Velu Krishnan

To Velu Krishnan, civility means “holding space for others to feel safe, vulnerable, and comfortable to be themselves in moments where they may be going through something difficult.

While many aspects of Velu’s sense of civility come naturally to him, others have been strengthened by his lived experiences. Coming out in high school, said Velu, "has fundamentally shaped who I am today. It has allowed me to become more open and comfortable with who I am and with my interactions with others.

When he approaches a tough conversation, Velu embraces empathy, open-mindedness, and respect for personal boundaries, regardless of the other person’s beliefs or backgrounds.

He said, “This comes from my experience with my own identity as well as seeing it modeled by my family and close friends. They have shown me how being empathetic and open-minded during tough conversations can be integral to shaping the discussions’ outcomes.

As a medical student, Velu said he has learned how listening to and validating reluctant patients can help them feel confident in the care they are receiving.

Velu’s attentiveness and kind demeanor are ever-present, no matter the situation.

At a medical school event showing the importance of crisis medical care, when he saw an attendee overcome with the graphic scenes presented, Velu stepped in to make a difference.

“Velu's compassion was so authentic and calming,” said his nominator. “In a moment when things could have escalated, he made everything seem it was going to be ok, and he would help regardless.

Velu’s civil nature aligns with his calling as a healthcare professional. Above all, he wants to help others. He has served as a peer educator and he is a leader for the ScholarDocs program, where he helps local high school students learn about science and medicine.

One of Velu’s driving passions is health equity. His belief that everyone deserves access to equitable and comprehensive healthcare compelled his medical career.

With two more years of medical school left, Velu is excited to start his clinical rotations and is grateful for his peers and the incredible learning experiences he has had at Virginia Tech, which have prepared him for success as a future physician.

His nominator said, “Velu's genuine empathy, kindness and work ethic have and will continue to have an impact — not only on those who are around him, but also his future patients and community.

For living out the principle that everyone is worthy of respect and care, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for Practice CIVILITY to Velu Krishnan.