Indian American Dr. Kiran Patel funds new Orlando medical school
Renowned billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Kiran Patel, alongside his wife Dr. Pallavi Patel, marked a significant milestone in their commitment to education and healthcare by inaugurating the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) in Winter Garden, Florida. The launch event coincided with Dr. Kiran Patel’s 75th birthday, underscoring the couple’s dedication to advancing medical education. Dr. Kiran Patel revealed that OCOM is part of his broader vision to establish a medical school under the banner of Patel University, with plans for expansion into Zambia and India.
Addressing the gathered guests, including Indian Americans from across the nation, Dr. Kiran Patel emphasized the transformative impact of OCOM on medical education. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to providing a comprehensive curriculum, cutting-edge resources, and rigorous standards to future physicians, ensuring their education surpasses conventional boundaries. Chad Toujague, chair of the board of trustees at OCOM, praised the Patels’ legacy achievements and their profound contribution to medical education, noting the significance of OCOM in shaping the future of healthcare.
Dr. Pallavi Patel led a prayer ceremony seeking blessings for the educational institute, symbolizing the couple’s spiritual commitment to their philanthropic endeavors. The inauguration ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a sculpture of the couple by their grandchildren, amidst applause and admiration from the attendees. The event showcased the Patels’ unwavering dedication to education and healthcare, reminiscent of their previous philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment of the Tampa Bay Regional Campus of Nova Southeastern University.
The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) made history Sunday, March 10th, as officials cut the ribbon on Central Florida’s newest medical school.
The inauguration of the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) marked a significant milestone in Central Florida’s medical education landscape. As the region’s newest medical school and Central Florida’s inaugural osteopathic medical school, OCOM is poised to make a lasting impact on medical education and healthcare delivery. Located in Winter Garden, FL, within the Horizon West neighborhood, the three-story, 144,000-square-foot building represents a $75 million investment and is a testament to the dedication of its founders, Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel.
It was also announced that on March 9, 2024, the Board of Trustees for OCOM unanimously approved a vote to apply for a name change of OCOM’s parent organization to be called the Drs. Kiran & Pallavi Patel Global University (KPGU). OCOM will retain its name. In a historic decision, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a vote to apply for a name change for OCOM’s parent organization, which will be known as the Drs. Kiran & Pallavi Patel Global University (KPGU). Classes for OCOM’s inaugural class of 97 students are set to commence on August 5th, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in medical education and healthcare excellence.
The Tampa Bay campus, made possible by the Patels’ unprecedented $200 million donation, stands as a testament to their commitment to advancing medical education. Dr. Kiran Patel’s vision for Patel University reflects his desire to replicate the success of the NOVA campus in Zambia and India, underlining his dedication to expanding access to quality education globally. Through their philanthropic initiatives, the Patels continue to leave an indelible mark on medical education, embodying the principles of impact, scalability, and sustainability in their endeavors