Educated at Jefferson, Thriving at Lehigh Valley Health Network

Krupa Patel, PA-C, brings a unique perspective on Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) becoming part of Jefferson Health. Raised in Canada with parents originally from India, she was inspired to study medicine to make a difference in people’s lives. She attended Thomas Jefferson University and now works in urology at LVHN.

“Both Jefferson Health and LVHN share deep commitments to patient-centered care, community service and innovation – those values really stand out to me.”

Both Jefferson Health and LVHN share deep commitments to patient-centered care, community service and innovation – those values really stand out to me,” Patel says.

Following her dream to become a physician assistant (PA), Patel attended Thomas Jefferson University for undergraduate and graduate studies, completing the PA program there. She says she liked the smaller class sizes that allowed for one-on-one time with her professors.

“Thomas Jefferson University was the school that appealed to me the most,” Patel says. “I liked its commitment to collaboration between different fields – medicine, science, technology and design. I had a great learning experience.”

Her education prepared Patel well to start her career as a PA.

Patel originally interviewed for a different position, but when she explained that she was looking for a position with both office and surgery time, urology was brought up as a good option.

“I always say urology chose me,” she says.

When she interviewed at LVHN, Patel found everyone very welcoming. The people she met were compassionate and caring. This has followed through to all the individuals she’s met at LVHN since.

Patel sees clear and countless benefits of LVHN becoming part of Jefferson Health, for students, patients and clinicians. She outlines just a few:

For students

• More clinical exposure
• Access to diverse patient populations
• Training at multiple high-quality facilities

For patients

• A more unified system of care
• Improved care coordination
• Access to more specialists
• The ability to serve both urban and rural communities, especially those underserved

For clinicians

• Shared best practices
• More professional development opportunities
• More integrated support network

Patel says the organizations coming together makes her feel hopeful for the future of health care in our region and for the kind of impact she hopes to make in her own career. She finds it exciting to be part of something bigger that’s clearly focused on making meaningful change.

“Most importantly, I hope this partnership helps close care gaps,” she says. “With both systems believing in compassion, collaboration and patient-first care – I think we’re well positioned to make a real, lasting impact in the lives of patients, students and the community.”