Maninder Singh, MD

Maninder Singh, MD, says he chose medicine because it allows him to “make a difference in people’s lives” and is a “noble profession.” The fact that medicine is dynamic and challenging didn’t hurt either. “I enjoy the fact that medicine is constantly evolving. It never feels stagnant,” he said.

The regional education coordinator/clerkship director of medicine and assistant professor of medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Geisinger Commonwealth’s Guthrie Campus, Dr. Singh is also a practicing cardiologist. As a student at the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India, Dr. Singh said he settled on cardiology as his medical specialty for many of the same reasons he was initially drawn to becoming a doctor. “My role model in medical school was a cardiologist and I was so impressed by his depth of knowledge. I saw cardiology as one of the most progressive and rapidly evolving fields. I like that it requires knowledge of so many things, like medicine, surgery and radiology. I am never bored,” he said.

From India, Dr. Singh moved on to Singapore, where he met his wife Anuradha, now a practice administrator at Guthrie. “Living in Sayre after Singapore, you get to know how nice living in a small town can be. For instance, my wife and I walk to work together. Also, my professional satisfaction is high because my team is so excellent and amazing. In the end, you don’t miss the big-city things,” he said.

One of the things Dr. Singh appreciates most about his work at Guthrie is that he can teach residents and medical students — something that appeals to his love of an intellectual challenge. “You learn as you teach. Students ask questions that make you think. Together, everyone is learning,” he said. “When I see students struggling with a difficult concept and I can help them to understand it, that moment when you see them grasp it — now they understand it. That moment makes me smile.”

Dr. Singh said having students on his team also results in better patient care. “Most of my patients love the students because they take the time to sit and talk and connect on an emotional level. I see so many patients really open up to the students,” he said. “That’s something residents don’t often have time to do. The students make our patients feel important.”