Bill Text: IL HR0167 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Congratulates Dr. Raja R. Gopaldas on his outstanding accomplishments and encourage him to continue his research and innovative work in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, lung, vascular, and cancer surgery, especially minimally invasive surgery.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2017-02-22 - Resolution Adopted [HR0167 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-HR0167-Introduced.html

---

HR0167 LRB100 11573 MST 22235 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives wish to acknowledge the work of Dr. Raja R.
Gopaldas, a cardiothoracic surgeon living in Springfield; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gopaldas, the son of Dr. Muthusamy Chinnapapu
and Dr. Singaravelu Gopaldas of Salem, India, completed his
training in heart surgery in Texas under the mentorship of
renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Denton A. Cooley, and gained his
experience in complex aortic and aneurysm surgery under Dr.
Joseph S. Coselli; and
WHEREAS, Before arriving in Springfield, Dr. Gopaldas
performed outstanding work as a heart surgeon in Texas and then
at the University of Missouri, where he was also the Director
of Cardiothoracic Research; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gopaldas practices with Prairie
Cardiovascular Consultants, one of the largest cardiovascular
practice groups in Illinois, where some of his interests
include aortic aneurysms, minimally invasive surgery,
congenital heart disease, esophageal surgery, esophageal
cancer, atrial fibrillation, heart disease in women, and heart
transplants; and

HR0167 - 2 - LRB100 11573 MST 22235 r
WHEREAS, Dr. Gopaldas recently reached a milestone having
successfully completed 100 minimally invasive cardiac
surgeries since beginning to perform the procedure in
Springfield in July of 2015; and
WHEREAS, The new minimally invasive cardiac surgery method
is performed through one small incision, typically about two to
three inches in length, compared to the eight inch incision in
the chest, which is needed for the traditional "open surgery"
technique; and
WHEREAS, Minimally invasive cardiac surgery to replace
heart valves, repair arteries or holes in the heart, or to
treat atrial fibrillation provides patients with faster
recovery and less pain; and
WHEREAS, Patients receiving minimally invasive cardiac
surgery become active much faster because the breastbone is not
split and they avoid the complications of inactivity after
traditional surgery; and
WHEREAS, The minimally invasive approach leaves the
sternum preserved in the event a patient needs another type of
heart surgery in the future; and
WHEREAS, The only practice in Illinois, aside from one

HR0167 - 3 - LRB100 11573 MST 22235 r
hospital in Chicago, offering minimally invasive heart
procedures is located in Springfield, and some patients travel
200 miles or more for this important, life-saving procedure;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gopaldas strives to deliver the best and most
compassionate care to his patients and his work in
minimally-invasive cardiac surgery is a major contribution to
the health and welfare of people in the Midwest; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gopaldas has won numerous awards and accolades
in the field of surgery, research, innovation, and education;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
congratulate Dr. Raja R. Gopaldas on his outstanding
accomplishments and encourage him to continue his research and
innovative work in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, lung,
vascular, and cancer surgery, especially minimally invasive
surgery; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to Dr. Gopaldas as an expression of our esteem and
respect.