DOCTORS OF INTEREST
The PATRIOTIC DOC
Dr. Shamsher Singh has practiced dermatology in Port St. Lucie since 1980. He has always been inspired by Mother Teresa’s giving nature and life of charity.
BY RACHEL CUCCURULLO
Originally from Delhi, India, where he studied medicine,
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a young Dr. Shamsher Singh moved to Brooklyn
to complete his medical residency at the State
University of New York Health Science Center. After four
tough winters in the North, he made his way down to sunny
Florida in 1980.
“One year, they counted only 29 sunny days for the whole
year! There was not a dermatologist in Port Saint Lucie, so I
decided to move my family down here and opened my office,”
Singh says with a smile. “I’ve been in this current location
off of Hillmoor Drive, next to St. Lucie Medical Center,
for 36 years.”
Singh moved to the area with his wife, son and daughter.
He recalled that the Treasure Coast was very quiet, ideal for
families, and had a population of roughly 7,000 people. His
life was centered around family, taking the kids to afterschool
activities like karate and Eagle Scouts, and keeping up
with schoolwork.
“There is not much time for anything else when you have
ANTHONY INSWASTY
two young kids in school,” he says. “It wasn’t until they were
teenagers that I became more involved with volunteer work.”
Growing up in India, Singh’s family was acquainted with
Mother Teresa. He had met her several times between childhood
and adulthood, and he has kept letters sent to him from
her. Singh mentioned that she is one of his biggest inspirations
to help others.
One of Singh’s earliest humanitarian ventures was with
HANDS of St. Lucie County, a local non-profit that provides
access to healthcare for low-income adult residents. HANDS
was at risk of completely shutting down its operation, but
Singh created a matching challenge wherein he donated
$10,000. That amount was more than doubled and allowed
for the non-profit to keep its doors open to the public.
In 2004, when the area experienced the wrath of backto
back hurricanes, Singh donated $250,000 to the St. Lucie
Board of County Commissioners. The unpublicized donation
was used to provide assistance to senior citizens in need. He
has also been quite involved with Boy Scout Troop 772, offer-
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Treasure Coast Medical Report