Education Residency People

Q&A with senior resident Rajan Dang

Rajan Dang, MD, and wife Valerie Dang, MD, enjoy biking in the wine country.

What attracted you to medicine and specifically to Washington University ENT?

I went into medicine because I wanted to make a significant and positive impact in peoples’ lives while being pushed intellectually and technically. I felt ENT was a great fit for those goals, plus the surgeries are pretty cool! I specifically chose WashU because the surgical volume and education are just staggering, with the added benefit of a close-knit and really fun community. 

What aspect of medicine do you enjoy most?

Rajan takes a ride with wife Valerie and rad dog Milo.

I love when a patient expresses that they feel better. Whether that’s immediately post-operative, when they’re happy a tumor has been removed, or in the clinic for follow up when their hearing or breathing is improved. It’s a really powerful experience. 

What one thing most surprised you about St. Louis?

The food! As my ever-expanding waistline will attest, I love to explore new restaurants with my wife Valerie. There are tons of amazing things to eat here in St. Louis, and the community offers a considerable diversity of options. 

Do you have any special skills, hobbies or activities? What do you like to do in your spare time?

Rajan Dang, MD, and Milo share a table with co-residents, Sam Sindhar, MD, and Miranda Lindberg, MD.

I sort of hop from one hobby to another, and pretty regularly. I used to box a lot in medical school, but have since moved on to golfing. I also play the guitar and read quite a lot. Mostly, I spend a lot of time relaxing or taking walks with my wife and our rad dog Milo. 

What are you more likely to get caught doing during your down time…gaming or changing diapers?

We don’t have any kids yet, though I have changed a lot of diapers in my time as the oldest of four kids! As with many Millennials, our dog is a surrogate child for the time-being, and we are quite obnoxious about it. I do indulge in gaming on the regular, but who doesn’t these days?