( We begin the Movers and Shakers in Medicine series with a feature on Dr Dinesh Patel,  a visionary surgeon who is well known not only  for his professional  excellence but also for his extraordinary contribution to the Indian American Community and to the society at large.)

Dr. Dinesh Patel is the Chief of Arthroscopic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.  His pioneering work in the field of Arthoscopic surgery has resulted in transforming this technique from a diagnostic tool to a technique used for repair and reconstruction of the joints.  He is the inventor of new surgical instruments in this field.   In  recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, the Dinesh G. Patel MD Arthroscopic Learning Lab at MGH was unveiled on June 14, 2010.

He has been voted by Boston Magazine as one of 'Top Doctors in the field of Orthopedic surgery'. His dedication to public service led to his becoming the Chairman of Mass Board of Registration in Medicine, in both  Democratic  as well as Republican administrations. Governor Weld awarded him the 'Best New Immigrant Award' during his tenure. He was elected to the Federation of State Medical Board (FSMB) and was honored with FSMB--John Clarke Award -- the first one from the State of Massachusetts in 85 years. 

Dr. Patel  has organized camps, performed surgeries, taught and trained Doctors in Arthroscopy, not only in USA but all over India and the world, thus helping millions of people who have been disabled. His pioneering work will continue to benefit generations to come. He has performed knee surgeries in villages as well as on some of the most well known people in the world like Kapil Dev and Ted Williams. Dr. Patel is highly respected in India and around the world for his brilliance and his outstanding service record. He was given the “Gujarat Garima ‘award by the Prime Minister of India. 

He is the founding member of many organizations  including Indian Medical Association of New England (IMANE), Mass Chapter of the India American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE –MA).  He has founded A Leg to Stand On (ALTSO), an organization  in India where children with no limbs are provided with artificial  limbs. He has helped to establish  many charities all over the world which continue to serve at the grass root levels.

  

He is originally from Nadiad in Gujarat.  What made him leave his hometown  and journey all the way to Boston? “Every journey is in search of  excellence. This trait along with an entrepreneurial spirit has been bestowed on every creature in  Prakruti (Nature) - be it migratory birds or animals or the explorers for land or researchers in science,” says Patel. 

His beginnings in Gujarat were rather humble coming as he does from a family of farmers in a small village in Gujarat. His father took on the family responsibilities at the age of thirteen when Patel’s grandfather died. His father, while continuing to farm, went on to develop a successful business. He later became the Mayor of Nadiad, which is a historical city of Sakshars in Gujarat. He started an educational society that reached out to thousands of children. 

“I saw and felt that the essence of my father’s life and work was to promote and provide education, serve the family and serve the society. For me, the young Dinesh, it was an untaught, observed  mentorship.  It started me on a journey of self-learning and giving back to community. I was only the second kid in the family, who ever went to school or college!” says Patel. "My mother was of course a huge influence in my life and she helped shape my character. She never turned anyone away from our door. She gave great meaning to the phrase -  caring for the needy. To all young men out there, I would like to emphasize the importance of respecting the women who fill you lives with love and care."

When he came to Boston, he did his residency at  Harvard Medical school and went on to carve a niche for himself in the world of Arthroscopic surgery. 

Were there challenges along the way? “I faced the same challenges that all foreign doctors go through. I looked upon challenges as part of learning and improvement. Most of the challenges came from within. Leaving the shores of great ancient civilization and heritage was difficult, but with Gangajal flowing  in our veins - the tolerance, acceptance  and the strength to overcome challenges come naturally to us. My experience has taught me that hard work, getting to know people and their needs and a positive attitude can go a long way to break barriers.”

He speaks very fondly of his dear wife Kokila who he refers to as his best friend. "I had  a semi arranged marriage," says Patel.  "Kokila was born in Kenya but went to college in Baroda. We have 2 daughters, one son and 10 grandchildren. All the children are happy  in life - doing their own thing but keeping the values their grandfathers instilled in them," says Patel.

A little know secret about Dr. Patel is that he was quite a sportsman in his younger days.  â€œI was captain of cricket, hockey and badminton teams and was Ahmedabad  zone champion for many years while in Medical school and was a  back-bencher in class!! Barely made out of medical school!!! The focus changed after I left India and quit sports. However I am still very fond of that sportsman spirit,” says Patel.

Other little known facts about Dr. Patel – his favorite kind of music is Haveli Sangeet, favorite film, Agneepath and favorite food is Gujarati food.  He loves photography.  He also collects paintings of Indian Goddesses.

Is there anything he would do differently if he  had to live his life again? “It is human to wonder if you could have done things differently. However I am very satisfied with my life.  My wife, kids and grandchildren have all done well.  I also do not worry in life because it is said so beautifully in our scriptures  - All the roads have one destination - to meet almighty God - Lord Krishna, for me.”

Is there something that he would  like to change in the world around him? "No, I do not believe in thinking that I can change the World . We have to change in this Karma chakra with Dharma. We just have to change ourselves," says Patel.

What advice does he have for the younger generation?” Everything is possible in life. If a small town boy from Nadiad, India can go to one of the best hospital Mass. Gen. Hospital /Harvard, and be on their faculty for more than 40 years, develop some innovative work, then nothing is impossible in life. It is important to have faith in your self, a vision and to work hard and never give up.”

It is truly honor to learn about  the life of this extraordinary man who will remain a role model and continue to inspire future generations with his message "Nothing is Impossible'.