Dr. Shakilabanu Meerapatel Family Medicine UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Primary Care
Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
Dr. Shakilabanu Meerapatel, MD, FAAFP: My inspiration to pursue medicine stems from the story of my own birth. In a rural village in India, my mother faced complications during her first pregnancy—mine—because of a breech presentation that went undetected due to a lack of ultrasound facilities. The village lacked the resources for her delivery, so my family had to urgently transport her to another village that had tertiary care where doctors saved both of our lives. This moment showed me the life-saving power of medical care, and inspired me to become a doctor to serve communities needing care the most.
HMG: What do you think is the most important thing a doctor can do to improve patient outcomes?
Dr. Meerapatel: I believe the most important thing a doctor can do to improve patient outcomes is to highly prioritize education – both their own and their patients. Staying up-to-date with relevant medical knowledge is essential, yet taking the time to educate patients about their conditions is equally important. When patients understand their diagnosis and treatment process, they are able to advocate for their health and feel empowered in the process. Coupled with compassion and empathy, this supports patients from all angles and leads to better outcomes.
HMG: What is your take on the increasing emphasis on preventive care over treatment?
Dr. Meerapatel: I believe that even today, the saying “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of care” still rings true. Preventive care allows for early detection of conditions that may present silently, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Through regular screenings – like those for breast, cervical and gastrointestinal cancers – we can intervene early and prevent disease progression. This proactive approach not only saves lives but also reduces long-term healthcare costs and prioritizes quality of life.
HMG: If you were not a doctor, what would you do?
Dr. Meerapatel: If I weren’t a doctor, I would be a chef. I have always loved the precision and creativity that comes with cooking – especially baking, which goes hand-in-hand with the attention to detail needed in medicine. I make a mean chicken curry and samosas, but my signature dish is biryani. Just like medicine, cooking brings people comfort, and I love that it is another way to care for others.
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