Obituary: Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Rajendra Kapila

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Infectious disease expert and Rutgers University Professor Dr. Rajendra Kapila passed away April 28, 2021, after being diagnosed with Covid-19 on April 8.

The 81 year old doctor, a graduate of St. Xavier College, University of Calcutta and an M.B.B.S. from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University, was renowned globally for his expertise in infectious diseases.

After completing his residency in Irwin Hospital, India, he moved to the U.S. where he was an intern, resident & fellow at Martland Hospital in Newark, NJ.

He was also Assistant Chief of Medicine for the US Army in Okinawa Japan, during the Vietnam conflict.

Dr. Kapila received his UMDNJ University Appointment in 1973 and the University Hospital Appointment in 1976. He was a founding member of the New Jersey Infectious Disease Society, and also received the Excellence in Teaching Award from UMDNJ. Dr. Kapila was an attending physician and the Chair of the Infection Control Committee.

“For 50 years, Dr. Kapila served as a foundational pillar of New Jersey Medical School, the Martland Hospital and University Hospital where he provided care to tens of thousands of patients and trained numerous generations of medical students, residents and fellows,” said Rutgers University in a statement, which went on to say, “A genuine giant in the field of infectious diseases, Dr. Kapila was recognized world-wide and sought out for his legendary knowledge and extraordinary clinical acumen in diagnosing and treating the most complex infectious diseases,” Rutgers said. “Dr. Kapila founded the Division of Infectious Diseases and facilitated its continued and extraordinary growth and development into one of the leading infectious diseases programs in the country.”

Friends and colleagues are mourning his loss. Infectious disease specialists in New Jersey, Dr. Pradip Shah and Dr. Pooja Shah, gave this statement – “Dr. Kapila was a great doctor, very smart, and soft spoken. He was humble and cared about humankind, and was always caring for patients while also being helpful to all doctors. He was a true teacher, a true professor, a true genius. When there were intercity rounds for infectious disease, and the toughest cases were presented, he was the only one who was able to make a diagnosis. Dr. Kapila was a true gem for the infectious disease society and his passing is a true loss for the infectious disease world. May his sour Rest In Peace. God bless him and his family,”

From: Dr. Pardip Shah and Dr. Pooja Shah
Infectious Disease Specialists