Dr. Jatin Patel is the founder of Arthritis & Rheumatology Center, PC located in Roswell, Georgia.
Dr. Patel graduated from C.U.Shah Medical College in his home country of India before moving to the USA to finish his medical training. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Jersey Shore University Hospital in New Jersey. He was then selected for the prestigious Rheumatology fellowship through Drexel University and Hahnemann Hospital, both located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Jatin Patel is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. He is also certified in Registered Musculoskeletal Sonography. An accomplished and highly-regarded medical professional, Dr. Patel is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American College of Rheumatology, the National Arthritis Foundation, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, as well as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.
Dr. Patel has published several peer-reviewed clinical research articles in national and international medical journals. He has also presented research to national gatherings of the American College of Physicians, as well as conducted Rheumatology research workshops at the American College of Rheumatology. Additionally, Dr. Patel won the grand prize in the American College of Rheumatology image competition held in Washington, D.C. in 2012.
Outside of work, Dr. Patel loves spending time with his wife and his parents. When he founded Arthritis & Rheumatology Center, PC, his family came along with him to Georgia and fell in love with the mesmerizing beauty of the state, its southern charm, and the hospitality of its people.
What do you currently do at your company?
I’m a physician specializing in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatology. My daily schedule can vary, but it usually goes something like this: After meeting with my administrative team to discuss the tasks and appointments for the day ahead, I begin to see patients. I’ll do that until 2:30 or 3pm. From there, I catch up with the paperwork, connect with my managers, and finalize all my work by 5:30pm.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
It was a natural progression for me because both of my parents were doctors. My father made house calls and on occasion brought me with him to visit his patients. Those experiences were very formative and important for me; they showed me the sort of positive impact one person can have on another’s life. More than anything, I credit tagging along on those house calls with my father for my desire to enter the medical profession.
What defines your way of doing business?
My approach to practicing medicine is not only to diagnose and treat the patient’s physical condition, but also to inquire and analyze the mental health of the patient. Often in rheumatology, patients with chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis tend to have mental health issues, as well. Most of the patients live with perpetual pain, which obviously takes quite a toll on them. So, it’s important to me that we examine every facet of the patient’s health—or adopt the ‘whole patient approach,’ as it is often called. In that spirit, we aim to be innovative and considerate through the process to care for each patient so we can effectively meet whole treatment needs instead of just symptomatic concerns.
What keys to being productive can you share?
I would recommend that people create a checklist for the day and work from it. Don’t try to add more to the list as the day goes on, only take away by finishing the items on the list. This works for any profession across any industry.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career
A long-term goal of the Arthritis & Rheumatology Center, PC is to set the standard as a medical center for excellence in our state. We’re all working very hard to accomplish this both administratively and, more importantly, regarding patient care.
How do you measure success?
In my opinion, success cannot be measured. It can only be achieved for a period of time, but it is not permanent and requires consistent effort to maintain.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
People enter and exit your life over the course of your career. Each one leaves a mark and continues on their own journey. You simply have to navigate your own way forward, taking into account the impact they’ve left on you and the lessons they’ve imparted.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
For anyone considering a career in medicine, I advise learning everything you can and maintaining this mindset throughout your entire professional life. This field requires consistently staying up-to-date on the latest discoveries, the best treatment options, and all sorts of new and ever-changing information. I would recommend making it a habit to learn something new every day.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to spend time with my wife and children. We enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and playing with my kids. I feel very lucky because if I keep to the schedule I have established with the office, we are able to make plans and maintain a healthy family balance.
What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?
Never procrastinate on the task or the work, because there will always be something new coming behind it. I’ve worked to live my life with this truism in mind. It has kept me on target for all of my goals and enabled me to become a better physician for my patients.
Read more:
Getting to Know You: Dr. Jatin Patel, Physician and Founder of Arthritis and Rheumatology Center, PC
