Family Medicine provider Mukti Patel’s grandmother told her she’d grow up to be a doctor and take care of her. Now Mukti cares for many patients, of all ages, and treats them like family.
First job? I was a Candy Striper at a hospital in Georgia when I was 14. It opened my eyes to the hospital, and it was an interesting place to be and to help people. That experience got me interested in medicine.
Free time? I spend a lot of time with my daughters, two dogs and husband; we live a very busy life with soccer and basketball. I also have an art room, where we do art projects and scrapbooking. And we love to travel to other countries to learn more about the world and cultures.
Best part of your work? I enjoy getting to know people. Sometimes our conversation may go a bit longer during an appointment because I’m getting to know them – their family situation, what they enjoy doing. That gives a lot of insight that helps me better treat patients, because we will make a care plan together. It helps to listen; people don’t always want to give you their personal information at first. I like getting to know people on different levels because it helps with my thought process and creating treatment plans.
Best advice you ever got? In medical school, we were told “Think of the patient as your mother.” I try to treat people as important as family members.
Why healthcare? It may have been ingrained in me by my grandmother, who told me that when I grew up I’d be a doctor and take care of her. My grandparents lived with my family; every night I would rub her back, and I’d take her for walks. I’m first-generation raised in America; my grandparents are from India, my parents were born in Africa, and I was born in Africa but moved to the U.S. when I was 6 months old. Education was the important value my parents taught me. The other value was to be part of helping the community you live in to make a difference.
If not healthcare, what would you be doing? I would love to travel the world. I also enjoy art and creative projects. This is shared by my daughters. It is a special bond my girls and I have together. My family enjoys being active with sports and outdoor activities.
Appointments in the Farmington Clinic: (651) 460-2300