The Australian rheumatology community is mourning the passing of the well-loved Canberra rheumatologist last weekend.
The Australian rheumatology community is mourning the loss of Dr Anna Dorai Raj, who passed away on Saturday 24 February after a short illness.
Having studied medicine at the Andhra Medical College in India then completing her physicians’ training, Dr Dorai Raj undertook her rheumatology training in NSW and the ACT.
She began her practice in Canberra in 1999, working in both private practice and at The Canberra Hospital, also running a monthly clinic in Tumut in regional NSW.
Dr Dorai Raj was a member of the OPAL Rheumatology Network, and other research publications included research on ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma and gout.
She was also involved with student and peer education, and was Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University Medical School.
Her friend and colleague Dr Chandi Perera wrote the following in a tribute to “Dr Anna”:
“Anna, or Asha as she was known to her family and close friends, epitomised a Christian life that was well lived. She was kind, generous, forgiving of transgressions and humble and lived her life with unyielding faith and fortitude.
“She was one of the finest clinicians I have had the privilege of knowing, learning from, and serving with, first as her registrar and later as a colleague. She was firm in her beliefs, and fierce in her advocacy for her staff, patients and on behalf of our rheumatology craft group. A superb rheumatologist, Anna was attentive to detail and meticulously prepared for every eventuality.
“A caring and dedicated rheumatologist, Anna exemplified a life in service of others until the very last.”
Dr Dorai Raj is survived by her daughter Livia.
The funeral will be held at All Saint’s Anglican Church, Cowper Street, Ainslie ACT on Friday 1 March 2024 commencing at 10:30am.
A livestream of the service will be available for those unable to attend.
https://attnd.com.au/anna-kochummen
Dr Anna Kochummen Dorai Raj, 24 December 1959 – 24 February 2024
