Background and Education

Dr. Pradeep Raju, MD, is a dedicated physician at OrthoIllinois, a division of OrthoMidwest. Raised in northern Illinois, Dr. Raju attended school in Rockford until the fifth grade, after which his family relocated to Crystal Lake. He completed his primary education in Crystal Lake and graduated from Prairie Ridge High School. Dr. Raju then pursued his undergraduate studies at DePaul University in Chicago, earning a degree in marketing and management.

Family and Early Influences

Coming from a family deeply rooted in healthcare, Dr. Raju was strongly influenced by his father, a fellowship-trained cardiologist, whose stories of surgeries and patient care left a lasting impression. His two older brothers also followed their father into medicine, one specializing in cardiology and the other in emergency medicine. While Dr. Raju initially chose a different career path, he eventually recognized his true calling in medicine.

Medical Training and Experience

After spending a year in law school, Dr. Raju redirected his career toward medicine, returning to college to complete pre-med science courses. He earned his Medical Degree with Honors Distinction from Xavier University School of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Raju completed a three-year family medicine residency at Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, serving as Chief Resident for two of those years. He furthered his expertise with a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Wright State University, Kettering Sports Medicine in Kettering, Ohio.

Clinical Practice and Sports Medicine

During his final years of residency and fellowship, Dr. Raju gained additional experience working in a walk-in urgent care clinic, where he provided assessment and treatment for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. He also served as a team physician for various high school, collegiate, elite, and professional sports teams, delivering emergent care, stabilization, suturing, splinting, and other medical procedures during athletic events.

Certifications and Areas of Interest

Dr. Raju holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine from the American Board of Family Medicine. As a non-operative Primary Care Sports Medicine physician, he is skilled in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries affecting patients of all ages, whether these injuries occur at work or during recreational activities. He has a particular interest in post-concussion assessment and cognitive testing, striving to provide his patients with exceptional care and medical attention to facilitate a swift recovery and a return to active living.

Personal Interests

Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Raju is a passionate sports enthusiast, especially enjoying Chicago’s Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks teams. He also enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family.