Memorial Healthcare has lost a dear colleague, friend, and supporter with the recent passing of Dr. J.M. Vachhani, retired vascular and general surgeon with Memorial Healthcare for 33 years.

“Dr. Vachhani was a loyal ambassador for Memorial Healthcare,” said Dr. J. Bustamante, Chief Medical Officer for Memorial Healthcare. “Dr. Vachhani served his patients and community with deep compassion, commitment, and friendship while fully supporting the mission and vision of Memorial Healthcare. He made a positive impact in the lives of many people throughout his career — patients, fellow physicians, employees, and those in his private life.”

Dr. Vachhani studied medicine at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. After graduating in 1975, he moved to the U.S. and completed his surgical residency at St. John Hospital in Detroit. After completing his residency, Dr. Vachhani, his wife, Denise, and family moved to Owosso, Michigan in 1984. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida in 1993.

Dr. Vachhani was a valued member of the Memorial Healthcare Medical Staff, within the department of surgery, before retiring as a practicing vascular and general surgeon. When he retired, Dr. Vachhani was a member of Owosso Surgical Associates with Dr. Walid Azmeh. After retirement, Dr. Vachhani continued to practice medicine in a volunteer capacity in Naples, Florida.

Throughout his career at Memorial Healthcare, Dr. Vachhani served as Chief of Staff and represented the Medical Staff on the Board of Trustees for 11 years serving on numerous Board and Medical Staff committees and task forces. During his 33 years working as a physician in Owosso, he founded the Physician Hospital Organization, which continues to prosper to this day.

“I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Vachhani for the majority of his career at Memorial Healthcare. Dr. Vachhani was regarded as a visionary leader, helping to position Memorial Healthcare for the many successes we are seeing today. His passion for Memorial Healthcare to remain an independent community hospital, a community in which he lived and worked, did not go unnoticed. His energy and intensity in everything he did will be greatly missed,” adds Bustamante.

Sincere condolences are extended to his wife Denise, daughters Alisha and Raina, grandchildren, and to his many extended family and friends.