Shivali Patel, M.D.

Q& A with Dr. Patel:

1. Can you tell us about your background/training before this fellowship? 

I grew up in Ann Arbor, and I completed my undergraduate and medical school education at Wayne State University and my psychiatry residency training at Henry Ford Health. While I enjoyed living and working in Detroit for the past 12 years, I was thrilled to move back to Ann Arbor for fellowship!

2. What got you interested in Consultation-Liaison (C-L) Psychiatry?

As a medical student, I found myself intrigued by the medical complexity which was inherent to the inpatient C-L psychiatry service. My interest was further solidified during residency training, especially as I learned to appreciate the value of the liaison role.  I also love being able to interact with and learn from other specialty services on a daily basis. 

3. What drew you to the program at Michigan Medicine?

I knew that I wanted to train at a program which offered a wide array of both inpatient and outpatient C-L psychiatry experiences and placed a strong emphasis on high-quality education and mentorship. I liked how Michigan Medicine gave the fellow an opportunity to rotate on a variety of services including ECT, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry and also gain exposure to a variety of niche subspecialties, including transplant, eating disorders, alcoholic liver disease, high-risk obstetrics, and HIV psychiatry. Many of my own mentors were able to speak to the excellent training and support they received when they completed their psychiatry fellowships at Michigan Medicine, and I was confident that training here would allow me to hone my clinical, teaching, and leadership skills and prepare me to thrive as a C-L psychiatrist.

4. What are some of your career interests and goals?

I aspire to pursue a career in academia, where I can participate in direct clinical care and educate trainees. I have many interests within C-L and hope to establish a niche in transplant psychiatry.

5. What do you like about Ann Arbor? 

Ann Arbor is a beautiful, vibrant, and affordable city which truly offers something for everyone. I also appreciate how many larger metro areas, hiking trails, and beaches are easily accessible and within driving distance.