Incoming Dr. Parth Patel ’21 (CLAS) is set to graduate with the UConn School of Medicine Class of 2026, and his passion for mental health has continued throughout his time at UConn Medical School.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as an undergraduate at UConn in 2020, Patel founded Medical Minds Matter, Inc. For was one of the founding members of the UConn Student Executive Board, a nonprofit founded at UConn Storrs by classmate Derek Penn ’20 (CLAS). Patel, of South Windsor, has served as the organization’s executive director since February 2025.
The issue of Medical Mind is dedicated to justifying the mental health debate in the medical field by changing the narrative of mental health in medicine, especially the next generation of health care workforce trainers very early in their careers, including pre-treatment programs and medical schools nationally.
“Mental health is an important part of one’s overall health during the stressful four-year journey of medical school,” says Patel. “Students will experience burnout or mental health issues on their journey. They need to know that they have a community around them to support them. Their mental health should never be ignored. They need to know that they are never alone. We all have mental health resources in our schools. It takes a lot of resources. It takes the community around us to get help when we need it.”
The initiative now has undergraduate and medical school chapters across the country, including at UConn, its medical school, and six other locations nationally so far. The organization plans to add two more seasons this year.
Patel says the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the mental health of doctors and students was an introduction to the issues of the medical mind.
“There was extensive national coverage of mental health related to COVID and the rate of physician burnout and suicide,” he says. “Mental health services at UConn have expanded, there has been an increase in discussion of mental health concerns and an increase in mental health advocacy. All of this has inspired me to want to contribute to mental health in any way I can.”
Over the years, Patel has overseen programming for Medical Minds, including AnnoyMed’s anonymous storytelling initiative, which allows students to anonymously share with others the real things they’re experiencing. “It’s reassuring to know that people around you are often dealing with the same problems. We see many patients during our clinical training that may hurt us personally, and sharing your experiences can help take that burden off your shoulders,” she says.
Patel also led the organization’s outreach program, the Prevention Specialist mental health video series, and the program’s workforce over the years.
“The main goal of Medical Mind Matters is to expand nationally,” says Patel.
Patel is now only a few months away from receiving his MD degree from UConn.
“It was a great experience that taught me a lot,” says Patel. And most of all, a sense of community while staying close to home, family and friends in his home state of Connecticut, Patel says.
“I’ve always been interested in being a part of a good community. UConn has been exactly that for me. There are so many opportunities in academics and extracurricular activities here at UConn.”
Patel also trained in medical school as a CT AHEC Scholar pursuing Urban Service, which provides an opportunity to give back to the local community by serving and caring for the underserved.
“AHEC was a great way to do that. It’s a great organization to help prevent health disparities and lend more support to the Greater Hartford community,” says Patel.
Once he earns his degree, Patel is looking to apply to residency programs in emergency medicine to continue serving others.
“The School of Medicine at UConn is proud of the local and national efforts of students like Parth Patel to keep mental health at the forefront of medicine.” Dr. Bruce T. Liang, dean of the UConn School of Medicine says. “Medical students, residents, doctors and scientists alike – all are tough human beings who also experience physical and mental health struggles. There should never be any stigma for health care workers who care about their mental health. We need you – and we are always here for you.”
Patel was one of only 8 students from across the country to receive the honor recently By 2026 ACEP/EMRA National Outstanding Medical Student Award. It is jointly awarded by the American College of Emergency Physicians and Society of Emergency Medicine Residents.
Dr. Sean London, Residence PgPatel has been named program director for emergency medicine at the UConn School of Medicine The recognition from both organizations honors him for his excellence in humanitarianism, professionalism, leadership, service, research, and academic achievement.
“Part Patel is exactly the type of star student we hope to recruit to our specialty: highly skilled, knowledgeable, deeply humane, service-oriented, and committed to the future of emergency medicine. He is one of the most accomplished and mission-driven EM-affiliated students I have encountered, clearly destined for great things,” says London.
London adds, “He has also demonstrated a commitment to physician well-being and has served as an executive leadership member and program director of the Medical Mind Matters Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing physician burnout and suicide as a result of COVID-19. These roles demonstrate not only a unique passion for emergency medicine, but also a unique passion for leadership.”
Medical Mind Matter can be contacted at: medicalmindsmatter@gmail.com.
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