Member Spotlight | Raghuveer Vedala, MD

Member Status: (Active, Resident, Student) 

Active

Where are you currently working or attending school?    

Faculty (Assistant Professor) at OU Family Medicine Residency – OKC

How long have you been within the OAFP community?  

I was involved with OAFP since Medical School. I served as FMIG Vice President my 4th year of Medical School. After graduation, I pursued my residency at Wesley Family Medicine in Wichita, KS and was involved with KAFP as well. Now back home to serve the community that helped raise me.

Why did you choose family medicine? What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career or education?  

I chose family medicine for the relationships you are able to build with your patients, and the variety in care that you are able to see. Fulfilling moments for me was receiving a thank you note and a gift from one of my patients on my last day of residency. I kept that note and gift with me, and put it in my home office to remind me of why I do what I do.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your practice or education?

Time Management: It becomes an issue in all aspects of my job. Whether it’s in clinic, hospital, newborn/OB service, and even work-life balance. I’m still working on it.

What is your work life balance like & how do you achieve it?  

I try to always make time for my family, and also myself. It’s important to set these boundaries to avoid burnout and to ensure you’re there for your family and friends as well. For example, Fridays when I’m not on call is dedicated time for my wife and I – it’s date night! Even during my call weeks, when I come, I try to be in the moment. Even an hour with my wife, my puppy and parents where they have my undivided attention, makes them happy and does wonders for stress levels.

Who is your biggest role model?

There are many, but biggest are definitely my parents. I would not be here without their love, support, generosity, and hard work. If I could be 50% of what they are as parents, I would consider myself a success.

What is your favorite quote?  

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” – J.R.R. Tolkien

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Foodie / Travel with my wife, play with our puppy, spend time with my family, hang out with my friends, watch Netflix / Movies, Ballroom Dancing (not much now due to COVID, but my wife and I try at home), Karaoke (again at home), and playing Board Games / Video Games

Any advice for residents and students finishing their training or education?

You’re not going to know everything, but that’s ok. Best part about not knowing something, is that you get to learn something new. Medicine is a forever-growing field. So we should never stop learning.  But it’s also important to realize that you’ve earned your space. Internalize your accomplishments too. There’s always room for improvement, but positive self-talk is just as important.