Salma Patel

Salma Patel, MD, MPH, FACP, FAASM joined the faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson in 2018. She earned both her MD and MPH at the University of Arizona and completed her Internal Medicine residency and Sleep Medicine fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, where she spent 13 years (Mayo Clinic Alumni Association | Salma Patel, M.D.'s journey). Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine, Dr. Patel is a nationally recognized educator, clinician, researcher, and mentor working with learners across the continuum—from undergraduates and graduate students to medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty. Dr. Patel holds leadership roles in curricular affairs across multiple departments and programs, providing guidance in curriculum design, assessment, and accreditation. Her educational work is informed by a public health perspective that integrates population health, prevention, and health equity with clinical training.

Her scholarship bridges sleep medicine with cardiology and vascular science and extends to population-level sleep health, examining the impact of sleep and circadian disruption on cardiometabolic risk and health outcomes. Supported by federal and foundation funding, she translates evidence into practice through guideline development, workforce training, and community-engaged education. Guided by the principle that "the best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered" (Dr. William J. Mayo, 1910), Dr. Patel is committed to advancing patient-centered care and preparing highly competent health professionals through innovative, evidence-informed education and clinical care. She holds multiple leadership roles within the University and at Banner Health.