Dr. Sudesh Banaji@drsudeshbanaji
Dr. Sudesh Banaji, an internal medicine physician, has been a critical healthcare provider in Forest City, Arkansas, since 2000. He specializes in chronic care, preventive care, and wellness exams. As the medical director at Internal Medicine of Forest City, he is deeply committed to improving the health of rural communities.
He was born and educated in India. He excelled in his studies at Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysore and later earned a Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) degree from JJM Medical College, Davangere, at the University of Mysore. His medical career began in 1987 with a comprehensive internship at Chigateri General Hospital in Davangere, where he gained valuable experience in surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology.
He continued his medical training in anesthesiology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, India, from 1989 to 1993. During this period, he conducted impactful research on the neuromuscular blocking effects of Pancuronium and Vecuronium in children, which was later published in the PGIMER Bulletin.
In 1993, Dr. Banaji relocated to the United States, passing the U.S. medical licensing exams and securing a spot in the Anesthesiology Residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. He then transitioned to the Internal Medicine Residency Program at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN, completing it in 1998 and being recognized as the "Outstanding Internal Medicine Resident."
Following his residency, he moved to Arkansas, initially working in private practice and as an emergency room physician. From 2002 to 2004, he provided outpatient and hospital-based care at a clinic affiliated with Baptist Memorial Hospital, focusing on the needs of uninsured and indigent patients.
In 2005, Dr. Banaji established his practice, Internal Medicine of Forrest City, where he serves as senior partner and director. His role expanded in 2008 when he became the Medical Director of the Earle Family Medical Clinic in Earle, Arkansas, enhancing healthcare access for patients from smaller communities.
Dr. Banaji's expertise in managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well-regarded. His commitment to personalized care ensures that his patients receive the best possible treatments based on their individual health needs.
Dr. Banaji is also experienced in implementing value-based healthcare programs like the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), Primary Care First, and Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+), which aim to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs.
Active in community service, he has been involved with the Indian Cultural Center and Temple for over ten years and supports charities such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Autism Society of America.
Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. Banaji enjoys spending time with his family, indulging his passions for music, movies, and golf, and exploring new places through travel. Together with his wife, who is also a partner in the practice, they manage two offices in Forrest City and Earle, Arkansas, continuing to serve their community with dedication and care.