"First and foremost, I will always remember my friends and the bonds that we made over the years. The teachers, a few of whom are still there, were truly gifted and created an amazing environment for academic growth." 

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Ramesh is a dual-trained cerebrovascular neurosurgeon who treats vascular pathologies through both endovascular techniques and traditional, open microsurgical approaches. In addition, he has a significant interest in treating patients with stroke. After graduating from RCDS in 1997, Ramesh received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and a master’s degree in physiology at Georgetown University. Ramesh attended medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University and did his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he completed an enfolded fellowship in interventional neuroradiology. He then completed a fellowship in cerebrovascular neurosurgery at the Baptist Neurological Institute in Jacksonville, Florida.

Is there something that you will always remember from your high school experience at RCDS?
There are obviously a lot of memories that come to mind when thinking about RCDS. I had an incredible time both in and out of the classroom. First and foremost, I will always remember my friends and the bonds that we made over the years. The teachers, a few of whom are still there, were truly gifted and created an amazing environment for academic growth. 

Do you have a favorite teacher or class from your time at RCDS?
Richard Hart who taught us seventh grade social studies. Certainly my all-time favorite teacher. 

Are you still close to the friends you made while at RCDS?
Definitely. I have kept in touch with a few of my old friends, and though I haven’t lived in the northeast in 20+ years, it’s always nice to catch up with them when I’m back in NY visiting family.

How did your time at RCDS shape or influence your college experience and your career in medicine?
The rigors of the academic environment at RCDS were truly unparalleled. I felt like we were challenged to work hard, think abstractly, and collaborate with our classmates. A lot of these same characteristics are crucial in the field of medicine. As such, I’m very thankful that these important qualities for success were developed and nurtured while I was at RCDS. 

What advice do you have for RCDS young alumni who are interested in the medical field?
Some of my favorite people that I’ve come across in the medical field have an incredible life story—some have started out as teachers, investment bankers, or ER technicians, for example. There is no “proper” path or prototypical background that people who are successful in medicine have, whether as a nurse, a physician’s assistant, or a physician. Maintaining a passion for being inquisitive, helping others, and staying dedicated will get you far.