Hunterdon Gastroenterology is proud to introduce the newest doctor to our team!
Devi Patel, M.D. joins our practice July 16th, 2018.
Dr. Patel’s education began at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. She completed her residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA and has recently completed her Fellowship at Copper University Hospital in Camden, NJ. Dr. Patel is board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and is board eligible for her Gastroenterology exam this fall!
We asked Dr. Patel what she finds compelling about Gastroenterology. Here is what she had to say:
Gastroenterology and hepatology is one of the few fields in medicine in which a physician has the privilege of managing a myriad of diagnoses through both pharmacologic as well as endoscopic interventions. I found this very compelling, as gastroenterologists are equipped with the skills and knowledge to use multiple modalities to manage a patient.
What I enjoy most about this field is the variety. Not only are there patients with multiple different diagnoses I see in one day, but also, I can see patients in the outpatient setting, inpatient setting, or the endoscopy unity.
Dr. Patel went on to explain her style of patient interaction.
Through my internal medicine residency and now to my gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship, I have always garnered a loyal outpatient following. I believe this is in large part because patients find me very approachable. I truly believe that listening to your patient and showing empathy allows them to open up and share information that they may not have felt comfortable discussing in the first place.
In this day and age, there are so many resources easily available to patients, that often, patients diagnose themselves prior to an initial office visit. Because of this, there can be some tension between a doctor and a patient if the diagnosis is not consistent. Therefore, I hope to be able to educate my patients to a greater extent. I believe the more you explain to the patient, the more they understand what is going on – and the more invested they are in their own diagnosis. This all translates into forming a better bond in which they trust you as their physician.
Dr. Patel enjoys learning about other cultures through traveling – and trying new cuisines! She loves cooking and is always searching for new recipes. She is passionate about spreading awareness of the importance of colon cancer screening in the South Asian community.
Come meet Dr. Patel and the rest of the HGA staff! Call 908-483-4000 for an appointment in either our Flemington or Somerville offices.