Neema J. Patel, M.D.

Neema J. Patel, M.D., is a board-certified Radiologist with fellowship-training in Abdominal Imaging as well as experience in Breast Imaging. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She offers expertise in both Abdominal and Breast Imaging divisions, including diagnostic work with outpatient as well as inpatient or emergent abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), ultrasound, image-guided procedures (thyroid, lymph node, liver, kidney, lung, and targeted lesion biopsies with ultrasound and/or CT guidance), and minority of time with fluoroscopy. In breast, she interprets screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasounds, molecular breast imaging, and performs breast procedures, including I-125 seed localizations and/or breast biopsies with imaging guidance (i.e., ultrasound, stereotactic/tomographic, etc.).

Dr. Patel earned her medical degree from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Mayo Clinic in Florida, where she served as the chief resident and was awarded the honors of the "Dr. Hugh J. Williams, SR and L. Isabel Williams resident recognition award" for ideal of service in the practice of radiology, the Education Excellence Award, the "Baker award for top research publication" multiple years during training, and the "Baker award for top presentation." She stayed on to pursue fellowship in Abdominal Imaging at Mayo Clinic in Florida. Additionally, she informally did a significant amount of dedicated time in Breast Imaging over her residency and fellowship, equivalent to time in a dedicated breast fellowship.

Upon completion of fellowship training, she stayed on staff and joined Mayo Clinic Florida in 2019. Since that time, Dr. Patel has been involved in education of residents and fellows in both Abdominal and Breast Imaging sections. Her research interests are broad, including post-biopsy complications and recovery times for liver and kidney biopsies, elevated risk breast cancer on screening mammography, and contrast ultrasound of indeterminate renal masses to name a few. She serves on the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program education leadership team as one of the Associate Program Directors (APD) and previously served as a Clinical Competency Committee Chair for the Radiology Residency (2021-2024). Additionally, she serves as the Program Evaluation Committee Chair for the Abdominal Imaging Fellowship.

Drawn to medicine by love of science, caring for patients, problem-solving, exploring technology and procedures, and helping others, Dr. Patel found a natural fit in the field of Radiology. "I enjoy trying to put patients at ease during our limited exposure either reviewing breast imaging results and explaining findings or during encounters for breast and/or body procedures," says Dr. Patel. "I want to help my patients as if they were a family member and help relieve some anxiety around their imaging tests or procedures if possible. I couldn't do it without the amazing team of radiologists, technologists, nurses, and staff we have at Mayo Clinic."

Dr. Patel aims to take a patient-centered approach to care to help patients be as much at ease as possible during biopsies and image-guided procedures and tailor each case to a person's unique needs.

Dr. Patel grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana to which she attributes understanding serving the diversity and resilience in patients as well as the multifaceted approach involved in medicine and how imaging can help give patient's answers but also guides their physicians on how to best manage their clinical care. Outside of work, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, traveling when possible, and painting.