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Remembering Sanjeev Vasishtha, MD
Lehigh Valley Health Network celebrates his compassion, dedication and enthusiasm for patients and colleagues
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we share with you that Sanjeev Vasishtha, MD, passed away on March 22, 2024. Dr. V, as he was affectionately called by many, just celebrated his 13th anniversary with Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) on March 21.
Dr. V was an extraordinarily well-loved pediatrician known by his patients and colleagues as a compassionate, caring and dedicated physician. He served as an engaged and enthusiastic Practice Leader at LVPG Pediatrics–Madison Farms (formerly Bethlehem Township) since 2013. He was passionate about teaching and served as the Course Director for the 4th-year Primary Care Course for the University of South Florida (USF) SELECT medical student program. He was Clinical Associate Professor with USF for over 10 years and gave numerous lectures to students and residents.
He earned his medical degree at Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University in Delhi, India. He served as a junior resident in New Delhi, India from 1988-1989. He completed a pediatric residency at LNJP Hospital New Delhi, and then practiced pediatrics in New Delhi until 1993. He moved to the United States and completed a pediatric residency program at Schneider Children’s Hospital of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in 1996.
Dr. V spent the first 15 years of his career in Utica, N.Y. as a pediatrician, Director of Pediatric Training for the Family Medicine Residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Assistant Professor for Medical Students with the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition, he served as Chair of Pediatrics at St. Elizabeth Hospital from 2009–2011.
Dr. Vasishtha truly loved being a pediatrician and felt privileged taking care of children; he always said “yes” when children needed care. In addition to his extensive responsibilities with LVPG, he also provided care on a per diem basis to pediatric patients at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hazleton, LVH–Schuylkill, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, and Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mass.
Perhaps the most striking characteristic of Dr. V was his endless positive energy and enthusiasm. He told colleagues regularly that he loved his job and would never retire. He was quick to provide a listening ear or a big hug to anyone who needed support. He was full of smiles and laughter, and his effervescent nature was contagious! He was a practitioner of laughter yoga – a perfect reflection of his approach to life.
Sanjeev will be missed tremendously by his clinician colleagues and friends, his dedicated staff and his extremely loyal patients and families. Vasishtha in Sanskrit means “most excellent” – and that is an apt descriptor of our friend Sanjeev.
Dr. Vasishtha leaves behind his wife Reema and his three sons, Suraj, Akash, and Sagar.