The Nathaniel Bedford Primary Care Physician Award, given by the ACMS since 1975, honors a primary care physician who has demonstrated long-term dedication to the physical and psychological needs of patients.

Two other South Hills physicians also will be recognized .

Leo R. McCafferty, M.D., a plastic surgeon from Mt. Lebanon who is affiliated with St. Clair Hospital, will be installed as secretary of the medical society.

Rajiv R. Varma, M.D., a child neurologist from Upper St. Clair who is affiliated with Children's Hospital, will be installed as treasurer of the medical society.

Admitted to ACMS in 1982, Dr. Gandhi is board certified in internal, critical care and geriatric medicine. He is affiliated with Monongahela Valley Hospital and Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Gandhi is known to spend as much time as it takes to make sure his patients get the care they deserve. Thomas P. Timcho, president and CEO at Jefferson, says, "He is an extremely skilled primary care physician whose dedication to his patients is widely known and admired by the members of Jefferson community."

Cherie J. Massaro, R.Ph., echoes this sentiment, "Dr. Gandhi treats his patients as people not numbers. They are individuals given the time and attention they require regardless of how long it may take."

"He is the physician who answers the page at 2 a.m. and speaks to family members to let them know what is happening to their loved one," says Kara Anthony, one of several people who nominated Dr. Gandhi for the award. "He is also the physician who stays all night at the hospital when a patient is critically ill. He truly lives and breathes medicine."

The Allegheny County Medical Society has over 3,200 physician members from all specialties and is dedicated to providing expert advice and guidance to its membership and the community. The organization has been serving Allegheny County since 1865.