For Dr. Vikas Dharnidharka, the chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, playing pickleball and pingpong aligns with his role as a pediatrician. “I think it’s part of a pediatrician’s DNA to be empathetic, caring and humorous,” said Dharnidharka, who is also a board-certified pediatric nephrologist and transplant specialist. He emphasized the importance of empathy and teamwork in both his medical practice and recreational racquet sports.
Dharnidharka’s passion for racquet sports began during his childhood in India, where he played badminton and pingpong. His interest continued through middle age when he picked up tennis while living in Florida. About ten years ago, he joined a pingpong league in St. Louis, which eventually led him to discover pickleball.
“I find all racquet sports fun,” Dharnidharka stated. He highlighted that these activities involve physical exercise along with skill and strategy. For him, playing helps maintain fitness levels important for setting an example as a physician.
He recommends medical students utilize the available pingpong tables on campus for stress relief between obligations. “Pingpong is a good activity to do for a few minutes between obligations,” he explained.
Beyond recreation, Dharnidharka has participated in noncommercial tournaments at various levels and qualified multiple times for the National Senior Games in pingpong.
Recently, he initiated a friendly competition between the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Medicine after discovering a pingpong table on their shared floor. “When I saw a pingpong table…I immediately challenged the Medicine Department to a tournament,” he recounted with amusement.
The upcoming tournament on March 6 will feature mixed doubles, women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and singles matches for both genders. The prize at stake is bragging rights within their office space.
Dharnidharka hopes this event will enhance camaraderie among departments already interacting through activities like an annual softball tournament. “I want to make it a fun experience,” said Dharnidharka.
