Sonoran Sleep Center Press
2024 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
SARAH PATEL, MD
What was your “ah-ha” moment when you knew sleep medicine was for you? / How did you get into sleep medicine?
While I didn't experience a typical "ah-ha" moment, one particular follow-up visit discussing a patient’s treatment of OSA did lead me to have an interest in the field. During this appointment, my patient revealed remarkable improvements in both her health and personal life following the initiation of CPAP therapy. This encounter underscored the profound importance of sleep and its wide-ranging not only on our health but other aspects of our life.
What is the best part of practicing sleep?
The most fulfilling aspect of practicing sleep medicine is the opportunity to educate my patients about the significance of sleep disorders and teaching patients how treatments may have a profound effect on other disorders. The field is evolving with innovative advancements and fosters an environment of continuous learning and excitement. I am deeply passionate about sleep medicine and consider it a privilege to care for patients and also advocate for our field.
What's been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career journey so far?
Establishing my practice in 2020 has been an immensely challenging yet deeply rewarding journey. From the beginning, my aim has been to offer comprehensive, high-quality care to my patients. As I approach the four-year mark, I reflect on the significant growth and learning that have accompanied this endeavor. I remain committed in my goal and continually strive to elevate the standard of care provided to those I serve.
What has been the most enjoyable experience as a member of AASM?
As the Chair of the Early Career Physician Assembly, I've had the privilege of meeting with my colleagues across the US and engaging in conversations with the ECP community. My colleagues consistently exhibit remarkable support for one another, which was evident in our networking events and peer discussions. Facilitating these interactions has been immensely rewarding and I take pride in contributing to the growth and collaboration within our community. Moving forward, my interests and goals also include advocating for the needs of my colleagues.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone who wants to get into the sleep field, what would it be and why?
You won't regret your decision! The field of sleep medicine offers a unique and fulfilling journey. Despite challenges and barriers, there's a continuous stream of innovation aimed at enhancing sleep health. Joining this dynamic field promises opportunities for growth, impact, and contributing to the well-being of countless individuals.
Glendale, AZ – October 19, 2021 – Sonoran Sleep Center in Glendale recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates Sonoran Sleep Center on meeting the high standards required to earn accreditation as a sleep disorders center,” said Dr. Raman Malhotra, AASM president. “Sonoran Sleep Center is an important resource to the local medical community and will provide academic and scientific value in addition to the highest quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders.”
To receive and maintain accreditation for a five-year period, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. These standards address core areas such as personnel, facility and equipment, policies and procedures, data acquisition, patient care, and quality assurance. Additionally, the sleep center’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine accredited a sleep disorders center for the first time in 1977. Today there are more than 2,600 AASM-accredited sleep centers across the country.
Sonoran Sleep Center is directed by Sarah N. Patel, MD, and is located at 5620 W Thunderbird Rd, B3.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a professional medical society for clinicians, researchers, and other health care providers in the field of sleep medicine. As the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers, the AASM improves sleep health and promotes high quality, patient-centered care through advocacy, education, strategic research, and practice standards.
Say Hello to Sarah Patel, MD!
The Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) has the distinct honor of interviewing and highlighting the most extraordinary physicians in Arizona as part of our monthly Member Spotlight series. For the month of August, we are pleased to introduce to you Sarah Patel, MD. Dr. Patel is a board-certified adult and pediatric sleep medicine doctor, and she is the director and owner of the Sonoran Sleep Center in Glendale. Dr. Patel currently serves as the early career director on ArMA’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Patel’s journey to a life in medicine is unique and inspiring, but perhaps most inspiring is her appreciation for the simple joys of life: family, cooking, and nature. If you know someone interested in pursuing medicine as a career, show them this interview and read more about Dr. Patel below.
