Rasu Shrestha, MD, MBA, Atrium Health’s executive vice president and chief strategy and transformation officer, is hitting the dance floor to help launch one of the country’s most innovative medical schools in Charlotte, and to provide scholarships for its most deserving students.
Dr. Shrestha and his dance partner from the Charlotte Ballet, Sarah Hayes Harkins, have been practicing diligently as they prepare for the Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala on March 7 at the Knight Theater. They’ll compete in the dance and fundraising competition against five other pairings of corporate leaders and Charlotte Ballet dancers. Each pairing is raising money for donation to local charitable organizations.
His fancy footwork was on full display as Dr. Shrestha spun, dipped and even flipped Hayes Harkins through their choreographed routine during a practice on an early morning in February. Donning a white doctor’s coat as he danced, Dr. Shrestha says he’s being carried through the experience by his “two left feet, and the talented Sarah.”
“I dance for fun every now and then,” says Dr. Shrestha, with a humble grin. “But I'm not doing this for the dance. I'm doing this for the opportunity to really stand behind what I think is an amazing cause.”
The pair has already raised more than $88,000 for donation to the Atrium Health Medical Education Endowment. This endowment will provide scholarships for the most qualified and motivated candidates in the four-year medical school that Atrium Health will build in Charlotte.
This initiative continues to push forward Atrium Health’s “For all” mission.
“Medical education shouldn't just be for the most deserving candidates who can afford to go through medical school. It should be for everyone, for all,” Dr. Shrestha says. “The ‘For all’ mission stands true and that's what this dance is all about.”
Eugene A. Woods, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer for Atrium Health and Edward S. Kim, MD, FACP, at Levine Cancer Institute, have also participated in prior years of the Dancing with the Stars Charlotte Gala.
To donate to the cause and cast your vote for Dr. Shrestha and Hayes Harkins, click here. All ticket sales and donations received are split 50/50 with Charlotte Ballet and the Star Dancer’s chosen charity.
