Get to know Dr. Parth Maheshwari, second-year fellow in the Division of Digestive Diseases. Here, he shares his path to gastroenterology and Mississippi.
First, tell us about you.
I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland. I attended undergraduate and medical school at VCU in Richmond, Virginia and did residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA (AKA chocolate town). I have a two-year-old son who keeps me active and inspired. I’m a big Baltimore Ravens fan.
When did you know you wanted to pursue digestive diseases?
My interest in digestive disease started in medical school when I rotated through the GI consult rotation. I enjoyed the good mix of clinical skills as well as procedural skills required for the specialty. My decision to pursue this field was finalized early in residency when I was able to work with many patients with GI issues. I enjoyed learning the pathology of these patients and helping treat those pathologies. This also gave me face time with the fellows and attendings at Penn State, many of whom I’m still in contact with.
What do you like most about UMMC?
I love the collegiality between everyone. As someone who’s not from Mississippi, I was very happy with my transition here. Everyone was very helpful and they continue to be very helpful. I enjoy working with residents from all specialties, especially internal medicine.
What advice would you give to the interns?
It’s ok to be wrong! Residency is a time to learn your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to patient care. What matters the most is how you grow throughout residency and learn from your mistakes as well as others’ mistakes.
Take time to teach others. Often, when you teach others, you learn the material better!
Finally, if you are interested in fellowship, start early! It takes time to get to know faculty and do research in your prospective sub-specialty. You’ll be able to develop relationships with people that you will likely stay connected to for the rest of your professional career.
What could you give a 40 minute presentation on without preparation?
If I had to choose a GI topic, it would probably be cirrhosis management (inpatient vs outpatient). This could be even longer given the complexity of the topic. If I had to choose a non-medical topic, it would be about the various forms of Indian vocal music.
What is something you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about finance and investments. This is something we are not always taught in training and financial independence is very important.
What are some small things that make your day better?
- Seeing my son when I come home after a long day at work.
- Clearing out my Epic inbox.
- Free food.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
I can sing in several languages (English, but also several South Asian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, etc). I learned classical Indian vocal music for 10+ years and was nearly going to try out for some singing competitions but then college/med school took priority. I still learn songs from time to time and I sang at my own wedding.
Progress Notes 
Very nice. We are lucky to have you at UMMC and in Mississippi. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your story and I wish you nothing but the best here with your career and family!
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