R.G.Krishnan, a cardiologist, known as Gopala Krishnan for many of his friends, received the Sickman-Levin Award for Dimensions in Medicine at the Monongahela Valley Hospital’s 22nd annual gala on May 22 at the Westin Convention Center and Hotel in downtown. The award was instituted in 1988 honoring Albert Sickman and Herbert Levin, both physicians, for their contribution to healthcare in the Mon Valley.

Mr. Luis Panza, the CEO of the hospital, said in a press release, “Dr. Krishnan certainly symbolizes the qualities at the heart of the Sickman-Levin Award. His commitment to heathcare and cardiology goes far beyond direct personal care. His years of untiring service… … make it most appropriate that Dr. Krishnan receive this award. [He] … epitomizes the true meaning of helping others and the ideals of the medical profession.”

After completing his medical degree at the famous Madras Medical College in Chennai in 1970, he finished his internship in 1973 in a hospital in Yonkers, NY; his residency in a hospital in the Bronx  in1976; and his cardiology fellowship at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh in 1978.

Since his appointment to the Medical Staff at the Mon Valley Hospital in 1978, he has served the hospital in different capacities, including as the current president of the medical staff, vice president from 2004-08, and director of coronary care and progressive care unit, among others.  Since 2002, he is member of governing body of the Mon Valley Health Resources, the parent company of the hospital. Krishnan also received the special Congressional recognition during the gala from Rep. Murphy.

Married to Jyothi for 34 years, the Krishnans live in Venetia, PA, and they have two grown-up sons and a daughter.