As an International Medical Graduate (IMG), navigating the path to finding a mentor and securing observerships can be daunting hard. But just when I was feeling lost and unsure of where to begin, I found Dr. Hemant Bhatt and the Shivani Bhatt Charitable Foundation (SBCF). Dr. Bhatt became a guiding light, offering support and direction when I needed it most.
I was fortunate enough to complete more than one observership under the SBCF Foundation, and one of the most memorable was with Dr. Pranay Bhatt and Dr. Neha Shah in Bloomfield, New Jersey. What made this experience so unique was the chance to work alongside both of these incredible physicians within the same clinic, each bringing their own approach to patient care.
Dr. Pranay and Dr. Neha’s different styles provided a rare and enriching learning opportunity. Dr. Pranay took a more methodical, detailed approach to medicine. His deep understanding of the science behind each diagnosis helped me truly grasp the clinical reasoning behind every decision. He also helped me improve my skills in taking patient history, pushing me to dive deeper and think more critically. On the other hand, Dr. Neha had a more holistic and intuitive approach to patient care. She took the time to look at the bigger picture, considering not just the medical diagnosis, but also how a patient’s environment, emotions, and overall well-being play into their health.
What I loved most was how these two different approaches complemented each other. Both shared a profound commitment to their patients’ well-being, and through them, I saw how much flexibility and creativity can be woven into medical practice.
I was also fortunate to learn alongside other medical and NP students, which made the experience feel more interactive. Instead of simply observing, I had the opportunity to participate in discussions and decision-making, which helped me feel more involved in the process and enriched my overall learning experience.
Looking back, I can honestly say that this observership has been one of the most transformative learning experiences of my medical journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such dedicated, compassionate physicians, and I would highly recommend the SBCF Foundation to any IMG looking for mentorship and meaningful clinical exposure