We recently connected with Nisha Patel and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents instilled in us a strong work ethic and a deep respect for not wasting anything. From an early age, I learned to turn off the faucet while brushing my teeth, switch off lights when leaving a room, check price tags before making purchases, and cherish the one-eyed stuffed teddy bear that was my only toy. Minimizing waste wasn’t just a value—it was a way of life. My parents grew up in a rural village in India, where trash cans are virtually nonexistent because waste is so minimal. Their example taught us that with hard work and perseverance, you can change the trajectory of your life. That mindset has stayed with me and my siblings, and it’s served all three of us well.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I never envisioned becoming a physician growing up. But during college, when a friend was injured and I instinctively rushed to help, I discovered how fulfilling it felt to care for someone in physical distress. For the first time, my empathy and sense of purpose aligned in a meaningful way. That moment set me on a path that ultimately led to medical school, residency, and fellowship.
After completing my training, I chose not to accept a conventional job offer. Instead, I opened my own practice. Autonomy was important to me—not just in how I worked, but in how I connected with patients. I wanted to create a “boutique practice” where I could spend time with each individual, really get to know them, and maintain the human connection that’s so often lost in modern medicine.
In the beginning, this vision was easy to realize. But as my practice grew busier, I found myself with less time for those meaningful conversations. To preserve the personal, boutique feel I had worked so hard to build, I brought on an associate. This decision allowed me to maintain deeper relationships with my patients while managing a growing practice.
I’ve been performing eye surgery for 22 years, and I still genuinely love what I do. Whether it’s restoring vision to someone who relied on a walking stick in rural Africa or freeing a lifelong glasses-wearer from corrective lenses, each patient interaction continues to bring joy and purpose to my career.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
A strong knowledge base and solid practical training are fundamental for any surgeon. But just as important—and often overlooked—is the ability to truly connect with patients. Providing a sense of peace and confidence in their care is a skill that can’t be taught in textbooks. It’s what we refer to as bedside manner.
Throughout my career, I’ve trained countless students, many of whom are exceptionally intelligent. However, I’m sometimes struck by the lack of communication skills in some of the younger generation. The ability to communicate clearly—with both colleagues and patients—is essential in medicine. Being attuned to a patient’s anxiety, recognizing subtle emotional cues, and offering reassurance are critical components of effective care.
These interpersonal skills are often innate, but they must be cultivated and valued just as much as academic excellence. If we want to shape compassionate, well-rounded physicians, we must place greater emphasis on emotional intelligence—not just intellectual aptitude—when evaluating and selecting future members of the medical profession
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Shifting from a STEM mindset to the realm of public service required me to engage a different part of my brain. With no legal background, I suddenly had to learn how to read and interpret legal documents, understand Robert’s Rules of Order, and grasp the complexities of government structure and process. It felt like I was back in school, learning an entirely new language.
After 4.5 years on the town council, I had gone from feeling uncertain and out of place to becoming confident and effective on the dais—able to spot procedural errors I myself had once made. Taking on this role alongside my medical career was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It allowed me to give back to my community in a meaningful way and broadened my sense of purpose and service beyond the clinic.
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