Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan – A Leading Infectious Disease Specialist in Chennai

In the healthcare sector, choosing the right doctor often makes the difference. At Capsuleinfo, one of the frequently asked questions from patients is, "who would you recommend as a trusted doctor in Chennai?" More often than not, we get questions about doctors in infectious and tropical medicine. The name that always comes up is Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan, a well-respected consultant physician based at Apollo Hospitals in Kilpauk. With over 20 years of experience and local and overseas training, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan is a key figure in managing complex infections, while still ensuring a caring approach towards treating her patients. 

Specialization

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan is best known for her expertise in infectious and tropical medicine. Her work covers a wide spectrum, including:

• General medicine consultations for long-term health concerns.
  
  
• Diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and tropical fevers.
  
  
• Preventive care through vaccinations, travel medicine, and infection risk counseling.
  
  

Her patients often appreciate how she simplifies complex medical issues. Instead of overwhelming them with technical terms, she focuses on clear explanations that help people make confident decisions about their health.

Services

At Apollo First Med Hospitals in Kilpauk, Chennai, Dr. Balakrishnan provides:

• Comprehensive consultations for infectious and tropical diseases.
  
  
• Preventive health advice for individuals traveling to high-risk areas.
  
  
• Long-term management of chronic infections with evidence-based methods.
  
  

Appointments are available Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with consultation fees starting at ₹1000.

Education

Dr. Balakrishnan’s academic journey reflects her dedication to excellence:

• MBBS – The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, 2001
  
  
• MD (General Medicine) – Madras Medical College, 2005
  
  
• DNB (General Medicine) – National Board of Examination, 2005
  
  
• MRCP (UK) – Royal College of Physicians, London, 2010
  
  
• FRCP – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, 2014
  
  
• Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Health – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 2015
  
  

Her international training, especially in the UK, adds global perspectives to her practice in Chennai.

Experience

Over the years, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan has worked in some of the most respected medical institutions in India:

• Christian Medical College Hospital – Lecturer in Internal Medicine (2005–2006)
  
  
• Rajiv Gandhi Medical College Hospital – Assistant Professor (2007–2008)
  
  
• Sri Ramachandra University – Assistant Professor (2008–2009)
  
  
• Apollo Hospitals – Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases (2010–2018)
  
  
• SIMS and Cloudnine Hospitals – Consultant roles in 2017–2018
  
  

Today, she practices primarily at Apollo Hospitals, Kilpauk, where she continues to treat a wide range of patients with dedication.

Awards and Memberships

Her professional achievements include recognition and memberships that highlight her commitment:

• Fellow of Indian Medical Association of Specialities (2015)
  
  
• Member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
  
  
• Active participant in the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS)
  
  

These affiliations keep her updated on global research and ensure her patients receive care aligned with international standards.

Patient-Centered Approach

Dr. Balakrishnan is described by her colleagues and patients as approachable and compassionate. She prioritizes listening before treating. As she said during one of her patient education lectures,

"Medicine is more than prescribing medications; it is about helping the patient understand their illness so they can take more control and manage it better."