Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Derin Patel.
Hi Dr. Derin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was brought to San Antonio for family reasons. My family and I had been settled in a small town in Indiana, where we fully expected to retire and build our lives long term. However, life had different plans.
My father was diagnosed with a severe immune-mediated liver disease that ultimately required a liver transplant. As a physician, I recognized that being close to family during this time was absolutely essential. We made the difficult decision to leave behind a comfortable and familiar life and relocate to San Antonio, Texas, for his health and care.
Around that same time, my wife and I decided to open our own primary care practice. Many told us it was a foolish decision—given decreasing reimbursement, rising inflation, and the growing challenges of surviving as an independent practice. Despite the uncertainty, we chose to take the risk and opened our doors in Universal City.
The community welcomed us as their own and played an integral role in helping us build what we are today. Our organization continued to grow as we quickly recognized a significant gap in access to primary care—patients often faced wait times of three months or longer just to see a provider. In the United States, this lack of timely access to basic medical care did not sit well with me, and it strengthened our commitment to expand and serve more patients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges, but through it all, our patients and our employees stood by us. Their trust and support allowed us to continue pursuing my vision: improving access to high-quality, compassionate primary care for the communities we serve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Primary Care in San Antonio over 18 locations and rapidly growing. Also provide psychiatry, womens wellness, physical therapy, and podiatry care. Goal to primary care access to those that do not have it. Offer same day appts.
Pricing:
- Take most major insurances
- Self pay pricing available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hillsideprimarycare.com/
