From “A Diploma and a Dream” - A Grateful Cardiologist Funds Future Doctors

For Pranaychandra Vaidya, M.D., his journey in the United States started more than a half century ago when he emigrated from India with “a medical diploma and a dream,” planning to become a cardiologist before returning home.

Dr. Vaidya did become a cardiologist – a prominent one – but instead of returning home, he stayed at Hackensack University Medical Center, the hospital where he began his residency in 1974, and where he became instrumental in growing the award-winning heart health programs there.

Dr. Vaidya’s 52-Year Journey of Care

Today, Dr. Vaidya wears many hats; at Hackensack, he serves as chief of the Cardiology Division, chief of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and director of the Interventional Fellowship program. Meanwhile at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Dr. Vaidya works as an assistant professor of Cardiology.

“I never looked back,” said Dr. Vaidya of his decision to stay and build his career and his family in Bergen County. “My entire life revolved around Hackensack; I don’t have any words to describe my gratitude."

Dr. Vaidya was a key figure in developing the Coronary Intervention Program at Hackensack, a program that has brought advanced techniques and technologies to Hackensack Meridian Health. He credits his mentor and partner, Virender Sethi, M.D., for helping to grow his career, and added "I also have had the privilege of training and then working side by side with Dr. Sarah Timmapuri, who helped shape me into the person I am today."

Dr. Vaidya’s Purpose and Future at Hackensack

There were offers to go elsewhere, of course, but Dr. Vaidya said he never had a desire to leave his important and challenging work at Hackensack. Instead, he was a major catalyst in the phenomenal growth of the medical center - and later, the Hackensack Meridian Health network, where he now sits on the Board of Trustees. “I’m so happy to see the growth here,” he said. “I contributed in my way. I love cardiology and I love taking care of patients.”

He loves it so much that Dr. Vaidya recently donated a substantial sum to the Interventional Cardiology Fund, which supports fellowships and research at Hackensack University Medical Center. Fellows are trained in advanced procedures including complex coronary, structural heart and peripheral interventions. Fellowship funding can be limited, and Dr. Vaidya believes, with his family’s support, that the gift will be impactful.

Dr. Vaidya also loves to mentor new doctors, and he believes that funding the fellowships will help shape new generations of cardiologists to serve our communities. He has trained many fellows over the years who have lauded his commitment and impact.

Neel Shah, D.O., is among those fellows, and said Dr. Vaidya puts his patients “before all else,” setting a high standard in the cardiology lab.

“Dr. Vaidya is an excellent mentor both in the lab and outside,” said Dr. Shah. “His generosity is no surprise to anyone who knows him well. Dr. Vaidya's gift will make a tremendous difference in the lives of people who want to make an impact in cardiology."

A Cardiologist’s Huge Heart and Deep Dedication

Dr. Shah said Dr. Vaidya leads by example.

“Whether during the day or night, if I have any questions or concerns, he is always available for help. Despite doing this for decades, his enthusiasm has not wavered one bit and it can be clearly seen, even when coming in for call at 2 a.m. He truly makes the program very fulfilling and educational, and his dedication and contribution to it cannot be praised enough. I am, and will forever be, grateful that I got to train under his mentorship.”

Dr. Vaidya acknowledged the love from his family throughout his career, saying that their unwavering support is the bedrock upon which his life has been built.

Dr. Vaidya said he is grateful that through this donation, he can show his appreciation to an institution that shaped him and has meant so much to his family members, many of whom have deep connections to Hackensack. His wife and brother both trained at the hospital, his daughter and son-in-law are currently physicians there and his brother and niece also work there.

“The hospital gave me purpose and the foundation to build a career,” he said. “I’m not a businessman or a wealthy man, I am simply a physician who has been lucky. This gift is about loyalty and gratitude. I hope my gesture sets an example of appreciation and hope.”

To learn more about how you can help support the incredible work done by cardiologists at Hackensack University Medical Center, visit GiveHMH.org/HUMC