Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is honored to recognize R.V. Mettu, MD, for his 25 years of dedication and commitment to PMC’s Sleep Center.
Together with his wife Jyothi Mettu, MD, the two have changed the landscape of sleep medicine in the region.
“PMC has been fortunate to have such talented physicians dedicate their careers to PMC and the sleep lab,” said CEO and Board of Directors Vice President, Donovan Blackburn.
Dr. R.V. Mettu has been practicing medicine for a total of 37 years. Dr. R.V. Mettu met Dr. Jyothi Mettu in medical school in India. They received the blessing of their families to follow their dream to practice medicine and make a difference in the lives of others in the United States.
They began their journey in New Jersey caring for patients training in their respective fields. Shortly after, they became devoted members of this community and PMC in July 1982.
“We visited Pikeville after receiving an invitation from a friend. We recognized the need of patients in the community and the difference we could make in their lives,” said Dr. R.V. Mettu.
He said initially he came to Pikeville to treat patients with pulmonary and critical care needs. He began working in PMC’s Critical Care Unit. Dr. Jyothi Mettu started to treat pediatric patients in the area.
“I noticed a significant number of patients suffering from sleep disorders. I was sending patients to Lexington to have sleep studies done,” said Dr. R.V. Mettu. “I recognized the need for a sleep lab in Pikeville and the impact and improvement it could make for the patients in this region.”
He took all proper courses and training and certifications so he could improve the quality of life for his patients.
“My main goal was to implement a sleep lab to benefit the people in the area and allow them to receive care for sleep disorders without having to travel,” added Dr. R.V. Mettu.
PMC’s Sleep Center was established in 1994 to diagnose and treat respiratory sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. At that time, Dr. R.V. Mettu was named Medical Director of the Sleep Lab.
In 1995, PMC’s Sleep Lab received accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
The AASM is the gold standard by which the medical community and the public evaluate sleep medicine facilities. Achieving AASM accreditation demonstrates a sleep medicine provider’s commitment to high-quality patient care.
PMC’s Sleep Center has maintained accreditation since 1994, receiving a thorough review every five years.
The center has doubled in size to meet the demands of patients requiring sleep services.
In 2001, Studies regarding children facing sleep disorders became more prevalent. Dr. Jyothi Mettu recognized an increase in the need to treat pediatric patients with sleep disorders in the area.
“I started to see more and more children whom I felt were suffering from sleep disorders. I knew I needed to take action and make getting treatment easier for my patients,” said Dr. Jyothi Mettu. “The closest place to send children for a sleep study at the time was Louisville. ”
In 2005, Dr. Jyothi Mettu took all the necessary steps, training and certifications to treat patients for sleep disorders.
Dr. Jyothi Mettu became one of less than 100 people certified in the United States to treat Pediatric Sleep disorders at that time.
She joined Dr. R.V. Mettu at the sleep centers, growing the lab exponentially to accommodate adults and pediatric patients.
“If we had it to do all over, we would do it again. It was our dream to help improve the quality of life for patients,” said Dr. R.V. Mettu. “The ability to help people improve the quality of sleep we have witnessed over the years is second to none.”
Dr.’s R.V. and Jyothi Mettu are both well respected in Pikeville and the community for their dedication to PMC and the community.
In addition to providing care to the region, the two spend time demonstrating many acts of kindness and participate in charitable events giving back to the community.
“Dr.’s R.V. and Jyothi Mettu exhibit a lifetime of dedication to the region and PMC,” said Blackburn. “There are very few people like them in the world. I want to fully express gratitude for the incredible loyalty and passion the two have demonstrated for 25 years to this organization and community.”
Dr. Jyothi Mettu has retired and is now serving on the Board of Directors at PMC.
“I am honored to serve on the board for PMC. It is a way I continue to serve and give back,” said Dr. Jyothi Mettu. “I am still able to be involved in things that are near to my heart, and that is healthcare and children.”
She says she looks forward to being a part of the growth of PMC and continuing to improve the lives of people in the area.
Dr. R.V. Mettu continues to treat patients at PMC’s Sleep Center.
“We are currently improving ways to conduct sleep studies for patients,” said Dr. R.V. Mettu. “At this time, we can conduct home sleep studies whenever indicated and provide in lab service for patients.”
He says he, along with the staff, is continually looking for ways to improve the lives of those in the region suffering from sleep disorders.
“I have been blessed to be a member of this community and PMC,” said Dr. R.V. Mettu. “I am thankful for the support from CEO Donovan Blackburn, COO Kansas Justice and all of the administration for their dedication to the well- being of our patients.
He says the dedication, leadership and commitment is an integral part of the Sleep Center’s success.
“Over the years, we have had an incredible staff who helped maintain standards and quality care to our patients,” Dr. R.V. Mettu said. “Success is only possible with the support of great staff and over the years we have had some of the best.”
He says he would like to recognize Dwight Buckley, Todd Werner, Faye Hagerman, Patricia Stuartson, Margaret Ashby, Kim Jacobs, Kay Casebolt, Linda Greer and Susan Varney for their dedication to PMC’s Sleep Center.
For more information about PMC’s Sleep Center or to schedule an appointment, call 606-218-3989 or visit www.pikevillehospital.org.
