Dr. Niraj Khandelwal chose a career in medicine because of a special mentor: his father. As a rheumatologist, Dr. Khandelwal’s father not only used his analytical skills to diagnose his patients, but also used his empathy to connect with them. When he was growing up, Dr. Khandelwal was amazed to see the impact his father made on the lives of his patients and their community.

Dr. Khandelwal decided to specialize in gastroenterology because the GI system is integral to the entire human body. In addition, he also is interested in the changing landscape of technology that impacts patient care. He also cites his interest in the field by seeing how his mother, who suffered from ulcerative proctitis, was able to control her quality of life through proper management.

Dr. Khandelwal has had many patients in his tenure at Digestive Healthcare of Georgia, but one patient with extraordinary positivity and courage has left a lasting impact on him. This patient was diagnosed at an early age with esophageal cancer, and even though there were obstacles with her treatment, both the patient and Dr. Khandelwal worked through these obstacles together. Throughout this process, the patient remained upbeat and positive.

“She never seemed to look back and was always encouraged by talking about the future,” Dr. Khandelwal said.

Dr. Khandelwal said the most rewarding part of his career is the interaction with patients and their families — hands down.

If he were not a physician, Dr. Khandelwal would have been a teacher or a professor since he loves interacting with people and exchanging ideas. In his spare time, Dr. Khandelwal plays golf, exercises, travels and spends time with his family. He is blessed with a wonderful wife and two amazing boys.