The Long Island medical community and many across the United States are mourning the sudden and heartbreaking death of Dr. Shridevi Singh, a highly respected Breast Surgical Oncologist and Board-Certified Surgeon, who reportedly died in an apparent suicide. Her tragic passing has left a deep void in the hearts of her patients, colleagues, and loved ones, as they remember her for her compassion, intellect, and tireless advocacy for women’s health and breast cancer awareness.
Dr. Singh’s death has sent shockwaves through the Long Island healthcare community, particularly among those at the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for Long Island, Inc., where she served as a dedicated and beloved Board Member. Her colleagues described her as a bright light whose kindness and professionalism deeply impacted everyone she worked with.
A Profound Loss to the Medical and Breast Cancer Advocacy Community
The West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for Long Island, Inc. released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and honoring Dr. Singh’s legacy:
“It is with profound sadness that we remember Dr. Shridevi Singh, a cherished member of the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for Long Island, Inc. Board of Directors, whose passing has left an immeasurable void in our community,” the organization shared.
They continued,
“Dr. Singh was not only a dedicated and compassionate physician who specialized in women’s breast health but also a tireless advocate for education, early detection, and compassionate care. Her expertise, warmth, and empathy touched the lives of countless women and families across Long Island.”
The Coalition emphasized Dr. Singh’s instrumental role in advancing their mission to educate and support women affected by breast cancer.
“As a volunteer member of our Board of Directors, Dr. Singh gave generously of her time, wisdom, and heart. She was present at every event, instrumental in guiding our programs and initiatives, and always led with integrity, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women facing breast cancer,” the statement continued.
They added that her sudden passing at such a young age is a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be, yet her legacy will remain as a beacon of hope and compassion.
“Her legacy of care, compassion, and service will continue to inspire all of us at the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition and the many people whose lives she touched. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Dr. Singh will forever remain in our hearts and in the ongoing mission she so deeply believed in — supporting, educating, and caring for women in need. May her memory be a blessing.”
A Life of Dedication, Compassion, and Achievement
Dr. Shridevi Singh was more than a surgeon — she was a visionary advocate for women’s breast health, combining her surgical expertise with a deeply empathetic approach to patient care. As a Society of Surgical Oncology Fellowship-Trained Breast Surgical Oncologist and Board-Certified Surgeon, she specialized in breast cancer and benign breast disease surgeries, often employing advanced oncoplastic techniques and aesthetic scar placements to help women heal both physically and emotionally.
She practiced in West Islip, Long Island, where she built a reputation for personalized, patient-centered care. Her approach focused on education, prevention, and shared decision-making, ensuring that every patient felt informed, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
Dr. Singh cared for a broad range of patients — from those diagnosed with breast cancer to individuals at high risk for developing the disease. Her emphasis on evidence-based medicine and compassionate communication made her one of the most trusted breast surgeons in the region.
Academic Excellence and Early Achievements
Dr. Singh’s remarkable journey in science and medicine began at Queens College in New York, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and Biochemistry. Her academic excellence and passion for discovery earned her the Young Scientist Award, recognizing her potential and contributions to scientific research.
During her undergraduate studies, she was also awarded a research grant from The Explorer’s Club for her fieldwork endeavors — a prestigious recognition that highlighted her drive for exploration and innovation. Furthermore, she was selected as a National Science Foundation-URM Fellow, a competitive research program with an acceptance rate of just 3%, emphasizing her extraordinary academic caliber.
Following her undergraduate success, Dr. Singh attended the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, where she completed her medical degree. Her foundational medical training took place in St. Maarten, while her clinical rotations were completed across hospitals in New York.
Even during her medical education, Dr. Singh stood out as a leader. She volunteered for numerous community outreach programs focused on patient education and healthcare awareness, and her commitment to service and scholarship earned her induction into the Alpha Omega Phi Honor Society, recognizing her leadership, academic excellence, and humanitarian values.
Surgical Training and Professional Excellence
Dr. Singh’s surgical residency took place at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York — a Level I Trauma Center known for its rigorous training environment. There, she distinguished herself not only as a skilled surgeon but also as an educator and researcher.
During her training, she published two surgical education book chapters and six peer-reviewed journal articles, contributing valuable insights to the surgical field. Her scholarly work and leadership were further recognized when she presented at several national surgical conferences, where she received the Best Presentation Award. As Chief Surgical Resident, she was also honored with a Resident Teaching Award, reflecting her ability to inspire and mentor others.
Dr. Singh then advanced her career with a Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Surgery Fellowship at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. There, she refined her expertise in oncoplastic breast surgery, breast reconstruction techniques, and multidisciplinary cancer management.
Her professional affiliations were extensive, including memberships with the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, American College of Surgeons, and the Association of Women Surgeons — reflecting her dedication to continued learning and excellence in her field.
Remembering Dr. Singh’s Legacy
Throughout her career, Dr. Singh was deeply committed to helping women navigate the emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer. Patients often described her as warm, approachable, and compassionate — a physician who treated them like family.
Her ability to blend medical expertise with empathy made her a trusted figure in the community. Many of her patients have shared heartfelt tributes, expressing gratitude for the care and reassurance she provided during some of their most difficult times.
Her colleagues remember her not only as a gifted surgeon but also as a mentor, educator, and friend who uplifted those around her. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the medical community and advocacy organizations, all emphasizing her generosity, compassion, and enduring impact.
Mental Health Awareness and Final Reflections
While the circumstances surrounding Dr. Singh’s death are still being processed by those close to her, reports indicate that she died in an apparent suicide. Her loss serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, even among those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
The stress and emotional toll of medical professions, especially in oncology, can be immense. Advocates and colleagues are urging for greater mental health support for healthcare workers following this tragedy.
Dr. Singh’s story underscores the need for compassion not only toward patients but also toward the caregivers, doctors, and medical professionals who face the invisible weight of their work every day.
As the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition beautifully stated,
“Her legacy of care, compassion, and service will continue to inspire all of us… Dr. Singh will forever remain in our hearts.”
Final Words
Dr. Shridevi Singh’s life was one of excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her patients and community. Though her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her influence will live on through the many lives she touched — from her patients and colleagues to the women she empowered through education and advocacy.
Her story will remain a testament to the power of empathy, the importance of mental health awareness, and the lasting impact one person can make through service and kindness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or depression, please reach out for help. In the United States, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — simply call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors.
