10 Questions with Rakesh Kannan
In recognition of February Heart Month, Executive Director of Cardiovascular Services Rakesh Kannan shares his own heart-healthy habits and his vision for advancing heart care through innovation, transparency and teamwork.
When Rakesh Kannan reflects on what first drew him to healthcare, the answer is simple: helping people when they need it most.
Long before he became Executive Director of Cardiovascular Services at Cape Cod Healthcare, Rakesh began his career as a nuclear medicine technologist, working directly with patients on the front lines. “My motivation came from the desire to help others, especially when they are most vulnerable,” says Rakesh. That commitment to service helped shape the next two decades of his career, including leadership roles in radiology at Mass General Brigham in Boston.
Over time, his perspective shifted from caring for patients one-on-one to supporting the teams who care for them. “In leadership, you don’t always get that immediate gratification,” he says. “But you’re still making a difference—you’re helping staff who help patients” and that provides a different type of gratification.
After more than 20 years with one organization, Rakesh embraced a new challenge last June, joining Cape Cod Healthcare in a broader service line leadership role. The move felt natural and connected, given how closely diagnostic imaging aligns with heart care.
The move from a large academic medical center to a community-based system has been both refreshing and meaningful. “The Cape is unique,” he says. “There’s a closeness here—patients know their providers, and teams have worked together for years. That sense of connection really matters.”
Since arriving, Kannan has overseen a major milestone: the go-live of Epic Cupid, the cardiology module within the Epic electronic medical record. The implementation brings clinical documentation, structured reporting, supply tracking and charge reconciliation into one integrated system—improving efficiency and standardization across the cardiovascular program.
But at the heart of his work is something more meaningful.
“Even on the toughest days,” he says, “knowing we’re making a difference in patients’ lives is what keeps me motivated.”
We recently sat down with Rakesh at his office at 60A Park in Hyannis, where he shared his own heart-healthy habits and his vision for moving heart care forward through innovation, transparency and teamwork.
1. What motivates you on the most challenging days?
Knowing that we are making a difference in patients’ lives. No matter what operational challenges arise, we’re still helping people.
2. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep moving forward despite the obstacles in life.
3. What’s one word you try to bring into your leadership style?
Transparency. I believe in sharing the “why” behind decisions and making sure people understand the reasoning.
4. What’s something that always makes you smile at work?
My staff and the amazing work they do.
5. If coworkers described your work style in one phrase, what would they say?
Detail-oriented. I try to understand every process in detail and that helps me make more informed decisions.
6. What excites you most about what’s next for cardiovascular care?
The potential of AI in healthcare—from prevention to procedural innovation—and how it can enhance patient care.
7. What’s one heart-healthy habit you try to maintain?
Staying active. I try to walk 30 to 45 minutes a day and be mindful of what I eat.
8. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
A morning person—definitely. I am up at 4 a.m. I usually arrive at work at 6 a.m. to catch up on emails when it’s quiet.
9. How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
Spending time with my wife and our little 13-year-old Chihuahua, Penelope.
10. If you had a completely free day on Cape Cod, how would you spend it?
Sitting along the bike path by the Canal, watching the bike riders and the boats go by, and taking in the scenery. We are also big campers and enjoy campgrounds in Bourne, Brewster and up North at Salisbury Beach.
