Pragat Patel
Pragat Patel is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, submatriculated into a bachelor’s in Neuroscience and a master’s in Bioengineering, with a minor in Healthcare Management. His research interests lie at the intersection of health policy, cancer disparities, and clinical neuroscience. He has conducted outcomes research in oncology and neurosurgery, presenting findings at national conferences and various publications.
Patel is also engaged in policy-driven health research, including working with community stakeholders to draft an evidence-based intervention targeting housing-related health risks. Through his research, he aims to translate scientific evidence into action.
Outside of research, Patel is actively involved with student journals at Penn, University Council, and leading volunteer work at a nearby community center. He has also consulted for various health-tech startups, developing solutions to make care more accessible. Driven by a passion for health systems innovation, Patel is developing a medical device startup focused on supportive care. Through SUMR, he is contributing to two teams. With Dr. Joseph Rossano at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Center, he is contributing to clinical research focused on improving outcomes in pediatric cardiology. His work spans areas such as heart failure, imaging, and health services, with the goal of advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for children with congenital and acquired heart disease. With Dr. Heather Brom at the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, he is supporting a study evaluating the Thrive transitional care model for dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid patients. His work aims to inform the broader refinement of this equity-focused care model to improve post-hospitalization outcomes for vulnerable patients.
In his free time, Patel enjoys playing pickleball, learning to bake new desserts, and writing poetry.