Radha Giridharan, MD

Dr. Radha Giridharan ("Dr. Giri") is a distinguished leader in pediatric neurology known for her clinical excellence, dedication to underserved youth, and commitment to mentorship. After graduating with top honors from Sri Venkateswara Medical College, she moved to the U.S. in 1972 with her husband, Dr. Swaminathan Giridharan, and eventually joined the faculty at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

Her key Contributions & Achievements include:

• Clinical Excellence & Mentorship: Mentored over 40 fellows across her career—many of whom now lead pediatric neurology programs nationwide—and earned multiple "Attending of the Year" and national teaching awards, including the AAN Teacher Recognition Award.
• Addressing Healthcare Disparities: Dedicated her career to caring for Brooklyn's children and co-founded The Brooklyn Children’s Society of SUNY Downstate in 2010 to support health programs for underprivileged youth.
• Diversity & Community Building: Pioneered the Pediatric Neurologists of Indian Descent (PNID/APNI) network in the mid-1980s, growing it from a small gathering into an annual tradition with over 130 members.
• Global Philanthropy: Served as a leader for Heart and Hand for the Handicapped (HHH) since 1985, funding programs for children with disabilities, polio vaccinations, and sight-restoring surgeries in the U.S. and India.

Now in semi-retirement, Dr. Giri continues to inspire the medical community. Her love affair with the borough of Brooklyn, its children, SUNY Downstate, and the field of Child Neurology, never stops.