Transforming How People Access and Experience Healthcare by Tackling Cost, Complexity, and Everyday Barriers
Expert in healthcare affordability, chronic illness, and the challenges that interfere with people’s ability to stay healthy
welcome
I’m Dr. Minal R. Patel
I’m a tenured professor and nationally recognized researcher focused on the real-world barriers that make it harder for people with chronic illnesses to get the care they need and deserve.
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My work investigates how the cost of care, confusing systems, and unmet needs- like transportation, housing, and food- shape people’s ability to stay healthy. I partner with healthcare systems, nonprofits, and policy and advocacy groups to turn evidence into practical tools and solutions that make care more affordable, more accessible, and more aligned with real life.
what i do
Core Services I Offer
I work with healthcare professionals, organizations, and advocates to identify root problems and build strategies that reduce burden and improve health. My work spans speaking engagements, strategic advising, and applied research- all aimed at making care more navigable, affordable, and responsive to real-world needs.
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SERVICE 1
SPEAKING
Keynotes, panels, and workshops that unpack the cost, complexity, and resource barriers people face when managing illness and navigating care, and what can be done to better support patients in the real-world.
SERVICE 2
CONSULTING
Tailored guidance and strategic planning sessions to help advocates and organizations reduce patient burden and improve care. From strategy sessions to research advising, I help partners translate evidence into clear, usable solutions that work in practice for long-term success.
SERVICE 3
EXPERTISE
My work explores how cost of care, system complexity, and unmet needs-like transportation, food, and housing- undermine health management. I offer deep expertise in turning that evidence into tools, programs, and strategies that improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary hardship.
TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING
Building Capacity Through Knowledge and Action
Explore a transformative three-course series that helps healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates understand the history, structures, and design flaws that lead to unequal care- and what we can do to fix them. Each course blends real-world examples, systems thinking, and practical frameworks you can use to improve care delivery, policy, and community programs.
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How We Got Here: A History of Healthcare Access and Treatment Gaps
What Still Gets in the Way: The Systems that Undermine Health Today
Building Better Systems: Tools for Creating Respectful, Usable, and Lasting Change
recent articles
On The Blog
Unbanked Diabetes Patients: Financial Hurdles
How does being unbanked impact individuals with diabetes? Explore the findings of a new study on the financial and health challenges faced by this group.
Financial Toxicity in Diabetes How It Impacts Health and Finances
Financial toxicity is a significant challenge for many individuals with diabetes. This study highlights distinct levels of financial strain and introduces a tool that can help clinicians provide better support. Read the full article for detailed insights.
How Chronic Diseases Impact Financial Control
Chronic diseases not only affect your health but also your financial wellbeing. A recent study reveals how chronic illness impacts perceptions of financial control and stability. Learn about the lasting effects and strategies to address financial toxicity.
free guide
What steps can be taken to create systemic solutions for financial barriers in healthcare?
Learn how systemic change, backed by research, can create a more supportive healthcare system. This guide offers policy-level insights and strategies to help stakeholders collaborate for lasting improvements in healthcare affordability.
