[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17028]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD G. RAJARATNAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2013

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Riverside County, California are exceptional. Riverside County has been 
fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly 
and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a 
better place to live and work. Richard G. Rajaratnam, MD, FRCS, FACS, 
is one of these individuals. This year, Dr. Rajaratnam will end his 
tenure as Medical Director for the Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical 
Center.
  Dr. Rajaratnam has managed and led the Kaiser Permanente Riverside 
Service Area as Area Medical Director for the Southern California 
Permanente Medical Group. He has been instrumental in achieving 
breakthroughs in research and medical advancements. These breakthroughs 
include the A.L.L. program, Diabetes Care advancement, Choosing Wisely, 
Patient-Centered Medical Home, and the development of the UCR Medical 
School to create physician leaders for tomorrow. Dr. Rajaratnam has 
embraced advancements in technology and science to improve the health 
of the over 370,000 Kaiser Permanente members in Riverside County.
  Through his leadership, Dr. Rajaratnam has led the Kaiser Permanente 
Riverside Medical Center to be the recipient of multiple prestigious 
awards, including Leapfrog, California Award for Performance Excellence 
(CAPE-Baldridge Criteria), Independent Health Care Association for 
Excellence in Medical Groups, Medicare 5-Star status, and the Office of 
Patient Advocate in the State of California maximum four-star rating 
for quality excellence. He is a vital member of the local medical 
community, having served as a Board Member of Riverside County Health 
Foundation, California Delegate to the American Medical Association, 
CMRI Physician Reviewer for the state of California, Board member of 
Inland Empire Health Information Exchange, Past President of the 
Riverside County Medical Association, UCR School of Medicine Graduate 
Medical Education Committee as well as Community Advisory Board.
  While retiring from his current position as Medical Director, Dr. 
Rajaratnam will continue to be a participant in the medical field and 
contribute his experience, knowledge and expertise to his peers and 
future physicians.
  In light of all Dr. Rajaratnam has done for Riverside County, it is 
only fitting that he be honored for his many years of dedicated 
service. Dr. Rajaratnam's tireless passion for the industry in which he 
serves has contributed immensely to the betterment of Riverside County 
and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and 
friend. I commend Dr. Rajaratnam for his tireless work with the Kaiser 
Permanente Riverside Medical Center and express sincere thanks and 
appreciation for his years of dedication to health care advancements, 
research, and the overall health of his fellow citizens. I know that 
many are grateful for his service and salute him as he prepares to end 
his tenure later this year.

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