Pallavi Anand was born in India where she was raised in traditional Indian values. Her parents were ardent devotees of Sathya Sai Baba who taught human values are the only religion for all humans. She considers herself fortunate to be brought under HIS fold and has been blessed with HIS grace and protection.
Anand went to Medical College MP India where her passion for medicine and care was awoken. Soon after her graduation, she got married and moved to London where she was embraced by her husband’s family as their very own. During the twelve years she lived in London, she was exposed to British traditions and culture which at many junctures were seemingly at odds with her upbringing. Soon, however, was the discovery that in essence the same set of values were a bedrock of both cultures. She made lifelong friends whom she will cherish forever. Anand also gave birth to two beautiful daughters. She was able to do some externship at a London hospital which provided valuable insights into the inner workings of hospitals.
Her husband was transferred to U.S. in the mid-90s, settling in St. Louis where her sister had been already settled for a while. Eventually, her family grew with a son – the only one who is eligible to become president! Her children taught her American sports, history and so much more. Anand continues to learn the beautiful values and traditions of America which are so impactful.
So, far in her transcontinental journey, Anand has been inculcated in three different cultures and three different versions of the English language. She feels this to be a blessing as it has enriched her outlook in life and reinforced the common values that bind us all.
After her three children were raised, she started looking for a job that would quench her thirst in the medical field but not at the expense of other commitments of her family life. Anand was very fortunate to have been introduced to Anne Connolly, MD, who immediately believed in her and brought Anand into her orbit. Anand started working in neuromuscle with natural history studies. This later brought in the clinical trials. Connolly built a clinical research team with tender loving care and valued research team members. Anand’s gratitude for her kindness can never be expressed in words.
Later, after Connolly left the institution, Anand continued to work with Craig Zaidman, MD, and Arun Varadhachary, MD, PhD, on clinical trials. The research team members, who are Anand’s work family, have been a great source of inspiration for her. She considers herself very fortunate to be in the clinical trials setting where continued medical education and human values education keeps her going. Anand’s research team members and the clinical trial patients who so yearn for cures are her inspiration to continue working.