How does someone go from repairing fractures in animals as a veterinary surgeon to revolutionizing human operating rooms with cutting-edge technology?
Bharat Patel’s journey spans continents and careers, blending surgical precision with a deep understanding of healthcare systems. With over 17 years of experience as an Operating Room (OR) nurse and a passion for solving real-world problems, Bharat is more than just a medical professional—he’s a trailblazer in nursing informatics and innovation.
From the chaotic urgency of trauma centers to the quiet complexity of developing life-changing healthcare tools, Bharat’s career is filled with stories of resilience, ingenuity, and impact. Curious? This is a story you won’t want to miss.
A Foundation Built on Expertise
Bharat began in Anand, Gujarat, India, a city best known for its role in India’s dairy revolution. Growing up in a middle-class household with educator parents, he was instilled with values of hard work, humility, and dedication.
His academic achievements reflect his diverse interests. Bharat earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from Anand Agricultural University, graduating with distinction.
His fascination with surgery took root during this time, particularly during his fifth semester. This led him to pursue a Master’s in Veterinary Surgery, where his thesis focused on interlocking nails for repairing femoral and tibial fractures in dogs using C-Arm image intensifiers.
His groundbreaking research was later published in the Indian Journal of Veterinary Surgery, highlighting his early scientific contributions.
Transitioning to Human Healthcare
Bharat’s decision to shift to human healthcare was both bold and strategic. After completing his Master’s in Veterinary Surgery, he moved to Australia to study nursing at Flinders University.
His academic rigor earned him admission to the Bachelor of Nursing program, where he excelled during clinical rotations at Flinders University Hospital in Adelaide.
It was here that Bharat discovered his passion for perioperative nursing. He chose to specialize in operating room care, which demands quick decision-making, adaptability, and teamwork.
After graduation, he was selected for the Graduate Nurse Program at Calvary John James Hospital in Canberra, marking the beginning of a career that would span the globe.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his dedication reached extraordinary levels. He worked tirelessly in the Operating Room, donning an N-95 mask for countless hours, often day and night, without hesitation.
Putting his own life at risk, he remained steadfast in helping patients and supporting the community during one of the most challenging times in modern healthcare.
A Career Defined by Leadership
Bharat’s 17-year career as an OR nurse includes expertise across surgical specialties, from general surgery to robotic-assisted procedures.
Mastering Operating Room Nursing
In Australia, Bharat honed his skills in perioperative care, rotating through pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative patient management. This gave him a comprehensive understanding of patient needs and surgical workflows.
As a scrub and circulating nurse, he managed a variety of procedures, including vascular surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and thoracic surgery.
His experience expanded further when he moved to Canada and the United States. At Albany Medical Center in New York, a Level 1 trauma center, Bharat’s ability to prepare operating rooms for critical emergencies within minutes proved invaluable.
Expertise in Robotic Surgery
Bharat’s experience includes robotic-assisted surgeries using Da Vinci systems (Si Robot, Xi, and SP Robot). Robotic surgery requires a precise understanding of technology and an ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team. His contributions in this area reflect a unique combination of clinical expertise and technological proficiency.
Expanding into Health IT
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Bharat’s transition into nursing informatics was driven by his interest in technology and its potential to improve healthcare systems.
Clinical Informatics Specialist
While working in Canada, Bharat joined eHealth Saskatchewan as a Clinical Informatics Specialist. His role involved implementing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) across primary care clinics in Saskatchewan. This required extensive collaboration with clinic staff, including receptionists, billing personnel, clinicians, and lab technicians.
Bharat’s responsibilities included training healthcare teams on EMR modules, troubleshooting technical issues, and optimizing workflows to improve patient care. His background in computer science—bolstered by certifications in programming languages like C, C++, and Java—enabled him to seamlessly bridge the gap between healthcare and technology.
The ORN App: A Revolution in Perioperative Care
Burnout among nurses has reached crisis levels. A report revealed that 95% of nurses experience burnout, with 91% considering leaving the profession. To address this, Bharat developed the ORN app to simplify surgical preparation.
By consolidating surgeon preferences, surgical protocols, and required equipment into a single platform, the app, currently in the design and initiation stage will help OR nurses reduce preparation time, minimize errors, and focus on patient care when ready.
This innovation is particularly impactful in fast-paced surgical environments, where even small inefficiencies can have significant consequences. Bharat’s app not only alleviates stress for nurses but also improves operating room turnover times, benefiting patients and surgical teams alike.
A Broader Impact on Healthcare
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The global healthcare informatics market, valued at $39.45 billion in 2016, is projected to surge to $123.24 billion by 2025. Bharat’s work in informatics positions him as a leader in this transformative field.
Contributions to Robotic Surgery
In addition to his informatics expertise, Bharat’s contributions to robotic-assisted surgery highlight his ability to integrate technology into clinical practice. An article from Forbes emphasizes the importance of addressing human factors in robotic surgery to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
Bharat’s dual expertise in nursing and informatics ensures that technology is an enabler rather than a barrier in surgical care.
Grounded in Values
Bharat’s professional achievements are deeply rooted in personal values.
Growing up in a spiritual household, he credits his mentors for teaching him the importance of perseverance, honesty, and service to others.
His dedication to continuous learning is evident in his pursuit of certifications like Board Certification in Nursing Informatics and CNOR and his recently completed Master of Science in Nursing Informatics at Western Governors University.
What’s Next for Bharat Patel
Bharat’s vision for the future includes scaling the ORN app for global use. By incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning, he aims to enhance surgical workflows further and reduce patient risks.
He also plans to pursue a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree, which would expand his clinical expertise and help him bridge gaps in primary care.
As digital transformation accelerates across the healthcare industry, Bharat Patel’s work serves as a reminder of what’s possible when clinical expertise meets technological vision.
