In the tapestry of modern medicine, certain figures leave a lasting impact not only for their clinical expertise but for the deeper values they embody. Balu Natarajan, M.D., is one such extraordinary figure—a physician, a mentor, a leader, and a pioneer whose life story exemplifies excellence anchored in compassion, service, and Dharma.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, Dr. Balu Natarajan’s journey is nothing short of legendary. From making history at age 13 as the first Indian American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee, to becoming Chief Medical Officer of AccentCare/Seasons Hospice, his path reflects both brilliance and balance.
A Trailblazer From the Start
In 1985, Balu Natarajan, M.D. etched his name into history by spelling “milieu” correctly at the 58th Scripps National Spelling Bee. It was his third attempt—after placing 63rd and 45th in previous years—and this time, he triumphed. That victory became more than a personal milestone; it lit the torch for generations of Indian American children, sparking a cultural phenomenon that continues to shine in the national spotlight today.
But young Balu Natarajan wasn’t just memorizing words—he was cultivating discipline, grit, and patience, qualities that would later define his career in medicine.
A Healer With Heart
After graduating from Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Balu Natarajan dove into the world of internal medicine, becoming board-certified not only in his primary field but also in sports medicine and hospice and palliative care. These areas of medicine require not just technical skill but deep empathy and emotional intelligence—both of which he exudes effortlessly.
By 2005, he had risen to the role of Chief Medical Officer at AccentCare/Seasons Hospice, a title he continues to hold with humility and honor. Prior to that, from 2000 to 2005, he served as the Medical Director of the Illinois program, where he helped shape compassionate care models for patients facing serious illness.
Dr. Balu Natarajan is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB). His work has touched countless lives and reshaped the way end-of-life care is delivered.
Global Thought Leader and Mentor
More than a practitioner, Balu Natarajan, M.D. is a respected academic and thought leader. He has authored book chapters, contributed to peer-reviewed journals, and lectured globally at esteemed gatherings such as the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
His voice echoes not only through medical literature but also in the minds of students at the University of Maryland, where he serves as a faculty member in the Online Master of Science and Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care program.
Grounded in Dharma, Guided by Purpose
What truly sets Dr. Balu Natarajan apart is his unwavering commitment to Dharma—the moral and ethical code central to Hindu philosophy. He speaks often about how Dharma has guided his decisions, from academic pursuits to family life and philanthropy.
“Work hard, play hard, pray hard, and give back,” he says. “That’s the best way I know to keep everything in balance.”
Together with his wife Meenakshi, Balu has cultivated a life grounded in meditation, spiritual practice, and service. This spiritual compass informs everything he does, making him not just a doctor, but a healer in the truest sense.
A Family of Achievers and Trailblazers
The legacy of Balu Natarajan, M.D. continues through his children, Atman and Advaith, who have followed in his footsteps by competing in spelling bees at the national level. The family’s journey reflects a powerful blend of intellectual excellence and cultural pride.
His victory in 1985 was not just a personal win—it became a turning point for the Indian American identity in mainstream America. He didn’t just open doors; he held them open for the next generation.
Lifting Others as He Climbs
Beyond his medical and academic accomplishments, Dr. Balu Natarajan invests tirelessly in community-building. He has held pivotal roles with the North South Foundation, the American Association of Physicians from India’s Students and Residents Section, and the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago.
Currently, he serves as the volunteer CEO of the North South Foundation, where he mentors bright young minds and funds educational opportunities for underserved children across the U.S. and India.
“We always get back more than we give,” he believes. “Let’s teach our kids that early on.”
His work reflects a rare blend of excellence and empathy, encouraging not just academic brilliance, but also a sense of social entrepreneurship and community responsibility.
The Marathon Continues
Now in his 50s, Dr. Balu Natarajan still outruns his younger self—literally. A lifelong runner, he maintains that age is no barrier to growth or performance. Inspired by thinkers like Angela Duckworth, he believes that grit—not talent alone—is the key to lasting success.
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