Born in London and raised in the United States, Dr. Shriram Nene, often referred to as the “Nene Doctor,” embodies the spirit of innovation and diverse expertise. As the son of Indian immigrants who moved to the US in 1962, he cultivated a deep-seated passion for science and technology from a young age. Inspired by historical figures like Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Edison, Franklin, Tesla, and Einstein, he admired their ability to excel in multiple fields, a principle he has applied throughout his own remarkable career.
Dr. Shriram Nene, the 'Nene Doctor', in his early years, reflecting his passion for science and innovation.
Growing up during the nascent stages of the personal computer revolution in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as companies like Apple and Microsoft emerged, the then 13-year-old Dr. Nene taught himself computer programming on an Apple IIe. By the age of 15, leveraging these skills, he established a computer software company that developed products for real estate professionals and educational purposes. Demonstrating his commitment to sharing knowledge, he also led the school computer science club as president, instructing fellow students in programming.
From Software to Scalpel: The Educational and Professional Journey of the Nene Doctor
Dr. Nene’s dedication and early achievements were recognized through scholarships from esteemed institutions and corporations including Rockwell International, the Washington University Scholars Program in Medicine, Fluor Daniels Engineering, and the University of California Berkeley. He also received an award for business entrepreneurship from the Independent Press Telegram, presented by the renowned author Ray Bradbury, highlighting his multifaceted talents.
Dr. Nene Doctor, a distinguished cardiovascular surgeon, during his university education at Washington University, St. Louis.
Driven by an innate curiosity and a desire to emulate the Renaissance ideal, Dr. Nene was accepted into the Scholars Program in Medicine at Washington University, St. Louis – a highly competitive combined undergraduate-medical program spanning eight years. Demonstrating exceptional academic aptitude, he completed his undergraduate studies in just 3.5 years and subsequently earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in 1993.
Initially drawn to healing with surgical precision, Dr. Nene pursued training in General Surgery followed by a Vascular Surgical Research Fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles. He further specialized in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery through a fellowship at the University of Florida, solidifying his expertise in complex surgical disciplines.
Upon completing his rigorous training, Dr. Nene practiced as a board-certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon in Denver. His private practice was affiliated with a network of hospitals, including three major and five ancillary facilities. His surgical repertoire encompassed a wide range of procedures, from routine and minimally invasive coronary artery bypass and mitral valve repair to advanced endovascular and open aortic surgery, and thoracic surgical oncology. He also mastered the use of Da Vinci Robotic surgery, embracing cutting-edge medical technology.
Despite a fulfilling and demanding career as a surgeon, Dr. Nene recognized the limitations of individual patient care in addressing global healthcare challenges. Considering the healthcare needs of billions worldwide, he felt compelled to seek a more scalable approach to medicine. He envisioned combining his foundational skills in software and hardware engineering with his medical expertise in Cardiovascular Surgery to develop systems capable of impacting healthcare on a larger scale.
This aspiration to scale medical solutions led him to India in 2011. Together with his wife, Madhuri Dixit, a celebrated actress and dancer, he co-founded RnM Moving Pictures. This platform-agnostic digital media and content creation company was based on the prescient understanding of converging screens and the power of content control to create widespread impact.
The Nene Doctor’s Vision: Scaling Healthcare Through Innovation and Technology
Dr. Nene’s commitment to healthcare extends beyond individual practice to encompass community involvement and the pursuit of innovation in healthcare delivery. His overarching ambition is to improve medical practice both nationally and internationally, empowering patients and extending the reach of healthcare professionals.
The 'Nene Doctor', Dr. Shriram Nene, outlining his vision for the future of healthcare and digital health innovation.
Currently, Dr. Nene is actively developing ‘Pathfinder Health Sciences,’ a medical platform dedicated to enhancing lifestyles and lifespans. This initiative utilizes precision and personalized health approaches, integrating media, mobile applications, wearable technology, and a smart services marketplace. His collaborative spirit is further demonstrated through his role as a chief medical officer (and seed investor) at GoQii, a prominent wellness startup.
Beyond his professional endeavors, the “Nene Doctor” is a passionate advocate for fitness and an avid sports enthusiast. He regularly engages in tennis and cross-country running and was a high school varsity athlete. Embracing challenges and pushing personal boundaries, he has participated in activities ranging from bungee jumping and skiing to surfing, hiking, mountain biking, sailing, and is a certified PADI open water diver. Dr. Nene’s life and career exemplify a remarkable blend of medical expertise, technological acumen, and entrepreneurial vision, all directed towards improving health and well-being on a global scale.
