Dr. Tarun Kakumanu lived in South India until he was 13 years old, moving about every two years, which allowed him to meet and connect with all kinds of people. The same people I see today as a family medicine practitioner.
After completing his residency at Ocean University Medical Center in 2024, he is fulfilling a dream that began after graduating from the University of Maryland. During a week-long mission trip to the small village of Alto de Cristo in Panama, he realized that so many people lacked access to health care and it was having an impact.
“This experience inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare with a determination to provide compassionate care and ensure that all patients receive the attention and support they deserve. ” he says. “My goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.”
As a family physician, he is known as “Dr. Kakumanu.” “T” by his patients seeks to model proper nutrition and exercise habits for his patients. “I do cardio, strength and flexibility training in the gym, and I work with patients who ask about nutrition, weight management, and exercise,” he says. “If you wish, we will create an individual plan for you.”
What sports will be played at the Olympics?
tennis. I have a passion for tennis and watch almost every Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tournament every year. (The ATP Tour is a worldwide tour featuring the world’s best tennis stars.) I played varsity tennis in high school and continued to play club tennis in college. I’ve been away for a while, but I’m starting to play tennis again.
If I could have dinner with anyone famous, it would be tennis legend Roger Federer. He is my favorite tennis player and embodies class and grace on and off the court. His dedication, sportsmanship and humility are qualities I deeply respect.
Here’s the triple: What’s your favorite band, where you want to go, and what’s your favorite book right now?
My favorite band is Linkin Park. This was the first band I was introduced to when I came to America. Especially as a fan of “The Lord of the Rings,” I would love to visit New Zealand for its stunning scenery. As for books, I’m currently obsessed with Shoe Dog, the memoir by Phil Knight, the creator of Nike. In it, he emphasizes the importance of staying connected to your family, no matter how much money or success you have.
What do you think you’ll be doing at home this weekend?
Home renovation, my house has only been completed for a few weeks. I like building and installing things, and my wife says, “Why don’t you hire someone to do that for you?” As my wife and I prepare to welcome a baby in the next few months, we’re making changes to accommodate our growing family.
Do you have pets?
Yes, my Cockapoo pup, Chikoo, was named after a very sweet Indian fruit. He is a cuddle baby and always likes to play. They love humans, but are also excellent guard dogs. The wife teaches him many tricks.
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