1) Director, Medwin Family Medicine and Rehabilitation
2) Director, Active Life Rehabilitation Center
Brownsville, TX, USA
http://www.wserve.us.com/physicaltherapy
Industry: Health Care
Field: Rehabilitative Medicine

In the 12 years Dr. Surya P. Raguthu has been in the health care field, he has developed programs to administer physical, occupational and speech therapy in acute, subacute and outpatient facilities. The director of two rehabilitation centers, Medwin Family Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Active Life Rehabilitation Center, he relies on the support he receives from his wife Dr. Manjula Raguthu, whom he practices alongside. It was only natural that Dr. Raguthu, whose lineage contains a number of doctors, would “keep it in the family” and pursue a medical degree.

During his career, he has expertly treated patients with chronic and acute injuries, and has provided care for those in need of musculoskeletal and cardiac rehabilitation, electro-diagnostics, and pain management. As director of Active Life Rehabilitation Center, which offers orthopedic, medical, functional and exercise-based rehabilitation, Dr. Raguthu helps his patients in restoring optimal function to the muscles, bones, tissues and nervous system, with his greatest thrill being the faculty to train someone to walk again. In the course of practicing cardiac, pediatric and sports medicine, coma recovery, and general and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, Dr. Raguthu has been blessed through his affiliations with St. Vincent’s, Beth Israel and Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, which have given him the opportunity to work with pioneers in the profession.

Dr. Raguthu is a board-certified physiatrist and has received training from the New York Methodist Hospital, the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical College. He maintains several professional affiliations, including the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners and the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians. He is also a former member of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and a former board member of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2005, 2007 and 2008, he was a recipient of the Top 100 Physician Award. To complement his good nature and desire to help others, he provides free services to people who cannot afford certain medical services. Looking toward the future, Dr. Raguthu hopes to expand his practice to three or more locations.

Conversation with Surya P. Raguthu, MD

Worldwide Publishing: On what topic(s) do you consider yourself to be an expert?

Surya P. Raguthu: Physical medicine and rehabilitation.

What characteristics help to separate you from your competitors?

I am dedicated to my patients.

What motivates you?

The enjoyment I receive from my work and having the ability to change lives.

What short-term and long-term career goals are you currently pursuing?

To open more offices and have the ability to work with other patients.

What is the most difficult obstacle or challenge you have faced in pursuit of your goals?

The changes in health care. They are transitioning from fee-for-service to managed care and utilization.

What is the most significant issue facing your profession today?

The health care reform and the effects it produces.

Did you ever consider pursuing a different career path or another profession? If yes, how did you end up working in your current field?

My family is in the recycling business and I thought of pursuing that.  However, medicine is my passion.

What is your favorite or least favorite work-related task to do and why?

My favorite is [working with] the electromyograms and my least favorite is the administrative work.

What advice can you offer fellow members or others aspiring to work in your industry?

You will need long-term dedication and commitment.

Do you do any public speaking?

Yes, I educate others about strokes.