“I’ve Always Loved People”: Dr. Patel’s Journey from Computers to Oncology

Mita Patel, MD, FACS, a breast surgical oncologist and medical director of our breast cancer program, has been serving patients in our Lorain market for three years. Dr. Patel started practicing medicine in 2011 and chose oncology to help patients through their most difficult times.

“I’ve always loved people,” she says. “In fact, I studied religion and culture as a major and have always been fascinated with the diversity of people. I was a computer assistant and helped college students troubleshoot computer problems. Then, I learned quickly I loved working with other people rather than computers.”

Dr. Patel’s empathy and personal experiences help her connect with her patients, especially during challenging times. She considers her empathy to be one of her strengths.

“I am passionate to make the journey easier and smoother for patients,” she shares. “I want them to live their best lives.”

The most rewarding part of Dr. Patel’s job is seeing patients survive breast cancer and then having the opportunity to pay it forward to other patients facing the same battle. She is inspired by the strength and the resilience of each of her patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has humbled the medical community and shows that we have a lot to learn in caring for our patients,” she says. “I feel we have been challenged, but the medical community has risen to the occasion and put ourselves in support of patients more than ever. My colleagues are resilient, hardworking and compassionate.”

This Doctors’ Day, Dr. Patel recognizes the challenging journey fellow physicians have faced during the pandemic and honors their sacrifices.

“Over the last two years, doctors have showed up to battle this pandemic with our patients. Many have made countless sacrifices and given up family time in order to provide the best care possible to patients.”

And last but not least, if Dr. Patel wasn’t a physician, she would be a personal coach because of her love of helping individuals become the best version of themselves.

Help us celebrate National Doctors’ Day by sharing a heartfelt message of appreciation for your Mercy Health provider! Please visit mercy.com/doctorsday before March 30 to submit your message of thanks.