We, at MilkshakeFromMars, aim to share the stories of women in science to celebrate their work and highlight their achievements despite discriminatory academic and work environments. And what better way to do this than hear the stories directly from these women themselves! So, today we have for you a cardiologist who had to overcome a lot more than most people can imagine.

Ramavathi Nandyala is a Texas Cardiologist who is also a person of color, foreign medical graduate, and happens to be the only woman in a group of 50 men! Her story is educational and truly inspirational, you’ll see. So, let’s get right into the interview with our personal favorite #healthcarehero. (Full disclosure: we’re biased and for good reason. Read the interview to find out!) 

Can you tell us about your background?

I came from a family, where nobody had finished any degree let alone in the medical field. Growing up and seeing how much it impacted my family when they were treated by physicians and how physicians were able to help patients feel better really made me interested in healthcare. I grew up in a culture and family where once you hit the ages of 17/18 you’re made to consider getting married and starting a family, but luckily I had supportive parents who supported me to pursue higher education despite others’ opinions. I went on to take and score exceptionally well on my EAMCET and was able to attend Osmania Medical School in India.

Female Cardiologist Ramavathi Nandyala
Women in Medicine: Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

I was interested in pursuing my career in the U.S. because I wanted to be around the new technologies and care methods. When I arrived at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York to study internal medicine, there was a definite culture shock, but I was able to cope with an extensive support system. While doing rotations I picked up a greater appreciation for the cardiology field. This is when I decided to become a cardiologist. I liked how it was hands on and there was a lot of patient interaction. So, I went on to pursue my Cardiology fellowship in Texas. I would say my journey was definitely tough as a foreign medical graduate and I had a lot of guidance along the way. However, I believe when you set your mind to something and you truly enjoy it then you will find your way! 

Is there a certain person that inspires you? Why?

There are many! Most aren’t famous people, rather individuals, mentors, professors I personally knew at every step along my journey that made me feel like I could do it. Mother Teresa was selfless and had such a personal humanistic touch that I definitely drew inspiration from early on in my career. I believe we should all have that touch. I don’t think we can go through this journey alone, so I believe in finding people who really want you to succeed and using their advice stories as inspiration.

Can you tell us about some of your accomplishments and the traits you believed helped you achieve them?

My earliest achievements were my scores, scoring in the top 10 percentile for my EAMCET exam and the American Board of Internal Medicine exam. Today, I am the only female in the largest Cardiologist group in my city. It’s fun when they call me the Steel Woman or Super Woman. But, I would say, my biggest accomplishment is being able to inspire young women going down this path!

I believe the traits that allowed me to get here are perseverance, motivation, confidence, hard work, and being respectful. Be tough but be kind. 

You are incredibly successful both in your professional and personal life. How are you able to balance them and how do you respond to people doubting women being successful professionals and mothers? 

I have to say, I have a very supportive family! My husband and kids are very understanding that I have a demanding job. You always have that guilt of not spending enough time with family, but I think at the end of the day you just need to try your best. I think balance comes from assessing the current situation at the time. Certain things will take priority at that point in time. For instance, if I have a procedure and a family commitment at the same time. If the procedure is urgent, it will need to take precedence.

It will never be perfect but there’s no reason to think that you can’t be a good mom if you choose to pursue your dreams. It’s a juggling act that you will learn to adjust to by using your time effectively. I don’t think anyone should be judged for wanting to pursue their dreams or wanting to raise their kids. It should be up to the person and what makes them happy!

Have you faced any discrimination professionally? How do you deal with it? 

I am lucky that I haven’t had too many experiences with discrimination. That being said there were definitely times in which being female and a foreigner meant unpleasant situations. There was one time when a patient that didn’t want to be treated by me because I’m an Indian woman. My group decided they wouldn’t replace me. Having a support system like that has helped me tremendously in such situations. 95% of the time people appreciate you and respect you. But the other 5% anywhere you go will have this biased view against you. You can’t change them, so what matters is how you handle the situation. Staying strong and level-headed yourself through these situations is very important.

Cardiologist, Dr. Nandyala
Electronic Fetal Monitor: Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

How do you ensure your voice and opinions are heard in a male-dominated field? 

I think expressing your opinions is very important. I believe being confident in myself, knowing how to correctly respond in a calm way, and also making sure to bring up something I feel isn’t right immediately have all helped make sure I’m heard.

As a cardiologist what is the most rewarding part of your job? 

I can go on for days about this! It is a rapidly growing field with so much to learn and so many new changes. As a cardiologist, the happiness and gratification you gain from helping patients in serious situations be able to go back to leading their normal life within days is incomparable. A couple weeks ago I had a patient in her 40’s who had cardiac arrest who we spent an hour trying to resuscitate. She recovered without neurological deficits. She walked into the clinic recently and it made my day! Her husband had tears in his eyes explaining how much of a difference I had made in their lives and it made me feel so appreciative to be a cardiologist and do what I do.

How has COVID-19 affected the health care realm in your experience?

COVID-19 has definitely changed everyone’s perspective on life regardless of what field they’re in. I have definitely been busier than normal. Since I am taking care of the COVID-19 patients, I spend most of my day in PPE gear. When I get home I take many precautions to make sure I am able to keep my family safe. I have lost some colleagues, as well as patients that I have taken care of for many years which was devastating. I send my condolences to everybody who has a loved one suffering right now. It is a learning process and something none of us were prepared for so we all try our best every day. Luckily there is a vaccine now, but this pandemic will definitely have its long term impacts. It will be something none of us will be able to forget.

Wear a Mask
Wear a Mask: Photo by Leohoho on Unsplash

Masks are so important, and I cannot stress enough how essential social distancing and avoiding unnecessary exposure is! 

(Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines here and the scientists behind it here: 1;2.) 

Do you have any advice for young women aspiring to be doctors or a cardiologist? 

When I go to an ACC (American College of Cardiology) meeting (where we discuss current news/updates and guidelines in the field of Cardiology) there are now lines outside of the women’s restroom, which is amazing! I would like to say never believe you can’t get into a field because you are a female. It is an amazing field that if you are interested in you should go for it! You should begin looking into getting involved in volunteer work. Maybe even research at a basic level of what the medical field is. Find ways in which you can increase your knowledge in the field and help your community at the same time. 

More generally, do you have any advice for the next generation of women in STEM? 

I am sure the next generation of women in STEM are going to make this world a better place to live in. I am excited for it! Remember that every experience you go through is just preparing you for the future. It is allowing you to recognize what you are capable of. You can prove to yourself that you have got through challenges already so you are more than ready to take on your next hurdle. I would say never give up, have self respect, courage, and confidence in yourself. 

“Women in Science, we exist.”

Moral of Dr. Nandyala’s story: Keep going. You will get there! Also, wear your masks and GET THE VACCINE. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! We thank you for your work saving lives that has continued though this pandemic. We are so honored to be able to feature you on our blog!

Special Mention to our writer and Dr. Nandyala’s daughter, Esha, who interviewed her for this post!