CS Major Neal Rangarajan Combines Computer Science and Medicine 

In a small gym in College Park, between sets on the bench press, Neal Vittal Rangarajan opened an email that would change the course of his academic career. It was confirmation of his acceptance into the University of Maryland’s inaugural B.S.-M.D. cohort, a newly launched program that integrates engineering, data science or computer science backgrounds with medical training.

Rangarajan, a computer science major at UMD, had followed the program’s development through a pre-med Canvas page. The message marked more than just an academic milestone; it opened the door to a path he had long been exploring: the intersection of medicine and technology.

From Robotics to Real-World Care

Growing up in Fremont, California, Rangarajan’s interest in computing began in elementary school through the FIRST LEGO League. What started with Lego robotics competitions eventually evolved into more complex systems and coding challenges.

In high school, a summer program at Johns Hopkins introduced him to the Da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic device used for minimally invasive surgeries. The experience left an impression.

“It made me explore medicine a little bit more,” Rangarajan said. “That kind of solidified my idea of, ‘OK, I want to pursue computer science so that I can pursue something biomedical or even medical.’”

He also developed an interest in emergency response and firefighting, which led him to consider how computational tools might support time-sensitive medical care.

Intersection of Disciplines

When the university announced the B.S.-M.D. program, which emphasized innovation at the intersection of computing and medicine, Rangarajan recognized the alignment with his goals.

“I thought I should apply,” he said. “Their goals are actually to make a lot of innovations in the medical field that are based on computer science and bioengineering. That felt kind of perfect for me.”

The program prepares students for medical school through clinical service, research and community engagement, particularly focusing on students from STEM disciplines. Rangarajan was one of seven students accepted, and one of just two from computer science and mathematics.

“Before I got into the program, I didn’t know anyone in engineering or CS that was pre-med,” he said. “Now I kind of have a community that’s tackling the same sort of challenges.”

He said the structured support and access to like-minded peers made the acceptance feel like more than just admission, but a step toward collaboration and shared purpose.

Designing Solutions

Rangarajan’s academic interests now focus on two key areas: emergency medical services and neurology. He believes both fields offer potential for technological innovation.

“There are a lot of aspects toward emergency care that could be automated or, if not automated, at least assisted,” he said.

He pointed to the Lucas device, a machine that performs automated chest compressions during CPR, as an example of how technology is already playing a role in emergency medicine. But, he said, systems for ventilation or defibrillation still rely heavily on manual procedures, which he believes could be enhanced through computer science applications.

Observing Disparities

Rangarajan is currently training to become an emergency medical technician and now responds to 911 calls across Alameda County in the San Francisco area. He described the city as a place with vast economic diversity, and corresponding gaps in access to emergency care.

“If someone in a less fortunate community had some sort of trauma call, and you have to drive two hours to your nearest trauma center, that patient could very well die,” Rangarajan said. “So for that simple reason, access to care is super important.”

He said those experiences have shaped his view of the health care system’s inequalities. While he acknowledged that he hasn’t been personally affected, witnessing the system’s challenges in real time has motivated his commitment to improving it.

The B.S.-M.D. program includes a focus on working with marginalized populations through coordinated service projects, an aspect Rangarajan said aligns with his goals.

“I think it’s important,” he said. “It’s something that we do need to focus on, and I’m excited to do it in this program.”

Balancing Tech with Empathy

The B.S.-M.D. program also asks students to consider the role of empathy in medical care, a concept that can be difficult to reconcile with technical training. But Rangarajan believes computational tools can support empathy by relieving some of the burden doctors face in overcrowded hospitals.

“There are a lot of patients who do not get seen as rapidly as they would like to,” he said. “If we ramp up the number of visits doctors could do, while maintaining the quality, that would help.” 

He pointed to short visit times in modern medical settings, where patients may only see a doctor for a few minutes. Digital health tools, including telehealth and e-visits, could allow for more flexibility in care while preserving the human connection.

“Some people want to talk about things that require more time,” he said. “That’s a place where computer science could help.”

Preparing for What Comes Next

Rangarajan hasn’t yet identified a faculty mentor but has been in touch with a UMD computer science alumnus now pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D. at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. That connection has helped him navigate questions about combining two demanding disciplines.

“There’s a lot of coursework that’s difficult,” he said. “But there’s also a lot of opportunity for cross-disciplinary research and development.”

Looking ahead, Rangarajan said he hopes to divide his time between working directly with patients in emergency care and contributing to computational research.

“There are specific journals toward EMS, and every single year, new CPR techniques or innovations come out,” Rangarajan said. “I’d like to benefit from that research and improve the lives of people who need rapid care.”

For Rangarajan, the future lies in forging connections between medicine and technology, patients and systems, research and practice. The B.S.-M.D. program, he said, offers the structure and community to do just that.

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications