Nimesh Patel

Dr. Nimesh Patel (he/him) is an Instructor III in the Public Health Program in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Gujarat University and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental and Occupational Health from Simon Fraser University. Before joining the University of Lethbridge in 2017, he worked in clinical medicine and public health research, experiences that continue to shape his approach to teaching.

Dr. Patel teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, infectious diseases, and public health. He enjoys creating learning experiences that connect theory with real-world public health practice and preparing students for careers in the field or further graduate study. His interests include epidemiology, public health education, environmental health, infectious diseases, biostatistics, curriculum development, and evidence-informed teaching. In addition to teaching, he has served in several leadership roles within the Public Health Program and continues to contribute to curriculum development, graduate education, and research ethics review. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with his family and watching cricket.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Patel has over 15 years of combined experience in medicine, public health, epidemiology, research, and higher education. Since joining the University of Lethbridge in 2017, he has taught across the undergraduate and graduate public health curriculum while serving in several academic leadership roles, including Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health and Undergraduate and Graduate Public Health Practicum Coordinator. In these roles, he has led curriculum renewal initiatives, strengthened practicum education, and worked collaboratively to enhance student learning and program quality.

Before entering academia, Dr. Patel practiced medicine in India as a family physician and medical officer, experiences that continue to inform his teaching by connecting public health concepts with clinical and real-world practice. He also has interdisciplinary research experience spanning environmental and occupational health, mental health, maternal and child health, epidemiology, vaccine safety, and active transportation. In addition, he serves as a Scientific Reviewer for the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta (HREBA), contributing to the ethical review of community health and clinical trials research conducted across the province.

His professional expertise includes 

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental and Occupational health
• Infectious diseases
• Public health education
• Curriculum development 
• Research methods
• Public health program evaluation

Through his teaching, scholarship, and service, Dr. Patel is committed to preparing the next generation of public health professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex public health challenges.

Teaching Experience:

Dr. Patel has more than nine years of university teaching experience, delivering undergraduate and graduate courses in face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments. His teaching spans a broad range of public health disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, infectious diseases, medical microbiology, public health practice, and research methods.

Over the course of his academic career, he has taught the following courses and supervised independent studies for undergraduate and graduate students:

• Introduction to Public Health (PUBH 1000)
• Environmental Health (PUBH 3100)
• Advanced Public Health (PUBH 4000)
• Public Health Practicum (PUBH 4550)
• Applied Infectious Diseases (PUBH 4850/5006)
• Biostatistics I (PUBH 5001)
• Biostatistics II (PUBH 5500)
• Epidemiology (HLSC/BIOL 2003)
• Medical Microbiology (HLSC 2400)
• Health and Society (HLSC/SOCI 2700)

His teaching philosophy is centred on preparing students for successful careers in public health by creating authentic learning experiences that bridge theory and practice. He emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and practical skill development while fostering an inclusive, respectful, and engaging learning environment. Through curriculum innovation and experiential learning, Dr. Patel strives to equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and competencies needed to address complex public health challenges and pursue graduate education or professional practice.

Research Focus: 

Although appointed to a teaching-stream position, Dr. Patel remains actively engaged in research that informs his teaching and contributes to public health practice. His research interests include epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, infectious diseases, vaccine safety, maternal and child health, active transportation, and public health education. He has collaborated on interdisciplinary research projects examining topics such as children's independent mobility and physical activity, mental health stigma, environmental exposures, and trauma-informed public health interventions. Dr. Patel has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations He welcomes opportunities to co-supervise graduate students interested in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, infectious diseases, public health practice, and public health education.

Recent Activities:

In addition to his teaching and research activities, Dr. Patel is actively involved in service to the University and the broader community. He has served on numerous departmental, faculty, and university committees and continues to contribute as a Scientific Reviewer for the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta. He is also committed to lifelong learning and regularly participates in professional development activities to strengthen both his disciplinary knowledge and teaching practice.

Outside the University, Dr. Patel volunteers with Vadtal Dham Calgary, where he develops curriculum and lesson materials for the weekly Bal Sabha - children's education program. This volunteer work reflects his passion for education and community engagement beyond higher education.