Dr. Prakhar Vijayvargiya is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Co-Director of the Transplant ID Program, and Program Director for the Infectious Diseases Fellowship. Here, he shares a bit about his background, what brought him to UMMC, and what has kept him here.

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What is your professional background? 

I grew up in a small village called Pachore in the central part of India. I graduated from medical school at the Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Hospital in Mumbai. Subsequently, I pursued my residency at the University of Miami/JFK Medical Center in Palm Beach. Following this, I did three years of Infectious Diseases (ID) and one year of Transplant ID fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  Immediately after, I joined UMMC as the co-director of the Transplant ID program. 

Tell us about what you do at UMMC.  

I am one of the two transplant infectious diseases (TXID) doctors with my wife being the other. Together, we started inpatient and outpatient TXID services at UMMC. Our responsibilities involve collaborating with heart, kidney/pancreas, and liver transplant teams to develop and revise protocols as well as conducting pre- and post-transplant evaluations. We also helped start renal transplantation in people living with HIV. Previously, Mississippians with HIV and renal failure had to go out of the state for transplantation. I also serve as the program director for the ID fellowship program.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing medicine today?

I give the same advice that helped me during my residency: every patient encounter offers a valuable learning opportunity. Even at times when you think a consult or a referral is not warranted, you can still find something to learn. You can find opportunities to learn every day. And that is what makes medicine exciting. 

What do you like most about UMMC?

The people. Everyone is kind and approachable. In just three years, my wife and I have made some enduring friendships here. 

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

During the pandemic, I took an interest in woodworking. Since then, I have made some patio furniture, shelves, and various items around the house. So, reach out to me if you need that Restoration Hardware dupe.