Growing up in India, Dr. Rahul Gandhi was fortunate to have some role models that introduced him to the field of medicine. “I decided to become a doctor because I wanted to not just care for people but also make a difference in their lives,” he explains. “I knew that being a doctor would ultimately give me great satisfaction from what I do.”

According to Dr. Gandhi, working as a hospital-based internist is intense, but also very rewarding. “You get to see immediate results with a patient which is very satisfying – that’s one of the things I like about it. As a hospitalist we have an opportunity to coordinate patient care with various sub-specialists and also collaborate with primary care physicians to assure continuity of care. Although most patients are only in the hospital for a short period of time, we can really make a difference and give them the satisfaction and care they need.”

As a hospitalist Dr. Gandhi treats a large number of elderly patients and they usually have multiple issues including heart conditions, lung problems such as COPD and asthma, as well as pneumonia. “I try to take into account how the illness is affecting not just the patient but their whole family…we always try to consider the big picture when recommending care.”

In his work Dr. Gandhi enjoys using the latest technology, including electronic medical records. “It really helps to know the patient’s history and what has been done in the past. In addition, technology has given us more and more options for treatment. There has definitely been tremendous change from the way medicine was practiced decades ago.”

When he is not busy at the hospital treating patients, Dr. Gandhi enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and hiking in the outdoors.

Please Note: Dr. Gandhi provides acute medical care for Reliant Medical Group patients who are admitted to Saint Vincent Hospital.