Finally able to run down the ever busy, whirlwind of a man, Dr.Patel. How did a young boy from Kenya find his way to Overland Park, Kansas practicing rehab medicine??? He has had such an interesting life.
Past
Where are you from?
Kenya, East Africa. Life was very simple with few choices. It was not unusual for children to make some of their own toys.
Where did you go to school??
In grade school and up, I went to 10 different schools, in three countries.
Undergraduate was at University of Houston (Chemical Engineering Degree)
Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Medicine (University of Washington)
Master’s degree in Health Services Administration (University of Kansas)
Medical school at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston
Residency was at University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
Board Certified in:
- Physicial Medicine and Rehabilitation
- PM&R, Sub specialty of SCI Medicine
- PM&R, Sub specialty of Neuromuscular Medicine
- Subspecialty of Brain Injury Medicine
- Electrodiagnostic Medicine (only accredidated EMG labratory in Kansas)
I am affiliated with numerous organizations which are listed on my official bio.
What extracurricular activities did you participate?
Recreational tennis and basketball
Who inspired you to go into Rehab Medicine?
I liked everything in medical school. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Spencer, founder of The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR). He established one of the first polio treatment centers in the nation and is considered one of the “fathers of rehabilitation medicine.” After meeting him, I decided to further investigate the field. I was especially interested in the spinal cord, the effects of Polio and found all of that very interesting.
As a child, did you want to be a doctor?
Not really.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Game warden
How did it feel when you received your doctoral degree?
Actually, college was the highlight of my life, a life changing event and I counted myself so fortunate to get in and have that experience. It truly opened doors of opportunities for me.
Present
What do you like most about your job??
The variety of conditions I treat. I get a lot of joy in helping others.
What is most challenging about your job?
Keeping up with the ever changing things in medicine. I need more time and wish I didn’t need sleep.
What is a common misconception about your job?
Most people don’t think they need rehabilitation. It is not if you will need rehab, but when you will need it. I help optimize function after injuring or involvement of various parts of the body.
What do you like about living in the Kansas City area?
Friendly, small town feeling.
Fun Facts
Where did you meet your wife? How long have you been married?
When I was in residency in Seattle- Her aunt introduced us. We have been married for 27 years.
How has your spouse been an instrumental role in your career?
Very Supportive
How many children do you have?
Nillan- 22
Maya- 19
Pets?
No
What is your favorite movie?
The gods must be crazy- comedy
Who is your favorite sports team?
Of course the Royals and KC Chiefs
If you were on an island, what three items would you bring?
Knife, binoculars, compass (side note-The question was what items? He said Spouse was NOT an item, so not on the list.)
What’s your favorite meal?
A little bit of everything. I love all kind of food.
What do you want to do when you retire?
Be a barista
Coffee or Tea?
Both
TV or Movies?
Movies
Basketball or Baseball?
Basketball
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate (dark)