Havaldars honored for foundation gift

SUBMITTED PHOTO
Dr. Kanti Havaldar, holding plaque, and his wife, Kokila Havaldar, center right, are shown standing with their children and grandchildren and members of the St. Francis Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and SSM Health St. Francis Medical Group administration. The Havaldars were recently recognized for making a $25,000 donation to the foundation.

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Dr. Kanti Havaldar, along with his wife, Kokila, and the couple’s family were recently recognized for making a $25,000 gift to the St. Francis Hospital Foundation, which serves as the fundraising arm for SSM Health St. Francis Hospital.

The donation will go toward efforts to implement the hospital’s facilities master plan.

In recognition of the couple’s generosity, plaques will be placed at the entrances of the St. Clare Room on the hospital’s medical/surgical floor.

“Through their meaningful support, the Havaldars are helping to shape the future of SSM Health St. Francis Hospital,” said Mike Baumgartner, foundation executive director and hospital president. “This gift comes at a time where expansion of our facilities and service lines is critical to our success.”

During his career as a physician, Havaldar has dedicated 40 years of service in internal medicine to St. Francis and the Maryville community. When he arrived in Maryville in 1976, he was one of only seven doctors here.

“When I came to visit Maryville, I met with the doctors, looked at the numbers, and realized they needed me here, and that I would have a lot of work,” Havaldar said. “Because of my internal medicine specialty, I was able to see and serve many patients in the community.”

The Havaldar’s two children grew up in Maryville. Dr. Sanjay Havaldar and Dr. Abha Havaldar both went on to become gastroenterologists and practice in Springfield and St. Joseph respectively.

Kokila Havaldar served as the office manager for her husband’s practice from 1985 to 2005. She has also been an active member of the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary, serving two terms as president.

Currently serving his third generation of families, Dr. Havaldar said he is pleased to be able to contribute to his community in a way that will enhance healthcare for area residents.

“This community is where I grew up, and it’s my home,” he said. “This is a way for us to give back to the community for ongoing improvements to patient care.”