GARGI PATEL JETHVA

I would have to say it started out from birth. I was left behind from my parents at a very early age with my grandparents in another country, so I didn't get to know my parents until I was5 yrs old. When I came to this country, I'm an immigrant's daughter, and I think that in itself, in our culture, education is a big push. I think just from my parents raising me, teaching me, nurturing me, and just letting me know that education is a big part of my learning, and from there is when all the doors open. I also have two children, and they're both going to be doctors. So it's just another way of showing my kids that I'm at this age, but I'm still doing what I can do for myself to be successful.

When I finally arrived in this country, everything felt new and overwhelming, yet our culture carried one unwavering truth: education was the key to unlocking a brighter future. My parents, through their tireless guidance, love, and sacrifices, instilled in me that education wasn't just important—it was sacred. They nurtured me with the belief that learning would open every door that had once been closed to them, turning hardship into hope and possibility.

That lesson became the heartbeat of my life. Now, as a mother, I watch with overwhelming pride and emotion as both of my children pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. Their paths fills me with joy beyond words, but they also remind me of the circle we’ve completed—the same fire my parents ignited in me now burns brightly in them.

Even at this stage in my life, I continue pushing myself to grow, to learn, and to achieve. It's my way of honoring the sacrifices made for me, of showing my children that success isn't reserved for the young—it's a lifelong pursuit fueled by resilience, gratitude, and unbreakable love. Through every step, I carry the weight and the beauty of where I came from, forever grateful for the foundation my parents built with their hearts.

My core philosophy is rooted in the conviction to dream ambitiously and to believe wholeheartedly that no aspiration is beyond reach. I hold firmly to the belief that I possess the capability to pursue and achieve whatever I set my mind to—that the greatest opportunities and heights remain within my grasp.

I am continually reminded of the profound contributions I still have to offer the world, and I carry this awareness with deep conviction and purpose. It serves as a guiding principle, fueling my ongoing commitment to personal growth, meaningful impact, and the relentless pursuit of excellence throughout every stage of life.

 I would advise those early in their nursing career to approach the profession with an open mind and a strong commitment to continuous learning. Immerse yourself fully in every opportunity—absorb as much knowledge as possible and explore the diverse specialties and settings within nursing. Actively seek exposure to different areas of practice to discover which one truly resonates with you on a personal and professional level.

When you find that particular niche—the one that aligns with your values, strengths, and sense of purpose—you will recognize it intuitively. For me, that moment came during my time as a dialysis nurse. The work with patients living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) felt profoundly meaningful, and that same passion continues to inform and fulfill me in my current role.

Ultimately, the most rewarding and sustainable path is to identify a specialty that speaks to your heart. When your work is driven by genuine connection and purpose, it transcends the boundaries of a conventional job. Each day begins with gratitude for the privilege of making a difference in the lives of others.

Among the most significant challenges in contemporary healthcare delivery are the persistent administrative hurdles associated with insurance prior authorization requirements for medications, specialist referrals, and diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. These processes frequently result in delays that can impede timely access to necessary care, contributing to patient frustration and potential adverse health outcomes. Recent surveys and reports indicate that prior authorization remains one of the foremost non-cost barriers to healthcare access, often cited as a major burden by insured adults and disproportionately affecting those with chronic conditions.

Compounding this issue is the ongoing national shortage of physicians, particularly in primary care and certain specialties. This scarcity frequently leads to extended wait times for new patient appointments—often ranging from several weeks to 6–8 months or more—making it difficult for individuals to establish care with a primary care provider or access timely specialist consultations. Such delays can exacerbate health conditions and strain the overall system.

On a more positive note, a promising opportunity lies in the expanded integration of advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), into multidisciplinary care teams and practice settings across the country. By leveraging their expertise and scope of practice, these professionals can help alleviate access bottlenecks, enabling patients to receive prompt evaluations, ongoing management, and coordinated care without solely depending on physician availability. This approach not only supports more efficient throughput but also ensures high-quality, evidence-based treatment while addressing workforce demands in an evolving healthcare landscape.

My approach to success is grounded in three foundational qualities: diligence, discipline, and structured organization. These attributes enable me to effectively manage competing demands, including a full-time professional role and my responsibilities as co-founder of KidneyFaxx.

Hard work and disciplined execution form the bedrock of my productivity, ensuring consistent progress even amid high workloads and competing priorities. A well-defined structure—through deliberate time management, prioritization, and routine—allows me to maintain balance, meet obligations across both domains, and sustain momentum without compromising performance or well-being.

These principles not only help me stay on top of responsibilities but also fuel my motivation and drive to pursue greater achievements. By embracing diligence, discipline, and structure, I am able to thrive in a multifaceted career while continuing to contribute meaningfully in both clinical practice and entrepreneurial endeavors.