Upendra Thaker, MD, FIPP, CPE

Thaker joined Mount Nittany Health System in August 2010 as a clinician and director of pain management services. Since then, he has served in several leadership positions at Mount Nittany Health and is currently the Chief Medical Officer of Mount Nittany Medical Center. He has extensive experience in both clinical medicine and management roles. Throughout his career in healthcare, he has held many leadership positions including Medical Director of Operative Services, Vice president of Medical Affairs, Chief of Staff, a Board trustee and the President of Elk County Medical Society.

In his current role, he oversees operations of the hospital and the physician group, liaising between the administration and the medical staff. He oversees the training, mentoring and recruitment of physicians, ensuring that the highest quality, safety and regulatory standards are met. He reports to the CEO. In addition to his administrative role, he also continues to practice clinical medicine as an interventional pain management physician and an anesthesiologist.

Thaker is a graduate of New York Medical College. He completed his Internship and residency at Albany Medical Center, New York, in Anesthesiology and interventional pain management. He subsequently served in the United States Navy for 11 years including 4 years of active duty, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Thaker is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Pain Medicine and is a Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice from the World Institute of Pain. He is also a Certified Physician Executive from the American Association for Physician Leadership.