UPIKE appoints local pediatrician to board of trustees

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) has announced the appointment of Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva as the newest member of the board of trustees.

This appointment promises to deepen the relationship Sachdeva has with the university, as he already serves as the founding chair, clinical professor and course director of the Division of Pediatrics at the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM).

“The University of Pikeville is pleased to welcome such a long-time and beloved member of our community to the board of trustees,” stated UPIKE President Dr. Burton J. Webb. “Dr. Sachdeva has cared for children in this community for many years. His love of education in general and higher education, in particular, is well known. We look forward to working with him on many different projects as the years progress.”

For 25 years, Sachdeva and his wife Dr. Seema Sachdeva have served the Pikeville community, caring for countless children. His accomplished career in pediatric medicine includes establishing the Physicians for Children and Adolescents in Pikeville, which is one of the largest pediatric practices in Eastern Kentucky. He has mentored and precepted more than 100 graduates of KYCOM currently pursuing pediatric residencies or have become practicing pediatricians.

UPIKE remains committed to preparing students for the future while creating intellectual, cultural and economic opportunities for Appalachia. Sachdeva is eager to take on this new role with UPIKE and says he is amazed by the progress and advancement the university has made over the years, especially in the area of health sciences.

“I am honored and humbled by my nomination to the board of trustees at the University of Pikeville. The university is an educational gem in Central Appalachia,” Sachdeva said. “Their impact on healing, alleviating suffering, and improving the quality of lives of the folks in Kentucky, Appalachia, and elsewhere is being felt now and will be a blessing for the generations to come. I am looking forward to serving the university with my experience and insight into healthcare and supporting our university family in its mission, vision and future endeavors.”