South Nassau Dedicates Library To Rockville Centre Physician

Earlier this month, family, friends, physicians, hospital staff and board members joined together at South Nassau Communities Hospital to celebrate the naming and dedication of the hospital’s medical library in honor of Dr. Harbhajan Singh.

While patients remember Singh, a pulmonologist, for his compassionate and expert medical care, his peers and staff who worked side-by-side with him at South Nassau for more than half of his 52-year career in medicine, attest that they were inspired by his steadfast pursuit to learn more and to understand more and to put that knowledge to work to raise the quality and standard of medical care that he provided his patients.

“When we look at the history and growth of South Nassau Communities Hospital, they are indelibly marked with Dr. Singh’s passion for patient-centered medicine and devotion to the hospital’s mission and vision,” said Richard J. Murphy, hospital president and CEO. “On behalf of South Nassau physicians, staff and board members past, present and future, I salute Dr. Singh for his exemplary career in medicine. It is our honor that we now call this the Harbhajan Singh, MD, Medical Library. “

Singh joined South Nassau in 1977, and from that year on he was a dependable, wise source of leadership, demonstrating a zeal for medical innovation centered on patient-centered care. During his more than 30 years at South Nassau, Singh held staff appointments as President of the Medical Staff, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine, Director of the Respiratory Therapy Department and Chairman of the Respiratory Therapy Committee, among many others. Through those appointments, Singh mentored numerous staff physicians and served as a catalyst behind South Nassau’s growth and expansion, which continues today.

A native of India, Singh began his career in medicine upon graduating from Amristar Medical College in 1963, working as an internist in New Delhi. In 1968, he migrated to the United States with his wife Naginder, and they settled in Rockville Centre. While she raised their sons, Charnjit (C.J.) and Sarbjit, Singh completed residency training in internal medicine and a fellowship in pulmonary medicine, soon thereafter he opened a medical office on Merrick Road, later moving to Hempstead Avenue in Lynbrook, providing specialized care in pulmonary and internal medicine.

Inspired by his father’s love for medicine and the compassionate care that he provided his patients, C.J. chose a career in medicine as well. He has been an attending physician at South Nassau, specializing in gastroenterology, for almost two decades. Sarbjit is a tenured professor at Farmingdale State College in Sports Business. Naginder has worked in an array of volunteer capacities for South Nassau.

“The naming and dedication of the medical library in Dr. Singh’s honor will serve as a constant reminder of his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership to build on the hospital's tradition of excellence in health care,” said Adhi Sharma, MD, chief medical officer.

The Harbhajan Singh, MD Medical Library offers a collection of books, journals (both print and online) and access to clinical databases. The library’s mission is to meet the ongoing information needs of physicians and other clinical staff in support of patient care, teaching, learning, and research.

Photos: South Nassau Communities Hospital