Celebrating 30+ years of service

Raja Hanania has a strong legacy at IU Health Bloomington Hospital.

For more than three decades, pharmacist Raja Hanania has been a constant presence at IU Health Bloomington Hospital as a trusted expert in the Intensive Care unit, a leader in diabetes care and a mentor to countless team members and students. His path to pharmacy began long before his first day on the job.

Hanania grew up watching his father work as a pharmacist for over 40 years. He admired the way his father cared for patients with respect and genuine dedication. “I owe it all to him,” Hanania says. Inspired by that example, he pursued pharmacy with a deep appreciation for both science and service.

A lover of chemistry from an early age, Hanania went on to become the first undergraduate foreign pharmacy graduate from the University of Iowa, earning his degree in 1989. Shortly after, a position opened at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. The director at the time encouraged Hanania to take the leap and assured him he would be well-trained and supported.

Within a few years, Hanania was promoted to the clinical director of Pharmacy. Although he valued the leadership experience, he eventually found himself missing direct patient interaction, which drew him back to critical care pharmacy.

When asked why he has stayed at IU Health Bloomington Hospital for more than 30 years, Hanania’s answer is simple: the culture. Over time, he helped foster a remarkable transformation in team collaboration. One of his fondest professional memories is what he calls “the trio”: a pharmacist, a nurse and a physician who regularly presented together at Purdue University’s School of Pharmacy. That partnership helped elevate interdisciplinary collaboration and improved patient care.

Of course, not all of his memories are professional. In 1995, Hanania’s son was born at IU Health Bloomington Hospital—a moment he described as one of the most beautiful of his life. The hospital has been both his workplace and a meaningful part of his family’s story. His legacy of care extends to his daughter as well. Dina Hanna launched her nursing career with IU Health Cardiology and recently marked her 10‑year anniversary as the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Ambulatory Care manager with IU Health Medical Group in Carmel, Indiana.

Today, Hanania continues to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. He has taught at Purdue University, Butler University and IU School of Medicine, sharing insights from decades of hands-on experience. His advice for emerging pharmacists is to keep pushing forward and achieving new goals. After 30+ years, Hanania remains a model of dedication, collaboration and lifelong learning.