-Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.
-Residency: SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
-Additional Languages: Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, basic conversational French.
Q & A with Dr. Tanvi Bagade
How did you get into pediatrics?
Pediatrics was a natural choice for me. I enjoy working with kids and helping parents navigate the various stages of their development. It’s a privilege to contribute to the wellbeing of our future generation.
Where did you grow up?
Cary, North Carolina.
What keeps you motivated?
Building a relationship with my patients and their families.
What do you do for fun?
Hiking, pottery, dance, and exploring new cuisines.
Puja Fernandes, DO
-Undergraduate: Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York.
-Medical School: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glen Head, New York.
-Residency: Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
-Additional languages: Hindi
Q&A with Dr. Puja Fernandes
How did you get into pediatrics?
I always wanted to be a pediatrician. I went into medical school knowing I was going to work with kids no matter what, medicine is just what I liked.
Where did you grow up?
Long Island, NY
Where do you live?
Brooklyn, NY.
What keeps you motivated?
Books, good music, and good company.
What do you do for fun?
Reading mostly, especially fantasy books. Or watching YouTube, specifically the Theorist channels and Try Guys. I also picked up embroidery
Prachi Gautam, MD
-Undergraduate: Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, India.
-Medical School: Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, India.
-Residency: MLN Med College, Allahabad, India and SN Med College, Agra, India.
-Additional Training: Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.
-Additional Languages: Hindi
Q & A with Dr. Prachi Gautam
How did you get into pediatrics?
Growing up, I was always comfortable being around children and could relate to them easily. I chose to be a Pediatrician and have loved every minute of my career. I think children are the most innocent and pure form of human beings. They are energetic, funny and great to work with. Having raised children of my own, I can relate to concerns of children and families that come to Pediatric clinics.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in India.
Where do you live?
Brooklyn.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
The family environment.
What keeps you motivated?
Helping children and families.
What do you do for fun?
Listen to music, spend time with my family, movies, picnics.
Dhara Patel, MD
-Undergraduate Degree: BSC in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
-Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, WI
-Residency: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
-Languages: Gujarati and Hindi
Q & A with Dr. Dhara Patel
How did you get into pediatrics?
Pediatrics incorporates my support of evidence-based medicine and my love for kids. Kids have a special way of enriching the lives of those around them. I get just as much as they do from our visits. As a pediatrician, I have a unique opportunity to help kids reach their maximum potential by the time they enter adulthood.
Where did you grow up?
Scottsdale, AZ.
What do you enjoy most about working in Park Slope?
The parent-pediatrician team is a powerful thing! I believe in empowering parents with knowledge. Parents do wonders for their children, especially when sick, with the right tools. I look forward to fostering that bond with families in this neighborhood.
What keeps you motivated?
My family. Most of all, I love watching my nieces grow into fearless little girls!
What do you do for fun?
I’m a big foodie! I love discovering new places to eat and finding new recipes to cook. I grew up traveling and learning about different cultures, and I continue to do so with my husband.
Gunjan Rao, MD
-Undergraduate: King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India.
-Medical School: GS Medical College & Hospital, Uttar Pradesh, India.
-Residency: Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, New York.
-Additional languages: Hindi & Marathi
Q & A with Dr. Gunjan Rao
How did you get into pediatrics?
I find it very rewarding to help families and see children grow up healthy. That, and an interest in clinical medicine made me pick pediatrics as a specialty.
Where did you grow up?
Mumbai, India.
Where do you live?
New York City.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I love being in Jersey City because of its diversity and culture.
What keeps you motivated?
Staying current and giving families the best possible care.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy traveling, dining out, and spending time with friends and family.
Ruchi Rawal, MD
-Undergraduate: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
-Medical School: Drexel College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
-Residency: Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Virginia
-Second Languages: Hindi
Q & A with Dr. Ruchi Rawal
How did you get into pediatrics?
It was during medical school that I realized I wanted to take the path of pediatrics as I loved taking care of babies. From there, observing the development of infants and children inspired me to become a pediatrician. I love how resilient and healthy kids are and am truly passionate about providing them preventative/holistic care at an early age and as they grow into teenagers, so they can have a healthy and bright future!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Northern Virginia, which is just outside of Washington DC.
Where do you live?
Recently moved to Jersey City.
What are you looking forward to in your neighborhood office?
I’m excited to work with a diverse community and supporting families with care who come to the neighborhood office.
What keeps you motivated?
To make a positive difference in the lives around me and empower the families I work with to make healthy choices so their kids can live in a nurturing environment. Most of all the smiles of the families I work with, especially the babies!
What do you do for fun?
Anything creative such as painting or baking desserts. I also love to explore new cities and travel with my husband along with having a relaxing time with my family. Gardening and yoga are my favorites as I get to spend time with nature!
Riddhi Thaker, MD
-Medical School: Grant Medical College, Mumbai, India
-Residency: Maimonides Children’s Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
-Second Language: Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi
Q & A with Dr. Riddhi Thaker
How did you get into pediatrics?
I love to build and foster relationships with patients and their families. Pediatrics provides me with the perfect opportunity to do so. My experiences while caring for sick, but very resilient, children during my medical school rotations further motivated me to become a pediatrician.
Where did you grow up?
Mumbai, India. I also spent a few initial years growing up in Uganda, Africa.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I look forward to forming long-lasting relationships with the neighborhood kids and their families!
What keeps you motivated?
The innocent smiles and laughter of children.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy watching movies, reading fiction and trying out different cuisines in NYC.