, filled with a level of mutual respect I have seen in few other sub-specialties. Yale School of Medicine's rheumatology program is a strong academic program, with a diverse variety of patients, and multiple opportunities for research. Graduates from this program become leaders in the field, are well-trained, and able to practice anywhere once they are done.
What is a fun fact about you?
Since I was six years old, I played the violin and played in orchestras through college.
Perks of New Haven life?
New Haven has been a great city to live in for a number of reasons. First of all, both my husband and I grew up in Connecticut, so it's nice being back home. It's a mid-size, affordable city, but close enough to Boston and New York to get away to "big" cities for a weekend. The culture in the area is amazing, with interesting architecture and multiple accessible museums (Yale Art Gallery, Center for British Art, Knights of Columbus Museum), as is the food (especially pizza!). Finally, there is no lack of nearby hiking trails to stay active during the warmer months.
What is your 5-year goal? 10-year? Overall career?
I plan to stay primarily clinical, practicing in an academic setting as a clinician educator.