MEN WI N HEALTH www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 45 How would you describe your journey to becoming the health leader you are today? My journey has been pretty interesting, and it's taken me all over the world – India, Kenya, Australia and now the United States. At each place, I have been able to gain knowledge, experiences and also share what I have previously learned. Every interaction, every experience builds on previous ones, and it never stops. Describe the moment or time of life you decided to have a career in medicine. I always knew that I wanted to be in the health care field, and, at the age of 17, I had decisions to make. Living in Kenya, many of the common options like medicine, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy were available to me, but none really called out. From the first moment I spent time with a physical therapist in her practice, the decision became an easy one. Here was something different, where I could be one on one with the people I’m helping, and I could empower them to actively work on bettering themselves. What routines and habits help you prepare for, or recover from, a day’s challenges? Starting my day with meditation centers me and incorporating exercises at the end of the day grounds me after a busy day. I also try to practice what I preach all day. How do you respond to the challenges of being a woman in the health care field? I feel being a woman actually works to my advantage. I am better able to connect with my patients and also sympathize with them. Being caring, loving and sympathetic allows me to motivate my patients while allowing them to express what they are going through. Being fully present when talking to people makes the biggest difference in the way you treat someone. What or who inspires you? My husband inspires me. He keeps working through his challenges in a positive way and has never let his disability hold him back from achieving his goals. What great mentorship have you received? What made it great? Studying in Australia was one of my biggest challenges. I wanted to give up on several occasions, but my mentor, Dr. Guy Zito, didn’t let me. He helped me through many challenges and pushed me to succeed. In a way, that helped me be the confident therapist I am today, and it’s something I aim at passing on to every patient. What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self? The journey is worth it. Deepa Patel, MPT GRACE PHYSICAL THERAPY Summerville 843-871-3522 gracept.com " Being fully present when talking to people makes the biggest difference in the way you treat someone. " Photo by Jenn Cady.
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