Editor’s Note: In celebration of Doctors’ Day on March 30, Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region is highlighting Internist Nimesh Desai, MD, for living the system’s “Rooted In Community” value. 

MASSENA – Massena Hospital Internist Nimesh Desai, MD, has an ever-present smile that has been lighting up this community for over 30 years. 

Dr. Desai began his private medical practice in Massena in 1991, at which time he also received privileges to practice at Massena (Memorial) Hospital. He and fellow Internal Medicine provider Jayant Jhaveri, MD, created the St. Lawrence Internists joint practice in 2001, and they have been members of Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region Massena Hospital since January 1, 2020. 

As a field of medicine that addresses the needs of adult patients, Dr. Desai noted Internal Medicine was where he wanted to focus. 

“For many patients, their primary care providers are the initial point of contact for many health-related issues. Knowing there was a need for Internal Medicine doctors in the area, I felt practicing in Massena would give me an excellent opportunity to serve the community,” he said.  

“I have several families with multiple generations of family members who come to our practice, which is a testament of trust. Patients are looking for honest guidance for their medical care, which I feel I attempt to do,” Dr. Desai added.  

As a rural area, towns and villages in the North Country have a number of residents who have unmet healthcare needs which became evident to Dr. Desai and the late Sateesh Goswami, MD. 

“This need led us to think about starting a free clinic in Massena for uninsured adults,” he said. “We initiated the efforts to get this venture off the ground and with the help of so many volunteers and a lot of help from Massena Memorial Hospital, we opened our Free Clinic doors in 1998. The clinic is still in operation today, and we continue to try and provide free medical care to the community.  

“The North Country is a great place with wonderful people who appreciate the medical care provided locally. As a physician, I feel I get a lot of respect and love from my patients and the residents,” Dr. Desai said. “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this wonderful community.” 

Learn about all of Rochester Regional Health’s values by visiting https://www.rochesterregional.org/about/mission-vision-values.