Rajan Kochar, MD, with the Gastroenterology department was presented the A. Raymond Eveloff Award for Clinical Excellence on Nov. 5 after being nominated by his peers.

Each year, a physician who has gone above and beyond to ensure the health and well-being of our patients and is an active leader in both our organization and communities is selected for the award.

"He is genuinely empathetic, takes the time to build real rapport with his patients, communicates clearly and makes sure they feel like partners in their own care decisions," says nominator Digantkumar Patel, MD, Hospital Medicine. "On more than one occasion, I’ve had our shared patients tell me directly how much they appreciate him, and that kind of unsolicited praise says a lot about the trust he earns." 

Dr. Kochar is also deeply involved in both the gastroenterology department and Springfield Clinic partnership. He has served as a Springfield Clinic Board member, member of the Springfield Clinic Board Executive Committee, Springfield Clinic Gastroenterology Department chair, member of the Springfield Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center Committee and member of the Springfield Clinic Finance Committee. "His willingness to take on this kind of responsibility reflects how much he cares about the future of the Clinic," says Dr. Patel.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Kochar is involved in charity efforts for Chatham Strong, the Springfield and Chatham police departments, Compass for Kids and the YMCA, among others. "In my opinion, Dr. Rajan Kochar is a shining star of Springfield Clinic," Dr. Patel says.

Congratulations, Dr. Kochar! 

Take a few minutes to watch the heartwarming video below.