Take a break from studying for your Cardiology Certification or Cardiology MOC exam; here’s an interview with Cardiologist, Dr. Nilay Mehta, for inspiration.
Dr. Nilay Mehta, DO works as a cardiovascular disease specialist in Humble, Texas at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital. He is also an Invasive General Cardiologist at a multispecialty practice that was started by his father 30 years ago. He studied at Midwestern University Chicago Osteopathic Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston for Residency, and the University of Texas at Galveston for Cardiology.
1. Why did you choose to become a doctor? Why the Cardiology field in particular?
Answer: Medicine runs in my family. In addition to my father being a physician, both my brother and mother are physicians. I chose Cardiology because my father had a Myocardial Infarction (MI) at age 49 and it was missed by a cardiologist. That experience led me to want to ensure that patients and families who trust me with their care are well taken care of and listened to.
2. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Answer: What’s rewarding is when I treat patients that are very sick and then I see them again for their follow-up appointment and the treatment that I’ve given them has led to them being in much better shape than when we met. I take great pride in my work, so these positive results are very rewarding. I really strive to provide excellent care to my patients and I understand that cardiac care is very scary for most.
3. What is the most challenging part of your job?
Answer: Being a physician allows you to help, but only to a certain extent. You can tell, teach and lead patients in the right direction, but they have to listen and choose to follow treatment. If they come back and there’s no improvement and I also learn that they didn’t take care of themselves properly, that’s very challenging for me as a physician.
4. What advice do you have for people studying to be a Cardiologist or hoping to be one someday?
Answer: In any aspect of medicine, if you really listen to the patient they usually give you the answers to the start of their problems and how they are really feeling. Patients are scared of the heart doctor and heart disease, it’s important to listen and then arm them with the proper tools by educating them about their disease.
5. Who is your role model?
Answer: My father. He really built a practice on good patient care and I hope to continue the tradition for as long as I practice.
6. What do you like to do outside of being a Cardiologist? Any hobbies?
Answer: I’m a runner, and I have 2 small kids (2 & 3) that I love spending time with. I love cars and I love traveling with my family.
