Pickleball Helps Pediatric Surgeon: NEW BRUNSWICK – Vikas Dharnidharka, a pediatric nephrologist and physician-in-chief of The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, stays fit, sharp, and stress-free through racquet sports like pickleball and table tennis. Dharnidharka, who has competed in city, state, and national tournaments, uses these activities to maintain his physical health and manage stress.
Background and Health Benefits
Growing up in India, Dharnidharka was active in racquet sports like badminton and table tennis. His passion continued through adulthood, especially during his time in Florida, where he began playing tennis. About 10 years ago, he joined a table tennis league in St. Louis, and five years ago, he was introduced to pickleball, which quickly became a part of his routine.
“I find all racquet sports fun,” Dharnidharka said. “There’s physical activity involved, and also skill and strategy.”
The doctor credits these activities for helping keep him in good physical shape, which he believes is essential to model as a physician. He explained that pickleball and table tennis are easier on the body than tennis, helping improve reflexes and balance without the intense impact.
“These sports are much more fun if you don’t take them too seriously,” Dharnidharka added.
Encouraging Fitness and Relaxation
Dharnidharka also recommends that medical students and residents take advantage of opportunities to play table tennis in public spaces. He pointed out that ping pong is a good way to relax and decompress between shifts.
“There’s a table with paddles and balls where the med students sit, but I’ve not seen them play. I’d love to see them use it. Playing provides really good stress relief,” he said.
Competitive Success and Future Plans
Dharnidharka’s passion for racquet sports has grown over the years. His achievements include earning medals at the Senior Olympics in St. Louis and Missouri. This success has earned him multiple invitations to the National Senior Games for pickleball and table tennis. He recently learned that he has qualified for the fourth time to compete in table tennis at the National Senior Games this summer.
Department Challenge and Impact
Dharnidharka is organizing a friendly table tennis challenge between the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The tournament, scheduled for March 6, will include mixed doubles, women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and singles matches. Dharnidharka initiated the challenge after spotting a ping pong table in the hallway between the two departments’ offices.
“Medicine and pediatrics already compete in a softball tournament each summer,” he said. “I wanted to continue that friendly culture with a new event.”
The competition is expected to foster camaraderie between departments and provide an enjoyable and low-pressure activity for hospital staff. The results? Bragging rights on the seventh floor of the hospital and possibly beyond.
News In Brief: Pickleball Helps Pediatric Surgeon
Vikas Dharnidharka, pediatric nephrologist and physician-in-chief at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital, uses racquet sports like pickleball and table tennis to stay fit and manage stress. A former competitive player, he recommends these activities for medical students to improve fitness and relax. Dharnidharka has qualified for the National Senior Games in table tennis and is organizing a friendly table tennis challenge between the Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine. The event aims to promote friendly competition and teamwork within the hospital community.