Dr. Rupa Dainer, U.S. Navy veteran and medical director, senior patient safety physician of AstraZeneca, has joined the Board of Directors of the Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults.
Dr. Dainer has been a member of the foundation’s Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council since 2023. She will continue to work closely with the organization’s Dreams for Veterans program, raising awareness about veterans’ needs, concerns, and Dreams as they face the end of life.
“Even when they are in a situation in which their death is imminent, whether in the field of combat or their regular lives, veterans still think of others — their brothers and sisters in arms or their families and friends — above themselves,” Dr. Dainer said.
Before joining AstraZeneca, Dr. Dainer was chief of surgery for a joint venture between INOVA and Children’s National Medical Center.
During her 17 years of military service, she was chief of Pediatric Anesthesiology for Walter Reed, Bethesda, Maryland. She participated in medical missions worldwide, including Afghanistan, where her team was awarded the Presidential Joint Unit Commendation.
Dr Dainer is also an Advisory Board Member of Women Veterans in STEM for Challenge America, and an associate professor of anesthesiology at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine.
“Dr. Dainer’s extensive experience as a naval officer and military physician gives her an acute understanding of the needs of veterans and active service members facing the end of life,” said Kisa Heyer, CEO of Dream Foundation.
“Her commitment and passion to the foundation’s mission was undeniable from the start,” Heyer said. “She has already been instrumental in the growth of applicants and giving. I am honored to welcome her to the National Board of Directors.”
“The mission of Dream Foundation resonates so strongly with me,” said Dr. Dainer. “Veterans have dedicated their lives with a deep sense of service and commitment to others, and for those who are facing the end of their life, there is nothing more poignant and meaningful we can do for them than to aid in fulfilling their last dream.”