Mona Patel, MD: Driven to Effect Change

We celebrate women who tear down walls, face challenges head-on and push boundaries in their field of expertise and beyond. They are mentors, advocates, leaders and healers who work passionately to create hope and build healthier futures. This is Mona Patel, MD.

"I am not one to shy away or fall back from challenges simply because I am a woman, but feel empowered to do so because I am."

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the patients and families that I serve. When I hear their life stories, and witness their challenges with health inequities, it incites that passion that drives me to effect change.

Was there a time when you’ve dealt with challenges related to being a woman in your field?

I find there is a natural compassion that is empowering in being a woman that helps me care for patients and families and forces me to challenge systems to drive change. I am not one to shy away or fall back from challenges simply because I am a woman, but feel empowered to do so because I am.

Have you ever had a crisis of confidence?

Constantly. It is unnerving when others feel you have things under control and look to you for strength, when inside you are completely jumbled up. I take a few breaths, look around at the amazing mentors, teams of colleagues and support systems that I am blessed to work with, and find confidence to do the best that I can.

What is the most memorable thing a patient family has ever said to you?

“There are people who are put in this world for different reasons. Dr. Patel was put here to be a pediatrician.”

Mona Patel, MD, is Director of Clinical Ambulatory Operations, and Attending Physician in the Division of General Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

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