Dr. Jasbir Makar 

Dr. Jasbir S. Makar is a testament to the American dream—realized through perseverance, hard work, and a lifelong commitment to healing.

Born on June 23, 1944, in India, Dr. Makar was raised in Kotkapura, Punjab, where his passion for medicine first took root.

After completing his pre-medical studies, he earned a medical degree from Glancy Medical College in Amritsar, Punjab, in 1966. Following a six-month internship, he began his journey in American medicine with a one-year internship at Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville, Ohio, starting on July 1, 1967.

Dr. Makar’s advanced medical training took place over four years at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA—two years in Internal Medicine, followed by two years specializing in Cardiovascular Diseases. He had the privilege of training under the esteemed cardiologist Dr. Don Fisher and his dedicated team. He later achieved board certifications in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases.

On July 1, 1972, Dr. Makar  joined the medical staff at Weirton General Hospital in Weirton, WV, at the invitation of Dr. Arthur Phillips. Recognizing the region’s urgent need for advanced cardiac care—and with the support of hospital administrator Mr. Charles Okey— Dr. Makar established Weirton’s first cardiac catheterization laboratory in 1973. This was the first facility of its kind in the tri-state area.

For more than 53 years, he has proudly served the Weirton community and its surrounding areas, delivering dedicated care in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 4,000 cardiac catheterization procedures and treated a wide spectrum of heart conditions with compassion and expertise.

A hallmark of his medical practice has been continuity of care—many of his patients have been with him for more than 50 years. Dr. Makar has always prioritized an open, collaborative physician-patient relationship, which has been deeply rewarding for both him and his patients. Throughout his career, Dr. Makar has witnessed—and contributed to—remarkable advances in cardiology, evolving from the limited treatment options of the 1970s to today’s cutting-edge care.

Dr. Makar has had the honor of being elected the youngest president of the Weirton Medical and Dental Staff, a distinction he was privileged to receive twice. He also served as Chief of the Department of Medicine and President of the Hancock County Medical Society.

In addition to his clinical work, he has taken an active role in strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure by helping to recruit specialists in neurology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pulmonology, and urology. These efforts played a key role in transforming Weirton into a well-rounded medical hub serving the tri-state area.

Committed to medical education, Dr. Makar has collaborated with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine to mentor future physicians. He also worked alongside Dr. Ray Greco to co-host the radio program Let’s Talk Health, making medical information more accessible to the public.

Over the years, he has contributed to numerous medical articles and delivered presentations at local, national, and international forums, sharing insights from his clinical experience and advancing the field of medicine.

Throughout his career, he has embraced a deeply personal approach to care—making countless house calls and treating every patient as he would a member of his own family. This philosophy has fostered lasting relationships and earned the trust of the community he has been honored to serve.

Despite the demands of medicine, he has been blessed with a loving and supportive family, who have enriched every part of his journey. Dr. Makar has nurtured a wide range of personal interests, including world travel, aviation, reading, piano, and chess—often shared with his grandchildren. Currently, he is exploring new creative paths through painting and learning Spanish, adding to the languages he already speaks: English, Hindi, and Punjabi. His love for Indian culture—especially Punjabi music and cuisine—remains a vibrant part of Dr. Makar’s identity. He also continues to maintain cherished connections with friends and classmates from school and medical college days.

Dr. Makar attributes his success to the opportunities this country has afforded him, the unwavering trust of his patients, the love and strength of his family, and the dedicated colleagues who have walked alongside him throughout his professional journey.

As Dr. Makar looks toward the next chapter, he remains committed to the core values of medicine—compassion, excellence, gratitude, and a steadfast dedication to the health and well-being of our community.