Written by Sudhir Nagaraja, DO (class of 1992)

President, Virginia Integrative Psychiatry PC

After medical school and Psychiatry residency, I started my own mental health practice in Virginia.

Fifteen years ago, I was told, “Doctors don’t go into solo practice anymore. It’s too much work, too much administrative burden, and it’s not rewarding.”

Fifteen years later, I employ multiple clinicians and use cutting-edge treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Every day brings a new challenge—and the work is incredibly rewarding. Helping people overcome depression and substance use, and sometimes saving marriages and careers along the way, gives my work real meaning.

I set my own schedule. I determine how my patients are treated. I built something of my own—and it all started at Catholic Central.

More specifically, it started on one of the best swim teams in the state.  In the early 90’s, CC was in that mix annually… and league champions.  

Being part of that team taught me lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career: what real hard work looks like, how to sacrifice for something bigger than yourself, how to set goals, and most importantly, how to follow through.

Catholic Central gave me more than an education. It gave me a foundation for life—and the confidence to build something of my own.