By Sara McCloskey and Adam Austin 

It’s much more than a career, more than saving lives. Becoming a doctor, to some, means offering hope during the most vulnerable moments of a person’s life.  This profession is considered by many outside of the field as a noble pursuit, with many years away from family and friends in the classroom and on-site learning how to care for others. 

But what does it mean to be a doctor for those walking the halls of VCU Health’s hospitals and sites across Virginia? While a simple question, our physicians’ responses offer beautiful insights into this passionate calling and the dedication it takes to care for their communities.  

“Being a doctor means embracing each patient with empathy and treating them with the dignity they deserve. It is a privilege to help people in their most vulnerable moments.” 

Raghu Rudraraju, M.D. 
Division of Hospital Medicine at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital 

“For me, at the heart of being a doctor is being a teacher. I come from a long line of teachers in my family so becoming a doctor was no break from tradition.  

As physicians, we strive to teach patients about their health, their bodies, their lives and enable them to take steps toward becoming their healthiest selves. We are also responsible for teaching future generations of physicians. 

The learning process goes both ways; a good doctor not only teaches but is also a continuous learner, a work in progress. It is true that knowledge is power and as physicians, we continually work to empower others to care for themselves and for each other.” 

Kimberly S. Salkey, M.D. 
Department of Dermatology at VCU Medical Center and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center 

"I love being a surgeon in a rural community because it allows me to make a meaningful impact on patients who might otherwise have limited access to specialized care.

The patients in this community are the best part of my job. They are hardworking, honest, and come from an endless list of different backgrounds. With so many different personal backgrounds mixed with others who have been in the area for generations, I am constantly learning new and interesting things about the people and history of this community.

And in a community like this, I’m not just treating an injury — I’m helping neighbors, friends, and families get back to doing what they love, whether that’s farming, fishing, any other line of work or simply staying active." 

Lee Gammon, M.D. 
Department of Orthopaedics, VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital 

“Being a doctor is all about fulfilling a dream that seemed so far-fetched in the beginning, especially if you come from overseas, having to study for the American exams in English and passing comprehensive tests, it feels like a long time and a lot of hours of hard work.

Being a doctor is all about satisfaction and being able to make a difference in somebody's life. 

Saving lives and putting a smile on somebody's face who has been suffering brings me a great pleasure and happiness, after all – life is about pursuit of happiness.” 

Manhal Saleeby, M.D. 
Department of Anesthesiology at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital 

“Being a pediatric urologic surgeon goes well beyond treating the anatomic abnormality. It is about treating both the child and the parents with a unique skill set that affords the ability to connect with the family while at the same time being laser focused on treating their condition. Fortunately, most children do well, and I find it very rewarding to be in a position to make such a positive impact on their life at such a very young age.” 

Tony Herndon, M.D. 
Surgeon-in-Chief and Chief of Pediatric Urology for Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU 

“Being a doctor is about helping an individual and their loved ones navigate illness. It means listening, empathizing, offering hope, and collaborating on the best treatment plan for them.” 

Matt Barrett, M.D. 
Department of Neurology at VCU Medical Center 

“After 20 years of practice, I’ve learned that being a physician is about more than just saving lives through the early detection of breast cancer — it’s about the daily connections I build with patients. Whether offering reassurance after a normal mammogram, providing hope during a difficult follow-up, or simply being present when delivering a breast cancer diagnosis, these moments define my purpose. It’s in these small yet profound interactions that I see the true human spirit and find the deepest meaning in my work.” 

Kelley Allison, M.D. 
Breast Imaging at VCU Medical Center and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center 

“At one point in my life, I considered the ministry. However, I was called to medicine. Medicine is my ministry.” 

Carl Wentzel, M.D., FACEP 
Medical Director of Emergency Department at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital 

“Being a doctor means many powerful things to me: It is much more than a career. This work and role feel core to who I am as a person and has helped me be a better human being each day.  

The privilege to help and make a difference in a patient's life through their journey of recovery resonates as the most impactful aspect. Holding hands and being entrusted to guide and treat patients during their most vulnerable times brings immense joy and fulfillment to my heart.  

As a physician, I passionately continue on the journey of lifelong learning, contribute to research and new innovations to make medicine better each day, and teach those skills to students and trainees to prepare the next generation of doctors. Being a faculty member at VCU Health has fulfilled all my dreams of being a doctor, a researcher, and a teacher in the most impactful way I had always envisioned.”  

Nehal R Shah, M.D. 
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology at VCU Medical Center and Short Pump Pavilion

Inspired by these stories? Read more about our patients and providers