About

About Dr. Sudesh Banaji

Sudesh Banaji, MD, is an Internal Medicine physician with nearly 25 years of experience. He has been practicing in Forrest City, Arkansas, since 2000, focusing on chronic care, preventive care, and wellness exams. He is a provider and medical director at Internal Medicine of Forrest City, Sudesh, and he is dedicated to serving rural communities with high-quality healthcare.

Shaping the Future

Sudesh Banaji was born and raised in India. He completed his early education at Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysore, earning high honors in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology. His academic journey continued, and he pursued a Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) degree at JJM Medical College, Davangere, at the University of Mysore.

In 1987, after completing his degree, Sudesh began his medical career with a rotating internship at Chigateri General Hospital in Davangere. His internship exposed him to various medical fields, including surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology.

Residency and Early Career Days

Sudesh continued his training in India, focusing on anesthesiology. From 1989 to 1993, he pursued residency training in this field at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, India. He also conducted research comparing the neuromuscular blocking properties of Pancuronium and Vecuronium in children, which was later published in the PGIMER Bulletin in 1992. This was one of Sudesh’s earliest contributions to the medical field.

Sudesh’s career changed in 1993 when he moved to the United States. After passing the U.S. medical licensing exams and preparing for interviews, he was accepted into the Anesthesiology Residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN. He spent two years in Nashville and then moved to Johnson City, TN, for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at East Tennessee State University. From 1995 to 1998, Sudesh completed this residency and became skilled in internal medicine, a specialty that focuses on adult healthcare, chronic illness management, and disease prevention. His outstanding performance during residency earned him recognition as the “Outstanding Internal Medicine Resident” in 1998.

Defining Moments in His Career

Early Career

After completing his residency in Internal Medicine, Dr. Banaji moved to Arkansas in 2000. He took on various medical roles in Forrest City, Arkansas, a rural area with a significant need for healthcare professionals. Dr. Banaji initially worked in private practice at Dr. Kumar’s Medical Clinic and served as an emergency room physician at Baptist Memorial Hospital, now known as Forrest City Medical Center.

From 2002 to 2004, Dr. Banaji worked at the Baptist Memorial Hospital-affiliated clinic, providing outpatient and hospital-based care. His experience in hospital settings allowed him to care for critically ill patients, many of whom were uninsured or indigent.

Establishing Private Practice

In 2005, Dr. Banaji founded his private practice, Internal Medicine of Forrest City, where he is the senior partner and director. Over the years, Dr. Sudesh Banaji has expanded his expertise to include value-based care programs such as the Patient-Centered Medical Home, Primary Care First, and CPC-Plus. He also enjoys being a provider for special needs adults in the area and caring for senior citizens in the local nursing home.

In addition to his work in Forrest City, Sudesh became the Medical Director of the Earle Family Medical Clinic in Earle, Arkansas, in 2008. This rural health clinic serves patients from smaller communities and provides care similar to that of the Forrest City clinic. As Medical Director, Sudesh is responsible for overseeing medical practices, consulting with other healthcare professionals, and managing day-to-day operations at the clinic.

Expertise in Chronic Care and Value-Based Programs

Sudesh’s medical expertise lies in managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is proficient in treating elderly patients who often require ongoing care for multiple health issues. His focus on personalized care helps ensure his patients receive the best treatments based on their unique health needs.

Dr. Sudesh Banaji is also experienced in implementing value-based healthcare programs, such as the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), Primary Care First, and Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+). These programs are designed to improve healthcare quality, close care gaps, and reduce unnecessary costs. His practice has also included participation in quality payment programs and Medicare Shared Savings Programs, emphasizing value-based medicine and pay-for-performance models.

Professional Accomplishments

Dr. Sudesh Banaji was recertified in 2009 and 2018, demonstrating his commitment to staying up-to-date with medical advancements and maintaining high standards of care.

In 2016, Sudesh was honored to be named a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP). This recognition is awarded to internal medicine physicians with significant academic achievements and contributions to the field.

Dr. Banaji has served many years as director of various departments at Forrest City Medical Center and also as Chairman of the Advisory Board given his good standing, knowledge and experience in the medical field.

Community Involvement and Charitable Work

Sudesh has always been committed to giving back to his community. For over ten years, he has been involved with the Indian Cultural Center and Temple, donating his time and resources to support the local Indian community. Additionally, Sudesh is a regular donor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Autism Society of America, two causes close to his heart.

Off the Clock

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Banaji enjoys spending time with his family. He is a devoted fan of music and movies and enjoys playing golf. Traveling is another passion; he enjoys exploring new places with his family.

Dr. Banaji’s wife is also a partner in his medical practice, and together, they run two offices in Forrest City and Earle, Arkansas.