ABOUT
OUR MISSION
Closing the treatment gap
India faces a large epilepsy treatment gap, with 70-90% of patients lacking proper care. Limited healthcare access, a shortage of trained professionals, and widespread social stigma contribute to this issue.
Desai Epilepsy Center is committed to bridging the epilepsy treatment gap in India by offering accessible, specialized care and raising awareness about epilepsy as a treatable condition. Through a combination of advanced medical services, education campaigns, and outreach programs, the center aims to dispel cultural misconceptions, reduce stigma, and provide early diagnosis and treatment.
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Utkarsh Patel, M.D., D.N.B
Neurology
After earning his M.D. in General Medicine with a Gold Medal from MKBU University, Dr. Utkarsh Patel completed his superspecialty training in Neurology at P.D. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre. He currently practices as a consultant neurologist in Ahmedabad and Nadiad. He has authored several publications in national and international neurology journals, and his research was presented at the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in 2019. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Dr. Patel possesses extensive expertise in neuro-electrophysiological procedures, including EEG, NCS, EMG, and RNS studies.
Dr. Aashit Shah
Neurology
Dr. Aashit K. Shah, MD, FAAN, FANA, is the Chief of Neurology at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA, and a tenured professor at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He is also the Medical Director of the Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Carilion Clinic. His clinical focus is on epilepsy management, including surgical treatment and EEG monitoring. Dr. Shah is involved with the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia and ROW Foundation, contributing to over 200 abstracts and 100 peer-reviewed publications. He earned his medical degree from S.M.T. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Gujarat University.
Dr. Chandrakant Desai
Neurology
Dr. Chandrakant Desai, MD, is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at Michigan State University in Lansing, MI. He previously served as Chief of Neurology and Medical Director of the Neurophysiology Laboratory at Grace Hospital. An active member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology, Dr. Desai earned his medical degree from Medical College Baroda in Gujarat, India.
Dr. Paresh Desai
Urology
Paresh G. Desai, MD, FACS, MBA, has been a practicing urologist since 1984, specializing in kidney-liver transplants, complex surgeries, and patient care. He worked with his uncle, Dr. Virendra Desai, in the formation of Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital in Nadiad prior to leaving for the USA. He did his fellowship at State University of New York in kidney and liver transplant and had tenure as a clinical assistant professor at SUNY before moving to florida. He is a board member of several for profit and non profit organizations in the USA, and earned his medical degree and postgraduate surgical training from Medical College Baroda.
Dr. Kinnari Desai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kinnari P. Desai, MD, FACOG, MPH, joined Manatee Gynecology in 2011 as a private practicing gynecologist. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Parkland Hospital-UT Southwestern and a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery at UNC Chapel Hill, where she also earned a Master’s in Public Health. A former Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY, she has advanced expertise in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, mentoring residents and medical students.
Dr. Virendra Desai
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Virendra Desai, MD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Pediatric Surgical Epilepsy and Functional Programs in Neurosurgery at USC’s Keck School of Medicine. He is also the Residency Program Director of Neurosurgery and Assistant Fellowship Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Previously, Dr. Desai was Fellowship Co-Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Oklahoma University and a Career Advisor for aspiring neurosurgeons. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Dr. Sanjeeth Peter
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr. Sanjeeth Peter, a graduate of CMC Vellore, was awarded a Gold Medal for his MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery. He has chaired sessions at national conferences and presented papers internationally. He published a research paper in an international journal and performed the first open-heart surgery at his hospital. After a fellowship in Coronary Revascularization at Royal Melbourne Hospital, he introduced Total Arterial Revascularization (TAR) and uses arterial conduits, including radial arteries, in bypass surgeries.
Dr. Jigna Shah
Psychiatry
Dr. H. Shah, a native of Nadiad, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, USA. She specializes in integrating mindfulness and complementary medicine, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders. Dr. Shah is a certified mindfulness teacher who develops programs for psychiatry residents and physicians. She also incorporates these practices into her personal life, including meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
Dr. Samir Patel
Master of Surgery
Dr. Samir Patel, a Master of Surgery graduate from M.S. University, Baroda, has been practicing in Nadiad for over 40 years. He possesses extensive expertise in complex surgical procedures and owns and manages a healthcare facility. In addition to his medical achievements, Dr. Patel is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, including providing free education for underprivileged children, particularly supporting deaf children.
NON-CLINICAL ADVISORY BOARD
Ankur H. Desai
BE, MS
Ankur Desai, a graduate of Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology (DDIT) and Stevens Institute of Technology, USA, serves as the director of Dharmsinh Desai University and the N. D. Desai Medical Science and Research Institute. He is actively involved in the development of several real estate projects, including hospitality ventures and retail malls. Additionally, he is focused on expanding health-related programs at the N. D. Desai Hospital, including the establishment of an Epilepsy Center.
Devendra Desai
PE
Devendra Desai earned a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from Dharmsinh Desai University in Nadiad in 1976. He has 38 years of experience as a Chemical Engineer, specializing in environmental catalysts and auto catalytic converter design at BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies. Alongside his professional career, he successfully managed a small business with his wife for 40 years while playing an active and pivotal role in raising their two daughters.
Bharat Patel
PE
Bharat Patel, a native of Nadiad, graduated from S.P. University with a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He has developed innovative battery technology for providing electrical power. His interests include real estate development in the United States and offering health services in Gujarat.
Achyut Patel
PE
Achyut Patel earned a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from Dharmsinh Desai University in Nadiad. As a retired Chemical Engineer, he has 44 years of experience and worked at Bechtel Corporation, a leading American engineering, procurement, construction, and project management company. Throughout his tenure, his roles ranged from Design Engineer to Project Engineering Manager.
Sruti Desai
MBA
Sruti Desai is a full-time real estate professional licensed in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Northeastern University in 2006 and an MBA with a focus on Healthcare Management, along with an MS in Finance, in 2013. Her diverse professional background includes experience in marketing as a Media Planner for Initiative in NYC, in operations and finance as an Operations Strategist and Risk Analyst for McMaster-Carr, and in consulting as a professional small business coach across industries such as retail, food, education, and farming.
Akshaykumar K. Parikh
BE
Akshaykumar Parikh is a graduate of DDIT and the owner of Aashal Chemicals. He is involved in several community services including Shree Khadayata Bhavan Madal. He is also secretary of Dharmsinh Desai University Alumni Association.
Chirag S. Patel
BE, MBA
Chirag S. Patel, a native of Nadiad, is the owner and Managing Director of C.R. Sons, Nadiad. He previously served as a Team Leader for Business Applications in SAP at Fujitsu Consulting USA. He has also been actively involved in various socio-economic development initiatives in Nadiad.