Midland, Texas, USA: The Midland-based physician and nationally recognised lifestyle medicine expert is set to play a key role in shaping Texas nutrition policies.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has named Indian American internist Padmaja Patel to the Texas nutrition advisory committee.
This appointment is part of a wider group of nominations announced by the governor’s office to the committee, which is responsible for formulating nutrition guidelines for residents across Texas.
Patel, who lives in Midland, has been appointed to a term that will conclude on September 1, 2029. She currently holds the position of chief medical officer at Nudj Health and serves as president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
She is also the president of the Midland Quality Alliance and has undertaken numerous leadership and advisory responsibilities centred on healthcare quality, value-based care, and lifestyle medicine.
Patel’s professional background includes the development and execution of lifestyle medicine-focused care models designed to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases. These programs have been delivered through both face-to-face and virtual care platforms.
Her professional memberships include the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the American Association of Physician Leaders. She has also served on national advisory groups such as the Professional Advisory Council of the National Quality Forum and the Endorsement and Maintenance Committee of the Partnership for Quality Measurement.
In addition, Patel has worked with the Texas Medical Association as a consultant committee member and with the Primary Care Collaborative, contributing to initiatives related to healthcare delivery systems, quality improvement, and population health.
Her work has earned her recognition as a fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, along with the 2023 AMWA Inspire Award.
Patel completed her premedical studies at Vitthalbhai Patel and Rajratna P. T. Patel Science College in India and obtained her Doctor of Medicine in Internal Medicine from the University of Missouri.
She holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, including credentials as a Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist.
Along with Patel, the governor also appointed Cheryl Sew Hoy, Jaclyn Albin, and Kathleen Davis to the committee for terms ending in 2029. Ann Shippy, Commissioner Sid Miller, and Natalie Bachynsky were named to terms that will expire in 2027.
