Dr. Siddiqi, Founder
The Beginning
From 1977 to 2022, Dr. Siddiqi’s primary objective was to deliver exceptional nephrology care, with a steadfast commitment to placing each patient’s well-being at the forefront.
In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Siddiqi served as a nephrologist with Dialysis Clinic, Inc. and held a leadership role as Co-Medical Director at Fort Sanders Kidney Center. His extensive experience also includes serving as Medical Director of Extracorporeal Technologies and Director of Nephrology at Blount Memorial Hospital.
Our Commitment
We believe that meaningful change happens through collaboration, innovation, and accountability. By partnering with organizations that share our values, the Siddiqi Charitable Foundation seeks to advance health equity, expand access to care, and promote prevention-focused solutions throughout the region.
Who We Support
The Foundation provides funding exclusively to qualifying nonprofit organizations whose missions and activities align with our charitable purpose. We do not provide funding to:
- Individuals
- Sports teams
- Political candidates or political organizations
Our goal is to invest in organizations and programs that create measurable, sustainable impact and improve long-term health outcomes in the communities we serve.
Our Board & Staff
Heetesh Patel - President/CEO
Sabrina Siddiqi - Board Chair
Dr. Marvin Vickers - Vice Chair
Carlee Alm-Labar - Secretary
Heetesh Patel
President / CEO
Sabrina Siddiqi
Board Chair
Martin Vickers
Vice Chair
I was born in Lebanon,Tennessee in 1943 and raised on a farm near Lebanon. My father was a farmer and mother a schoolteacher. I attended Major School,a three room school for elementary school and Phillips High School in Birmingham,Alabama. I received a BA and MD degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville in 1964 and 1968. From 1968 to 1975 I trained in general and vascular surgery at Parkland Hospital in Dallas,Texas with a two year stint in the US Air Force from 1970-1972. In 1975 we relocated to Knoxville,Tennessee where I practiced surgery with Drs. Charles Smeltzer and John Whittington and later with Premier Surgical Associates. In 1975 I started doing dialysis vascular access procedures for patients at the Fort Sanders Kidney Center then operated by Dr. Joe Leonard. Dr. Naseem Siddiqi joined the nephrology group about four years later. I continued doing general and vascular surgery until my retirement in 2011. I have continued to serve on the board of the Siddiqi Charitable Foundation until the present time. My wife,Darlene, and I have been married 56 years and have two children and two grandchildren. We now reside in Nashville,Tennessee.
Carlee Alm-Labar
Secretary