The story of Dr. Nirav Patel is one based on perseverance and determination. He grew up in Queens and was always surrounded by strong role models who shaped his path. He remembers seeing how hard his father, also a physician, worked to create a better life not only for him and his sister, but also for all his patients. He felt that he understood medicine before he even entered the field. He attended high school in Long Island before starting medical school, where he would spend 11 years studying, describing the dedication required to succeed as one of the most defining experiences of his life. He said, “The more you believe in yourself… [the more] you can move mountains”. Picking up the reins from his father, medicine became more than a career; it was a family legacy.
Dr. Patel has built an incredible career in the medical field, practicing as a vascular surgeon for over 25 years. He currently serves as the Director of Vascular Surgery at Essen Health Care, where he oversees ultrasound technicians and performs a wide range of complex vascular procedures, including both medical and cosmetic vein treatments. Telling his patients, “I take care of all your circulation outside of your heart”. His work involves addressing critical and life-improving conditions through in-office procedures, which he performs himself.
He explained, “The way I practice is you treat everybody like your family. If you treat everybody… that you take care of [as if they were your family], it keeps you honest, and you will always do the right thing”. Dr. Patel was introduced to the Cristian Rivera Foundation (CRF) at the 16th Annual Celebrity Gala in 2025. He thought the event was extremely well organized and formed a deep connection to our cause. He was especially moved by the foundation’s mission and felt encouraged to help it achieve its goals. He believes that his work in the medical field has given him a platform for philanthropy and the financial means to support foundations like CRF.
His experience at the event ultimately motivated him to become a board member, saying, CRF “is changing lives everyday,’ and by becoming a board member, “I get to be a part of that”. Being a physician, Dr. Patel provides a unique and valuable perspective to the Board, believing that this experience allows him to “bring a lot to the table”. He plans to look to the other board members for inspiration, saying they are all “great role models”. His compassion will support the Foundation in a meaningful way. As a new board member, he is extremely passionate about increasing awareness around D.I.P.G., saying “it is a disease that is not well published… because it is not a disease found in a lot of adults, it’s found in pediatric [patients]”. By helping to spread awareness, he believes that more resources can be provided, more people can be helped, and one day a cure can be found.
When asked about the future of CRF and its mission, he shared a clear and powerful vision: a cure for D.I.P.G. He also encourages individuals and organizations to spread the word and partner with the Foundation, stating, “the more people and organizations that are involved with [CRF] that can spread the word and the mission of [the foundation]… that’s how you make a difference”. He defined success as two things: spreading awareness and supporting families affected by this disease until a cure is found. He truly believes in the importance of CRF, emphasizing, “We want to see our patients get the best care” and our foundation helps them do just that.
In every step of his journey, Dr. Nirav Patel embodies what it means to be persistent and resilient, to lead with passion and purpose. His dedication to medicine, combined with his commitment to giving back, makes him an invaluable addition to the CRF Board. As he continues to use his voice to raise awareness and spread hope, he remains focused on finding a cure. Dr. Patel wishes to share a heartfelt message to the families facing this unimagined fight, saying, “Continue to be resilient, continue to keep the faith, and know that we are doing everything we can to help you and your family and to find a cure.”
We know there are great things ahead with Dr. Patel on our side.