Chellappan Vijayakumar, MD

Twice, Chellappan Vijayakumar has needed procedures to insert coronary stents. Each time, and without hesitation, he chose AtlantiCare.

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Of course, Vijayakumar is no ordinary patient. He is Dr. Vijayakumar, a cardiologist who will do anything for his patients.

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“Instead of going to New York City or Philadelphia I came here, and I send all my patients here,” Dr. Vijayakumar says. “The whole setup is good, from the time you walk in the door you have a good experience.”

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As a member of the AtlantiCare Physician Group, Cardiology team, Dr. Vijayakumar believes in working with his patients and their loved ones as one unit. A longtime interventional cardiologist, he now works in the office setting to educate and empower patients to take control of their health.

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Born in a farming village in southern India, Dr. Vijayakumar was introduced to medicine when he received the smallpox vaccine in high school. He earned his medical degree at Stanley Medical College in India. He came to America to further his studies, completing a residency in general practice at Yonkers General Hospital in Yonkers, N.Y., followed by a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiology at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center.

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In the office, Dr. Vijayakumar is actively involved in helping his patients adopt healthier habits. He uses his passion for cooking to teach people healthy recipes, and demonstrates exercises they can do to improve their health.

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“I make it a point to spend a lot of time with my patients,” he says. “And, we’re not just talking. It’s a demonstration, hands-on to make the visit more meaningful.”

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When not caring for patients, Dr. Vijayakumar enjoys cooking and spending time with family, including taking his grandchildren fishing.

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