Dr. Sundari Periasamy, Director of the Pediatric Residency Program, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem.
Dr. Sundari Periasamy is the Associate Director of the Pediatrics Department and the Director of the Pediatrics Residency Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, an Affiliate of Columbia University. She joined PAGNY in 2010 as an Associate Program Director for the Pediatrics Residency program. In 2014, she was promoted to the Director of the Pediatrics Residency Program, where she oversees 24 pediatric residents each year.
We had the opportunity to interview Dr. Periasamy on her experiences as a woman physician and why she chose PAGNY. Here's what she said.
PAGNY: Why did you choose a career at PAGNY and NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem?
Dr. Periasamy: PAGNY is committed to being an equal opportunity employer with a philosophy of inclusion. As an organization, they strive for excellence in patient care, provide a supportive environment for employees and value their work-life balance.
PAGNY: If you had the opportunity to inspire or mentor the next generation of women physicians, what advice would you give them?
Dr. Periasamy: Defy the stereotype of women physicians, and never let anyone deter you from your dreams. We have the skill set to choose any field of medicine we desire.
PAGNY: Why is women's representation in the medical profession important?
Dr. Periasamy: This is a basic right and a sign of gender equity and the progression of society.
PAGNY: Are there any moments from your upbringing that helped shape the doctor you are today?
Dr. Periasamy: I owe my growth to my parents. They inculcated in me to give my best every day as though it was my first day at work and to remember that no one is indispensable. Their upbringing has taught me self-discipline and hard work.