Press Release: Dr. Nirav Patel Joins University Medical Center New Orleans as Chief Medical Officer

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) –University Medical Center New Orleans is pleased to announce Nirav Patel, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Patel, a specialist in Infectious Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, most recently served as Chief Medical Officer and Vice-President of Medical Affairs at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Patel is responsible for directing patient safety and quality in the organization. He will serve as a liaison to the medical staff and work closely to engage University Medical Center’s academic partners in the strategic initiatives that further University Medical Center’s mission.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Patel to University Medical Center New Orleans at an exciting time for our organization,” said Paolo Zambito, University Medical Center’s Interim CEO. “We’re continuing to grow and expand our services to benefit our patient population and the New Orleans region. Dr. Patel is an energetic leader who will bring great insight and experience to University Medical Center.”

Before being appointed Chief Medical Officer/Vice President of Medical Affairs at Saint Louis University Hospital, he served as the hospital’s Interim Chief Medical Officer, Infection Control Officer, and Director of Antibiotic Stewardship.

During his tenure, Dr. Patel led efforts to reduce infection rates, facilitated a sustained reduction in hospital length of stay, and spearheaded a number of clinical initiatives to improve the safety and quality of patient care. He maintained an active clinical practice as well as continued to participate in teaching activities and academic scholarship. He will bring his background in academic medicine combined with his expertise in managing tertiary healthcare delivery to University Medical Center.

“I am immensely excited to be joining University Medical Center New Orleans, as my goals align with the mission of the hospital, and service to the community,” Dr. Patel said. “I look forward to working with every physician, nurse, and staff member at University Medical Center to advance patient care and safety.”

Dr. Patel received his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed a residency and chief residency in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He then pursued fellowship training in Critical Care Medicine followed by Infectious Diseases. He has previously practiced at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and with Banner Health, prior to joining the faculty at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.