Sapana Adhikari, MD

     Over 20 years ago, Dr. Adhikari visited Manthali for the first time, as a volunteer student. She spent time at the local health post, educating the community about family planning and distributing oral rehydration therapy. When she left, she promised that one day, she would return to help this small village. After her schooling and medical training, she returned 20 years later to fulfill her vow. She initially spent time at the hospital, treating patients and educating the staff. She then began to turn her attention to the community, and founded smartketi.

      Dr. Adhikari is a practicing Emergency Medicine physician based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout her career, she has been involved with many projects related to Nepal. In 2015, she was the medical director for the US-based Team Rubicon's disaster response, Operation Tenzin, after the devastating earthquake. She was involved in a project with We Care Solar, setting up a Solar Suitcase for Tamakoshi Cooperative Hospital. She also supports Sunapati Bhwasa Charity Medical Center in Bethan, Ramecchap and distributes medical supplies donated by Americares. 

     Dr. Adhikari is also spends a lot of time painting. She has donated art to the charity Musa Masala, to raise money for the Wongchu Sherpa Memorial hospital near Everst base camp. Her artwork has also been featured in the Frederic Jameson Gallery at Duke University and at The National Academy of Medicine.

     She loves the beautiful village of Manthali and invite anyone interested in visiting to join her.