May 27, 2015 2 min read

A longtime doctor who spent more than three decades working at his private practice and at Southwest Regional Medical Center was honored earlier this year following his recent retirement.

Dr. Shirish Desai, who specialized in urology, spent 35 years at the hospital before retiring in late December.

“It was a very difficult decision, as I love this community and Southwest Regional,” Desai said in a written statement. “However, I believe that the timing is right as I look ahead to enjoying travel and additional time with my family, especially my grandchildren.”

Earlier this year, the hospital’s medical staff and administration held a banquet dinner and presented Desai with a Howard Miller mantle clock to honor him for his service to the center and community.

Desai, who studied at the University of Cambridge in England specializing in urology, was licensed in Pennsylvania in 1980 and has since served patients at his Tricounty Urology Associates practice within the hospital. He also was named chief of surgery at both Southwest Regional Medical Center and Uniontown Hospital. In addition, he served as a member on Southwest Regional Medical Center’s Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Desai leaves an incredible legacy of providing outstanding care to our community,” Chief Medical Officer Jami Pincavitch said. “He will be missed both personally and professionally. We are eternally grateful for his many years of service and dedication.”

Desai thanked the community for its support of his practice throughout his career.

“I have always done my best to provide empathetic and compassionate care to my patients,” he said. “I want to thank my patients, the hospital and the entire community for their many years of support, friendship and trust. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling career than I have had.