Preventive Health in Focus: Insights on Comprehensive Patient Care

This week Stephanie Rodin chats with her guest, Dr. Nina Sundaram. The two chat about integrating preventive healthcare practices with daily life, the impact of early detection tests, and the importance of sustained doctor-patient relationships. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Nina Sundaram explains the structure of her practice by dividing it into four "arms" or segments focused on different health aspects.

• Illumine emphasizes preventive medicine, holistic healthcare, and trust-based patient-doctor relationships.

• Learn what inspired Dr. Sundaram to start Illumine and how her vision for preventive medicine has evolved.

• Innovative testing for cancer prevention and why this is important.

• Imagine treating your body like a lifelong car—maintaining it with the best care to ensure longevity. 

 

Dr. Nina Sundaram- Dr. of Endocrinology, founded Illumine as a platform for her commitment to preventive medicine and her holistic approach to healthcare.

While in medical school, Dr. Sundaram spent a summer in Cuba studying the public health system, an experience that shaped her approach to centering on preventive care and developing patient-doctor relationships built upon trust and compassion.

Dr. Sundaram graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science and a Medical Degree from the Seven-Year Biomedical Program at The College of New Jersey and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Afterward, she completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at The Mount Sinai Hospital, where her research in pituitary diseases was published in journals and textbooks.

After six years working with a large multi-specialty group, Dr. Sundaram opened Aura Endocrinology in 2021 and created a uniquely patient-centered practice. Today, she continues to serve as a clinical instructor at New York University and focuses on empathetic, compassionate care for her patients, fueled by a desire to help them live more confident and fulfilling lives.

Education

The College of New Jersey, Bachelor of Science in Biology (Combined Seven-Year BS/MD Program) Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Doctor of Medicine

New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Internal Medicine Residency

Mount Sinai Hospital, Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease

Licenses and Board Certifications

New York State License

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine: Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism

American Board of Internal Medicine: Obesity Medicine

Publications

Carluccio A, Sundaram, NK, Chablani S, Amrock LG, Lambert JK, Post KD, Geer EB. Predictors of Quality of Life in 102 Patients with Treated Cushing's Disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2014 Jun 17. PMID: 24931777

Sundaram NK, Carluccio A, Geer EB. Characterization of persistent and recurrent Cushing’s Disease. Pituitary. 2013 August 29. PMID: 23990348

Sundaram NK, Geer EB, Greenwald BD. The impact of traumatic brain injury on pituitary function. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2013 S