After also completing Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology fellowships at the University of Illinois, he began his practice at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Dr. Patel is a board certified Interventional Cardiologist at Riverside Medical Center where he currently serves as the director of the Cardiac Catheterization and Structural Heart Departments. He is also the program director for the hospital’s Interventional Cardiology Fellowship and on the Board of Directors for the Riverside Medical Group.

Dr. Patel’s clinical expertise includes complex coronary interventions, acute coronary syndrome, structural heart disease, and complex peripheral interventions. His time at Riverside Medical Center inspired him to develop the procedure on how to deal with incoming complex interventional cases, leading to improved care in his community. He has also been the primary force in creating a “no amputation program” to help patients with critical limb ischemia.

Dr. Patel’s excellent rapport with his patients and colleagues stems from his dedication to patient care. He has volunteered at countless local events and provided education on heart care within his community. Moreover, he constantly challenges himself and frequently participates at national conferences. He is a strong believer in teaching, and therefore enjoys working with students, residents, and fellows.

Dr. Vikas K. Patel is married and has three beautiful children. He loves traveling with his family, being outdoors, watching science-fiction movies, and is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

In 2020, 91% of RUSM students passed the initial step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) on the first attempt. And in 2022-2023, results show yet another strong year for RUSM with a 98% first-time residency attainment rate* thus far. Located on the island of Barbados and with a network of more than 15,000 alumni, RUSM is one of the largest providers of doctors for the U.S. healthcare system. RUSM graduates practice in all 50 states and in Puerto Rico.

*First time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2023-24 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2022-23 who were active applicants in the 2023 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.