Dr. Vidya Sundareshan
- Infectious Disease Expert | Mentor | Global Health Advocate
A woman of quiet power and unshakable purpose, Dr. Vidya Sundareshan embodies what it means to lead with knowledge, compassion, and vision. Based in Springfield, Illinois — yet globally recognised — she has spent decades at the intersection of medicine and public health, transforming lives through both care and counsel.
As Professor and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Dr. Sundareshan calls her specialty a “head-to-toe” discipline — a reflection of the wide spectrum of conditions she treats: HIV, Hepatitis C, pneumonia, cellulitis, and joint infections, to name a few. But her work extends far beyond the clinic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as Medical Advisor to the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, where she became the steady voice that guided a community through uncertainty, fear, and crisis. She coordinated with national health bodies, policy-makers, and media while also offering calm, science-based reassurance to thousands.
“Vidya navigated us through the practical and emotional chaos of COVID-19 with grace, ingenuity, and courage,” said a fellow Woman of Influence.
Educator & Mentor at Heart
Whether at the patient bedside or in a lecture hall, Dr. Sundareshan is deeply committed to education. She mentors medical students, residents, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists — instilling not only knowledge but the values of curiosity, integrity, and service.
She leads research projects, runs specialized clinics, supports faculty development, and actively mentors students from across the country. Her mentorship extends to professional growth, cultural awareness, and leadership development — especially through her role as faculty lead for the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association.
Global Mission, Local Impact
Dr. Sundareshan’s dedication to healthcare transcends borders. She has contributed to missions in India, Ghana, and the Caribbean, empowering communities through education, training, and service. At home in Illinois, she leads STEM outreach programs for school children, sparking curiosity about science and medicine from a young age — including efforts like the Lyme Disease Task Force, which trains students to be peer educators.
She also actively raises awareness on mental health, HIV, gun violence prevention, and healthcare access for underserved populations.
Leadership & Legacy
Dr. Sundareshan is Governor of the Illinois Southern Chapter of the American College of Physicians, representing over 160,000 physicians and medical students globally. She sits on over 20 state and national committees as a trusted expert in infectious diseases — her insights shaping both clinical practice and public policy.
Her educational journey started in New Delhi, continued through Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College (Bangalore) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and led her to residencies and fellowships across the U.S., often balancing career, motherhood, and service with unwavering dedication.
"When care meets courage, healing becomes a movement."
Dr. Vidya Sundareshan is more than a physician — she is a force for empowerment, compassion, and global change. Through her work, she reminds us that medicine is not just a science, but a calling to serve humanity.
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