Physician, Assistant Professor
Infectious Disease
Department: Internal Medicine
I am an infectious diseases physician who uses a comprehensive, compassionate and patient-centered approach with all my patients. Although I treat the full spectrum of infectious diseases, I have a particular interest in managing and preventing infections in people with HIV and in individuals undergoing cancer therapy, including those receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy and stem cell transplants.
With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV has become a manageable chronic condition. As people with HIV live longer, noninfectious comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases and cancers are increasingly common in that population. My goal is to help patients achieve their best possible health by identifying barriers to care, supporting treatment regimen adherence, ensuring that treatments remain effective and by guiding prevention of these co-morbidities. Despite tremendous progress, one in seven people with HIV remains undiagnosed and untreated, placing them at risk for opportunistic infections and malignancies. For both newly diagnosed and established patients, I specialize in managing antiretroviral therapy, treating opportunistic infections and preventing infections.
I also care for patients with cancer who face unique infectious risks because of their underlying disease and the intensity of their treatments. My goal is to guide patients safely through these vulnerable periods by preventing infections when possible, treating them quickly when they occur and by helping patients stay healthy enough to continue the therapies that offer them the best chance for cure or remission. Ensuring that patients can live fully, pursue their treatment plans and reclaim their lives is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
A particular passion is caring for people who are navigating both HIV and cancer. This population faces distinct immunologic challenges and treatment complexities, and I am committed to ensuring they can pursue life-saving cancer treatments while maintaining viral suppression. Helping patients navigate both conditions and continue living full, meaningful lives is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.
My favorite part of this work is seeing patients reclaim their health after serious infections. Every day, I am in awe of the amazing spirits of the people I work with. Together, we are committed to advancing research, driving scientific discovery and delivering the highest-quality, team-based care to help every patient achieve their best possible quality of life.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Patel has reported no relationships with companies or entities.