PHOTOS: CHS Turns Out for Dr. Sibu Saha Recognition Ceremony

It all started with a lunch on Oct. 18, 2018.

That’s when Scott Lephart, PhD and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, met with Sibu Saha, MD, FACS — a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon who was a Professor of Surgery and Bioengineering, as well as Director of Medical Student Cardiothoracic Research and Advising.

The idea? That Saha — a longtime advocate for the Physician Assistant studies Department here in the College — could help expand the program, and maybe even create a residency, something that was much needed across the Commonwealth.

By all accounts, the conversation was a launching point.

The result? With the help of David Fahringer, Dr. W. Scott Black and others, the department created the PA Residency Program, which two years later graduated its first students. Today, 42 students have completed, or are in the process of completing, the program, a “remarkable accomplishment” for the College, according to Lephart.

It was just one of many reasons that more than 60 faculty, staff and friends of the College came out this month for a recognition ceremony for Saha.

In May, the College announced the naming of the Division of Physician Assistant Studies Post-Graduate Education in honor of Saha. Thursday night, the doctor’s family, as well as friends and colleagues, attended the event in his honor. 

“I would like to thank you all for being here for this celebration,” Saha said. “I always say, I was born and raised in India. I was educated in America. I was loved in Kentucky.”

PA 50th Anniversary Gala

Join us in the Physician Assistant studies Department as we celebrate our 50th anniversary! On Saturday, Oct. 25, we are hosting a gala event to commemorate the occasion — purchase tickets and RSVP here (early bird pricing ends Sept. 15).