One in a series
Clinical Excellence Award
Neela K. Patel, M.D., M.P.H., CMD, associate professor, chief, Division of Geriatrics & Palliative Care, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine; medical director, UT Medicine Senior Health Clinic & Acute Care for Elders & Palliative Care Program, Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in the Medical Center
Remarks by Dr. Henrich at the March 6 awards dinner:
“As the current Chief of the Division of Geriatrics in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Board Certified Geriatrician, Dr. Neela Patel has earned the reputation of being a superb diagnostician, whose knowledge of geriatric medicine is remarkable. Dr. Patel provides continuity of care throughout the patient’s journey whether they are in the hospital, clinic, nursing home or rehabilitation unit. She expertly coordinates care for patients who often have multiple and complex conditions and with the many subspecialists caring for them. As patients approach the end of life and healthcare interventions become futile, she guides her patients and their families through this final stage while emphasizing quality of life and spiritual wellness.
“Her idea for team based comprehensive continuity of care for elders has become the model for our UT Senior Health Clinic team and because of the longitudinal studies of patients, she is now able to demonstrate improved healthcare outcomes with this model of care. For example, the team reduced hospital 30 day readmission rates to less than 3% for this high risk population. Nationally, the benchmark is close to 19%.
“As with other recipients tonight, she performs her work with outstanding devotion, expertise and compassion. Dr. Patel, we are exceedingly grateful to you. I am privileged to present this Presidential Award to you.”