Kiran C. Patel Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full name: Kiranbhai Chhotubhai Patel [1] Desh-Videsh

Nickname(s): Dr. K [2] Florida Trend

Profession(s): Entrepreneur, Hotelier, Cardiologist, Philanthropist

Namesake institutes: • Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O) • Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (M.D) • Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Allied Health Building • Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions • Kiran C. Patel High School • Kiran C. Patel Research Institute • Patel Conservatory – Straz Center for the Performing Arts • Dr. Kiran C Patel Centre for Sustainable Development, IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Date of Birth: March 1979

Age (as of 2024): 75 Years

Birthplace: Zambia, Africa

Nationality: American

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Religion: Hinduism [4] Florida Trend

Marriage Date: May 1973

Age: 75 Years

Check Out Other Celebrities Biography

EDUCATION

College/University: • Cambridge University, England • University of London, England • Gujarat University, India • Columbia University of New York, US (1982)

Educational Qualification(s)[3]NSU Florida: • Diploma from Cambridge University, England • Diploma from the University of London, England • A medical course from Gujarat University, India • Residency in Internal Medicine in New Jersey, US (1980) • Fellowship in a cardiology program affiliated with the Columbia University of New York, US (1982)

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): in centimeters – 178 cm in meters – 1.78 m in feet & inches – 5’ 10”

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: Black

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status: Married

Wife/Spouse: Pallavi Patel (paediatrician, humanitarian)

Children: Son – Shilen Patel (businessman) Daughter(s) – Sonali Kiran Judd (doctor), Sheetal Patel (doctor; radiologist)

Parents: Father – Chhotubhai A. Patel Mother – Savitaben

Siblings: Brother(s) – Dinesh C. Patel (younger), Pradip C. Patel (owned a motel on Busch Boulevard; younger) Sister – 1 (Name Not Known; Elder)

Wife: Pallavi Patel

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Awards, Honours, Achievements: • The Lions Clubs International Academy Award for Humanitarian Service (2006) • “Glory of Gujarat” award from the Chief Minister of Gujarat (2007) • Ellis Island Medal of Honor for Exceptional Immigrant Patriots (2007) • Floridian of the Year Award by Florida Trend Magazine (2018) • President’s Excellence in Community Service Award in (2018) • Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Government of India (2019) • Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Nova Southeastern University (NSU) • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Southeast U.S • Jefferson Award for Public Service-National Media Award • Community Leader Award-Community Development Corporation of Tampa • Ike Tribble Award from National Urban League

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Kiran C. Patel’s remarkable journey began in Mota Fofaliya village, Gujarat, India, where his father, Chhotubhai Patel, first planted the seeds of ambition. In the late 1940s, Chhotubhai, along with his wife, Savitaben, and their daughter, made a bold move to Kabwe in Northern Rhodesia, now known as Zambia. This transition marked the birth of Kiran and his two brothers, who would grow up in a society steeped in racial divisions. Navigating the complexities of his youth, Kiran endured a challenging educational landscape, attending primary school under the British educational system. This meant a grueling 80-kilometer journey to school each day, as local options were scarce for non-white students.

Kiran’s path would take a significant turn during his medical studies in Gujarat, where he met Pallavi Patel. Their love story blossomed against the backdrop of familial opposition, as the couple belonged to different Hindu castes—Kiran from a family of farmers and Pallavi from a lineage of merchants. Despite initial resistance, their bond grew stronger, leading them to Zambia in 1973 after graduating. The couple’s journey took another leap when Kiran immigrated to the United States on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, eventually finding his professional home in Tampa, Florida, in 1982. There, he established himself as a successful cardiologist, supported by his brother Pradip, who owned a hotel in the area.

Kiran’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished alongside his medical career. In 1985, he and Pallavi launched a physician practice management company, expanding their services across multiple specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. This venture laid the groundwork for Kiran’s later achievements, including his ascent to the role of Chairman of the Board at Wellcare HMO in 1992. At that time, the insurance company faced dire financial straits, but Kiran’s leadership transformed it into the second-largest HMO in Florida and the fifth-largest in the United States. His strategic investments, including a pivotal $5 million acquisition of Wellcare HMO plans in New York and Connecticut, further solidified his reputation in the healthcare industry. After a decade at the helm, he sold Wellcare to a New York investment group led by George Soros for $200 million in 2002, an impressive exit that coincided with his personal battle with vitiligo disease, which he chose not to treat.

Post-Wellcare, Kiran Patel’s ventures diversified, encompassing luxury real estate development, medical software, and healthcare solutions. He resumed his entrepreneurial pursuits after a five-year non-compete agreement, acquiring America’s 1st Choice of South Carolina in 2007, followed by Freedom Health Plan and Optimum Healthcare in 2008 for a combined $17 million. His real estate accomplishments boast an impressive portfolio, including the JW Marriott on Clearwater Beach and the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. In 2018, he sold America’s 1st Choice Holdings to Anthem and acquired a 650-acre resort on Florida’s east coast in 2020, while continuing to expand his influence in the healthcare sector through partnerships such as his major stake in eternalHealth.

Kiran and Pallavi Patel are not only known for their entrepreneurial achievements but also for their profound philanthropic contributions. Having donated over $240 million to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts, their legacy is deeply etched in the fabric of their communities. Their significant donations include an $18.5 million gift to the University of South Florida and a record-setting $200 million to Nova Southeastern University, marking a historic milestone for Indian-Americans in philanthropy. Their charitable endeavors extend beyond the United States, with projects in India and Zambia, including hospitals and schools. In recognition of his contributions, Clearwater City Council honored Kiran with the renaming of Damascus Road to Dr. Kiran C. Patel Boulevard, solidifying his impactful presence in the region. As they embark on new ventures, including acquiring the English football (soccer) club West Bromwich Albion in 2024, the Patels continue to inspire others with their entrepreneurial zeal and unwavering commitment to giving back.

—

Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.