A landmark moment of pride for India and the global Indian community

In a historic recognition of Indian excellence and global impact, Orlando Health Sciences University in Florida has officially been renamed Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Global University (KPGU). The decision honors the extraordinary philanthropic leadership and lifelong service of Indian-American physicians Dr. Kiran C. Patel and Dr. Pallavi Patel, making them the first individuals of Indian origin to have a medical university in the United States bear their names.

The renaming marks far more than an institutional change. It represents a moment of deep pride for India and the global Indian diaspora, reflecting how Indian values of seva, education, and social responsibility continue to shape global institutions. The Patels’ journey from India to international leadership in medicine stands as a powerful example of Indian contribution on the world stage.

Dr. Kiran C. Patel, a renowned cardiologist, began his medical career in Gujarat before moving to the United States in 1976. Over the decades, he has emerged as a visionary healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist, influencing medical education and healthcare delivery across continents. His wife, Dr. Pallavi Patel, a respected pediatrician, has been equally dedicated to advancing child health, education, and community welfare.

University leaders described the renaming as a tribute to the Patels’ transformational support of osteopathic medical education and their shared vision of building a truly global health sciences institution. As Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Global University, the institution aims to expand its international reach, encourage cross-border academic collaboration, and train future physicians committed to compassionate, community-centered care.

The Patels’ philanthropic legacy is already well established. Their historic $200 million contribution to Nova Southeastern University in 2017 remains one of the largest educational donations in Florida’s history. Beyond the United States, the couple has invested significantly in strengthening healthcare access and medical education in India, reinforcing a lasting academic and humanitarian bridge between the two nations.

Dr. Kiran Patel’s contributions have been recognized by both countries he calls home. He has received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest honor for overseas Indians, as well as the Outstanding American by Choice Award in the United States.

For India and Indians worldwide, the establishment of KPGU stands as a powerful symbol of what Indian talent, values, and philanthropy can achieve on a global scale. It affirms that Indian roots continue to shape the future of medicine, education, and humanity far beyond national borders.