With only six months left until the application deadline, I found myself struggling to gain momentum amidst a lack of responses and observership opportunities. However, meeting with Dr. Bhatt and Bindiya aunty provided a much-needed boost of support and encouragement. Their belief in me reignited my determination to pursue not only my own dreams but also those of my parents. Though unsure of how things will unfold, the sense of contentment and satisfaction after our meeting remains unforgettable. Dr. Bhatt assured me he would not only recommend me to Dr. Jayesh Patel, a primary care physician in Jersey City, New Jersey, but also connect me with other members of the SBCF family who have overcome similar challenges by supporting one another.
After completing the final of the big three hurdles, I arrived at Yogi Medical Care in the middle of summer, filled with positivity and enthusiasm, yet also nervous about what to expect. Conveniently located at the corner of Pavonia and Summit, Dr. Patel's clinic is within walking distance of both the Journal Square PATH station—a major transportation hub—and bustling Indian Street. This location, where the majority of people, including working students and uninsured residents, are frequent walk-ins and his patients, and where nearly all establishment owners hold him in high regard, creates a seamless transition from our homeland to the USA.
YMC, located in the basement, the clinic appearance defied my expectations initially, but the warm and welcoming working atmosphere quickly compensated for it. Work begins at noon, and our duties involve rooming-in patients, taking vitals, and updating medications. We then conduct patient histories, perform physical exams, and document findings in the EMR. Following our assessment, we provide a brief overview to Dr. Patel or the Nurse Practitioner, who then meets with the patient. This experience has taught me valuable lessons in patient interaction in a culturally sensitive manner, given the diverse patient population including Indian, Spanish, Filipino, and African-American patients.
Alongside our clinical responsibilities, Dr. Patel occasionally takes the time (if available) to share his unique approach to managing conditions such as HTN, DM, or identifying acid-base and electrolyte imbalances. I found his methods to be innovative, deviating from traditional teachings yet practical, as they facilitate rapid diagnosis and management while attending to patients in both outpatient clinics and hospital wards. He consistently emphasizes the importance of efficiency, advocating for swift yet effective action, resulting in shorter wait times for patients and ensuring the practice remains financially viable after accounting for overhead costs. This delicate balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application is what I personally feel sets him apart as one of the few physicians with a fully independent practice in a high-tax and increasingly corporatized environment—a valuable lesson for any aspiring private practitioner.
Dr. Patel's dedication to our well-being shines through in his actions, such as personally ensuring the safety of students, like when he would drop me home after dark or ensure I had something to eat. Additionally, special mention goes to Miss Bernadette Ramos, the nurse practitioner, who consistently ensured the well-being of us students. Often, one might encounter other physicians, local medical and NP school students, as well as pharmacists at the clinic, offering ample opportunities for gaining valuable insights, experiences, and forming connections. Thus, it presents an ideal environment for professional growth and networking. At the end of the rotation, Dr. Patel was more than happy to write a letter of recommendation, which helped me apply for the match.
As I write this testimonial, the season has come to an end, and I am anxiously awaiting what lies in store for me ahead. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by Hemant uncle and the SBCF team, who helped me, and I am glad I encountered some remarkable individuals in this journey. I hope to be able to give back to this community and do my part in fulfilling Shivani’s dream. All the very best to everyone.