SAN ANTONIO – Neela Patel was born and raised in India, and says she knew she wanted to be a doctor since she was four years old.
"My oldest sister, who's like a mom to me, she keeps telling me to this day, 'You were so sure of yourself, right from that age,'" said Patel, who now serves as an Associate Professor & Medical Director at UT Medicine Senior Health Clinic.
Patel says her husband Sreedhara, and their Indian roots keep her centered after a long day at work, including practicing yoga & a classical Indian dance form called Bharathnatyam.
She says the dance tells the mythological stories she grew up hearing from her grandparents using rhythm, song and emotional expression.
"Coming back home rejuvenates me," said Patel. "Sometimes I cannot hear the beat when I've come back after a long day, but the majority of the time it gets me upbeat."
Patel & her husband keep tradition alive by teaching this dance form to others here in San Antonio.
For more information about Dr. Patel and the other amazing medical professionals working for UT Health Science Center San Antonio, call 210-450-9000. or visit them online at www.UTMedicine.com.