NorthShore Employee Spotlight: Dr. Bala Rangaswami

Since childhood, Dr. Bala Rangaswami has been immersed in the world of medicine. Growing up around his mother, a pediatrician, Rangaswami frequently attended rounds with her at her practice. Being in close proximity to her work, Rangaswami found himself inspired to pursue a similar career helping people.

“I loved what she did. It made me respect doctors and how they help their patients,” Rangaswami said. “I’m finding out now more and more in my career that she went above and beyond. Her efforts are what inspired me to get into it.”

Rangaswami studied first at Duke University, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry in 1990. Following that, he obtained his master’s degree from the University of Louisville in 1994. From 1994-1997, he completed residency training with IU Medical Center.

Rangaswami’s medical practice has spanned across multiple environments, including his tenure as the chief medical officer of NeuroDiagnostic Institute in Indianapolis. Rangaswami served in this position for six years before looking to relocate.

Rangaswami and his wife have three children—two 30-year-old twin daughters and a son who is a junior in college. Following the relocation of their daughters to Chicago and the birth of their grandchildren, the couple began plans to move closer.

When considering moving, Rangaswami recalls his interest in NorthShore stemming from the clinic’s reputation.

“NorthShore had a very good reputation in the Chicagoland area, and that’s what got me interested in it at first,” Rangaswami said. “I thought, ‘Well, I can be close to Chicago, but I can still practice medicine in Indiana rather than Illinois.’”

Following this decision two years ago, Rangaswami began his work with NorthShore Merrillville. He serves as a family practice specialist.

Ever since he started work with NorthShore Merrillville, Rangaswami has noted connections with both staff and patients as the most compelling aspects of his job.

“A lot of our staff are from the local communities, and just seeing their interactions with patients has helped me appreciate our patients on another level,” Rangaswami said. “Our patients are a lot stronger than they know, and quite a few of them are a personal inspiration to me in how they fight back against their chronic diseases. Our staff interact wonderfully with our patients at Merrillville, and the combination creates a winning team.”

In recent years, Rangaswami’s work with patients on a personal level has inspired him to step back and examine his own health more critically.

“It all comes back down to the basics, especially for combating things such as diabetes or obesity. I’m emphasizing exercise more now than I ever have. It’s had a profound impact,” Rangaswami said. “I just do the things that I’ve been telling my patients to do for 30 years. I thought, ‘Why don’t I actually practice what I preach?’ and, lo and behold, it works.”

Every morning, Rangaswami runs five miles to start his day. He focuses on mindfulness through meditation and makes conscious efforts to avoid unhealthy foods. His work has allowed him to reach personal weight loss goals, as well as go off blood pressure and gout medications.

Outside of work, Rangaswami enjoys both playing and watching soccer. His love of soccer comes from his time playing as a Duke undergraduate. He shares this interest with his son, who grew up playing soccer and continues to play now.

Throughout his time in the medical industry, Rangaswami has held tight to his support group, including his family and his daughter’s father-in-law. The relationship between the two men goes back three decades, when Rangaswami operated as a doctor in Indianapolis. With similar medical backgrounds, the two men continue to call and bond over their careers.

To schedule an appointment with Rangaswami at NorthShore Merrillville, you can visit this page.

To learn more about NorthShore Health Centers, you can visit this website.