Rakhi Khanna, DO

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to where you are now.
From a very early age, I was interested in medicine. I had Asthma as a child and was always so inspired by the doctors who treated me as they were able to make me feel better. This interest developed further with an interest in science, and I went to medical school. There I was inspired by Nephrologists who dealt with very complex diseases and cases. I went on to do a residency in Internal medicine and then a fellowship in Nephrology. I have been practicing as a community Nephrologist and most recently joined the faculty of Rush University Medical Center.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
My mother had the biggest impact on my career. She always inspired me to follow my dreams and never give up. She taught me to believe in myself and that with hard work anything was possible.

What is your greatest accomplishment in medicine?
I am not a researcher, but I use science and the latest research to help take care of my patients.

What is one of your biggest failures in medicine and how did you overcome it?
I am not a researcher but have practiced nephrology for the last 17 years. I guess my biggest failures have been when some of my patients died despite doing all we could for them. Other examples are when my patients could not receive kidney transplants on time and their disease progressed despite all attempts at slowing down the progression of their kidney disease.

How do you balance home and work life?
I have a very understanding husband who is also in medicine and shares the responsibility. I have relied on my father as well, who is retired now, to help me with my kids. My children, who are now grown, also understood the serious nature of my work. I am grateful to all of them for always supporting me. I believe in practicing “mind in the task” so I can be present for what I am doing.

Have you ever faced prejudices about being a woman?
Yes, I believe so, but I have also been given many opportunities to do what I enjoy doing. I remember when I was in eighth grade and my science teacher told me that advanced science in high school would be difficult for me. However, I did not let it hold me back and went on to get a BS in chemistry.

What tips or advice would you give to other women that want to pursue a faculty position?
Do what you love and love what you do. Dream big and never give up.

What are some fun facts about yourself that are not on your resume?
I love to dance. I am currently pursuing education and training in Hindu Chaplaincy.