“…loves his work and it’s obvious.”
Family Medicine
Central Valley Area
“I was the first college graduate in my family, and the first doctor,” says Neville Patel, MD, recalling warmly how his father sparked his interest in medicine. “I was in the sixth grade. My father and I were cleaning the yard and he turned to me and said ‘I think you would make a great doctor.’”
“My high school girlfriend (now my wife) also thought so,” he continues. “She’s my rock, my biggest supporter. My wife had a vision of me as a doctor even when I wasn’t sure. She helped me through my toughest times in medical school. We’ve been together 17 years. Without her, I would not be a doctor today.”
Today, as a Family Practice Physician in Manteca, Dr. Patel loves his work and it’s obvious to everyone he encounters. His uplifting spirit, zany sense of humor, and open door policy make him a favorite with both his co-workers and our members.
“Patients want doctors who care, who listen, who take time to explain things to them,” says Dr. Patel. “There’s that quote ‘laughter is the best medicine,’ and it’s true. I love to laugh and to make people laugh.”
“I enjoy Dr. Patel as a colleague and a friend,” says his supervisor Janet Thaung, MD, Assistant Site Leader and Medicine Team Lead. “He’s really good at what he does and I respect him very much.”