We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dr Anna Dorai Raj’s after a short illness on Saturday 24 February 2024.
Below is a tribute to her written by Dr Chandi Perera:
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.
Dr Anna, as she was widely known, undertook her undergraduate studies at the prestigious Andhra Medical College, the sixth oldest medical faculty in India. She completed her MRCP (UK) and her rheumatology training in the ACT and NSW, and on obtaining her FRACP, returned to Canberra Hospital as a rheumatologist in 1999. She was our rheumatology unit director from 2004-2011 and a past secretary of the ACT branch of the RACP. Another colleague described Anna as an invaluable foundation academic staff member of the then fledgling ANU medical school, who was always understated but committed to the development and implementing of the new teaching program. Anna was a much respected and beloved senior rheumatologist in the Canberra community, and her opinion was sought after by clinicians and administrators.
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. She worked tirelessly for all her patients from the ACT and NSW and undertook a monthly rural clinic in Tumut for twenty years.
A dedicated educator, Dr Dorai Raj has been a wonderful mentor and supervisor to many grateful medical students, registrars, and junior colleagues in the ACT since 1999. And over the last few days, the stories of appreciation I have heard are heart-warming, numerous and span the globe. As a leader, she would never ask of you what she herself was not willing to do. A caring and dedicated rheumatologist, Anna exemplified a life in service of others until the very last.
Anna cherished being a mother, and her beloved daughter Livia was her true love and singular priority. She was overjoyed when Livia married Alex and lovingly welcomed him into the family. Asha was one of four siblings, and as the eldest and only sister, she adored and was incredibly proud of her three brothers. A caring and dutiful daughter, she was looking forward to celebrating her mum’s ninetieth birthday in Melbourne later this year. She loved travelling and spending time with her family and friends, and had an enduring passion for running.
Deeply spiritual and committed to a life in service, Anna’s humility, courage, and grace will remain a source of strength for all those she leaves behind. She was refreshingly curious, honest, and engaged in the journey of life, not just her own but of her fellow human travellers. We will all miss her very much.
