Dr. Parikh’s success as a top urologist didn’t happen overnight, though. After graduating from Indiana University with a business degree, he got his start at Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals in order to save up money and pursue an education in medicine. Since then, he has been through medical school, completed his residency at Rush University Medical Center, and become the chief of urology at The Regional Medical Center Southside in Chicago.
Growing Up:
After graduating as valedictorian from Lake Central High School, Dr. Parikh went on to Indiana University where he obtained a business degree from the Kelley School of Business and minors in both chemistry and biology. Growing up in Schererville, Indiana has taught him the value of community, which is evident in his outreach efforts today–such as giving away turkeys at Thanksgiving time and helping run programs for underprivileged kids. After completing his education, Dr. Parikh was recruited by Barnes-Jewish Hospital because they recognized his potential; he’s now one of their top urologists and specializes in prostate cancer research and treatments like robotic surgery.
In addition to treating patients with prostate cancer, Dr. Parikh teaches medical students how to conduct prostate exams, how best to diagnose cancer early, and how new treatments are changing outcomes for those with metastatic disease. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family (including being an uncle), playing tennis or basketball outside when the weather permits (even though he’s not much of an athlete), and reading about any number of topics including science fiction novels and medieval history
Studying at IU:
After graduating as valedictorian from Lake Central High School, Dr. Parikh went on to Indiana University where he obtained a business degree from the Kelley School of Business and minors in both chemistry and biology This academic background proved very useful in medical school where he received his Doctorate of Medicine in 1986. He later finished up by taking a general surgery residency at Detroit Wayne County General Hospital, which was followed by two years of fellowship training in urology at Wayne State University Hospital His dedication to exceptional care has seen him become one of the top urologists in the world today, with Dr.
Earning a Fellowship at Mayo Clinic:
One day in medical school, I was sitting in class and realized I was interested in urology, Dr. Parikh says. I talked with my professor, and he directed me toward the Mayo Clinic’s fellowship program. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career as a urologist, pediatric urologist, or general surgeon. Students come out of this program and are top players in the field, he says
Becoming an Expert Oncology Surgeon:
In addition to his education, Dr. Parikh served a prestigious internship in oncology surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Following that, he completed an amazing residency program with strong skills in robotic surgery for prostate cancer and robotic hysterectomy for uterine cancer – training that makes him one of the few surgeons qualified to offer it in Indiana. He is also certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as by the American Board of Urology.
