Bhavik Patel, MD

Where have you practiced previously?
I finished my training in 2008 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Then I practiced at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah for seven years before moving to Colorado, where I spent time at St. Anthony Hospital and North Colorado Medical Center.

Where are you from originally?
I grew up near Detroit, Mich. until I went to college at the University of Miami.

What attracted you to the Cedar Valley?
From the time I previously lived in Iowa, I really enjoyed the people and the family-friendly environment here.

What originally made you interested in being a cardiothoracic surgeon?
The physiology of the heart and lungs was always interesting to me, and then taking that into more complicated bypass surgeries. Then there are opportunities to treat a patient that has a problem or isn’t doing well. Being able to fix that problem and seeing them improve – sometimes in only a week or two – is the best part.

Do you have a hidden talent?
I can do some juggling. It’s not very extensive, and maybe we’re stretching here, but I can get three bowling pins going.

What do you enjoy in your free time?
I play golf, enjoy eating at different restaurants and then spend time with my family and dogs.