Dr Rakesh Kochhar is a prominent gastroenterologist of national repute. He retired as Professor and Head, Gastroenterology at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. He also served as sub-dean (research). He is an accomplished clinician, a keen researcher and an educationist. Having trained gastroenterologists at the PGI for over three decades he is a much respected member of the gastroenterology fraternity of the country. He was a recipient of a WHO fellowship to USA and UK, and has travelled widely.

Dr Kochhar has been an active member of Indian Society of Gastroenterology and was its President in 2020-2021. He received Life Time Achievement Award of the Society in 2022.He is also the Founder President of Crohns Colitis foundation India.He is a recipient of many awards and orations ; and a member of national guideline committees and task forces.

Dr Kochhar has a keen interest in health education. Apart from talks for lay public and students and staff of Panjab University, he has contributed to national newspapers, writing on health awareness and health policy issues. He has been a volunteer at many health camps in the tricity. Among other activities he is a strong votary for campaign against the use of ultra-processed food. He believes in holistic medicine and preventive aspects of health. His dictum is “patient first”.