She glows Dr. Lakshmi Aggarwal

she glows

DR. LAKSHMI AGGARWAL

By Emily LaRue | Photo by Jeffrey Crane

Born in India, Dr. Lakshmi Aggarwal emigrated to the U.S. when she was 25. Coming here to be with her husband, a cardiologist, she first lived on the East coast. It was there she did her medical residency and fellowship. Shortly after finishing that, she got a job in Fort Wayne at Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology, where she’s worked for 21 years. Dr. Aggarwal and her husband have two children. She was recently nominated for this feature by a glo reader, who called her ‘an unsung hero.’

Who inspired you to go into medicine?

My sister inspired me to go into medicine. She is one of the hardest working, most compassionate, gifted physicians I know.

You organize free Medicare funding sessions so your patients know their options. What information do you want your patients to be aware of?

We have hosted a variety of talks, including questions surrounding Medicare and understanding the lack of transparency in medicine regarding the range of prices for the exact same service. And the financial toxicity patients can suffer on their cancer journey.

Your nominator for She Glows said you pick out the works of art on display in the oncology unit “so patients can meditate on them while they’re in treatment.” What types of pieces do you look for?

As far as art for healing goes, it was my idea but Tricia [Cavender] of Rhapsody Gallery executed it with passion and dedication. She actually picks the artists and their artwork. The artists, who are mostly from Fort Wayne, have lent their artwork to our facility so our patients can enjoy local art while on their journey with us.

In what other ways do you support the community? What’s your motivation?

As far as community service, I can tell you I am truly embarrassed to talk about myself. I would rather pass through life being a fly on the wall. (I once called my Dad in India to tell him I was nominated for a service award and his response was, “So you are going to get a prize for doing your job!”). I had to laugh, but I agree that I have taken more from this community and haven’t given enough back. God willing, I have a plan to rectify that shortcoming. I have been so fortunate to have met some of the kindest, most loving friends in Fort Wayne. This is a wonderful community to raise a family and practice in. I hope to follow in the footsteps of those who laid down the ground work to serve this community.

Dr. Aggarwal doesn’t enjoy the limelight much. In fact, she points to many others who inspire and teach her like the patients she serves and her team at Fort Wayne Oncology who serve “selflessly and with such dedication.” We agree with the reader who nominated her: she embodies humility and service and deserves the title ‘unsung hero.’ a

drvskin.com Save the Date!

Sat., Sept. 19, 2020 – 1pm-4pm Beauty Boot Camp Event with Emsculpt!

Vindhya Veerula, MD

Giveaway: Emsculpt Package

($2000 value) Call our office to register! 260-450-1313

Sasha Pierson, LE

Medical Spa Services

• Botox/Dysport • Fillers • Profractional Laser • Halo Laser • BBL Photofacials • Laser Hair Removal • Customized Peels • Dermaplaning • Diamond Glow/

Dermalinfusion • Medical Grade Skin

Care Products

3919 W Jefferson Blvd, Suite 2, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 450-1313

WARM & COZY 2020 UPDATE

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 8th ANNUAL Warm & Cozy Fundraiser to benefit the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center on Wednesday, September 23rd will now be live-streamed.

The virtual live event will stream from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. the night of September 23rd; hosted by Julian Teekaram of Fort Wayne’s NBC 33. You will have the opportunity to bid on some amazing live auction items, “door prize” drawings and enjoy live music from the Legendary Trainhoppers - all from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy!

The event is free to stream, however you must register in order to win a door prize or bid on the silent auction items. Sign in is from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. on September 23rd. Register or Donate here: www.warm-cozy.org

Thank you to our 2020 sponsors:

Ardmore Plaza U-Store Baekaard Family Foundation Brotherhood Mutual DeMarchis Family Foundation The James Foundation Jim & Cheryl Brockmann KurtzMeo Contractor Solutions Preston Allen Homes PNC Bank Sheriff David J. Gladieux Steel Dynamics Sweetwater