Minal Patel

Dr. Minal Patel is a tenured Professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, specializing in Health Behavior & Health Equity. Her research focuses on financial burden, healthcare affordability, and non-medical drivers of health outcomes, particularly for chronic disease populations.

• PhD and MPH in Health Behavior & Health Education from University of Michigan (2013, 2009)
• BA in Psychology from University of California, San Diego (2006)

Research interests center on systemic barriers to chronic disease management, including:

• Cost-related medical nonadherence
• Transportation/housing/food insecurity
• Behavioral science applications
• Policy evaluation for financial protection
• Multi-site partnership models

Her work spans diabetes, cancer, and respiratory disease populations, with methodological expertise in measurement development, epidemiological analysis, and randomized controlled trials. Current research trends include:

• Financial toxicity assessment tools
• AI-driven social need identification
• Medicaid expansion policy impacts
• Tobacco control policy analysis
• Care coordination interventions

Scientific recognition includes:

• Member of National Academy of Medicine's Emerging Leaders program
• Awards from unspecified major professional organizations

She mentors students and junior faculty while securing competitive federal and foundation grants. Her lab collaborates with healthcare systems, nonprofits, and policy groups to develop practical tools for reducing patient financial hardship.