Episode 9

A Heartfelt Path from India to Louisiana with Avaneesh Jakkoju, MD | Episode 9

Published on: 2nd January, 2024

Join us in this captivating episode of The Last Zebra Podcast, where we meet and engage in a profound conversation with Dr Avaneesh Jakkoju, a Cardiologist with a rich cultural background and a journey that spans continents. From his early life in India to his medical career in Louisiana, Dr. Jakkoju shares his experiences, challenges along the way and more recently, the joys of fatherhood. This episode is not just about cardiology; it’s a deep dive into the cultural nuances that shape our identities and the importance of maintaining a connection to our roots. Perfect for anyone interested in medicine, cultural diversity, and personal growth.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Dr. Jakkoju upbringing in India and his path to cardiology.

• The cultural and regional diversity of India and its impact on personal identity.

• Transitioning from India to the United States and the challenges faced in medical training.

• The importance of family structures and cultural differences between the East and the West.

• Dr. Jakkoju’s evolving interest in cardiology and his journey through medical school.

• Insights into the various sub-specialties within cardiology and the future of the field.

• Dr. Jakkoju’s experience in teaching and his passion for education.

• Reflections on fatherhood and the transformative experience of becoming a parent.

• The significance of work-life balance and well-being for healthcare professionals.

• Dr. Jakkoju’s connection to his cultural roots and aspirations for his children.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes from The Last Zebra Podcast. Your engagement helps us bring more inspiring and educational content to our audience.

Watch more episodes here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKv8hBtOLaEyAJkOA3xfoXTnxNXOpNT_G&si=VhBRrYpt3LzkVTDc


We are also available everywhere you listen to your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Last Zebra

About the Podcast

The Last Zebra
Nuanced conversations about different walks of life and those who live them
“The Last Zebra” draws its essence from the timeless medical adage:

“When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras.”

Coined by Dr. Theodore Woodward in the 1940s, this maxim reminds us to prioritize common diagnoses over rare and improbable ones.

In a medical world often defined by seeking the most likely causes, “The Last Zebra” podcast takes a different approach. Here we are looking for the common in all of us.

The common focuses on the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. We hope to showcase the stories of these individuals, highlighting how they infuse their backgrounds, beliefs, and characteristics into their medical practice. By doing so, they add an artistic and personal touch that goes beyond the clinical norms and transforms their work into a deeply profound and meaningful endeavor.

Through these stories, “The Last Zebra” aims to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine— "heavy on the ordinary".

The stories that deviate from dogma and delve into the exceptional. It seeks to capture the essence of these medical professionals’ journeys, shedding light on their challenges, triumphs, and the remarkable ways they shape the landscape of healthcare.

In each episode, we delve into the non-clinical nuances that define the day-to-day lives of medical professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. This podcast will start and go beyond the clinical, shedding light on the intricate artistry, mosaicism, and diversity in medicine.

We explore how every guest crafts their unique personality and characteristics into the very fabric of their practice.

These stories not only celebrate individuality but also embody the soul of healthcare.

In a world where uniformity is prioritized, “The Last Zebra” podcast honors the rare and unique elements that medical professionals bring to their work. Together, we’ll discover how these exceptional individuals are shaping the future of healthcare, one personalized interaction at a time.

So, come along as we embrace the zebras — the extraordinary stories that make medicine a true art.
Support This Show

About your host

Profile picture for Ugo Ezema

Ugo Ezema