Bhavesh B. Patel, MD, MBA

My interest in medicine started during my high school years. My mom is from Central America, and I had the opportunity to go to her native country of El Salvador to work alongside my aunt, an internist, during several summers. During this time, I participated in patient education, direct observation medication therapy (DOT), wound care and vaccinations. I became especially encouraged by the power knowledge has within the family structure to influence real change in physical, mental and spiritual health. I believe patient care should be a holistic model addressing a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health. My area of special interest includes preventive care. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with loved ones. Being outdoors through evenings on the back porch, hiking, backpacking or kayaking all rejuvenate my soul. I’ve always found good mental and physical self-care through a variety of fitness activities. My husband and I are also very active in our local church. Traveling and learning about other cultures and ways of life are also an interest of mine.

I chose to become a doctor because I enjoy helping people, not just in treating an illness or chronic condition but also in prevention and leading healthy lifestyles. My philosophy of care is that the best medicine is prevention and making healthy lifestyle choices so that patients can not only be well but thrive to live physically and mentally active, productive lives. My areas of special interest include weight-loss management and preventive care. Outside of work, I like to spend time with my kids and wife, the outdoors, running, swimming, biking and doing triathlons.

After 20 years of practicing/teaching medicine, I truly believe it was a calling. I believe strongly that many chronic diseases can be prevented with lifestyle changes, so my patients can expect me to focus a lot on their lifestyle choices. Prevention is at the heart of all my encounters with my patients. Since many of my patients struggle with weight issues, I obtained further training in weight management and received board certification in Obesity Medicine. Using evidence-based therapies, I have helped hundreds of patients lose weight long-term to the point of decreasing their blood pressure and diabetes medications. It truly is a joy to see my patients make healthy lifestyle choices and reverse some of their chronic diseases. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and kayaking. I volunteer regularly at our public schools and local church.