🎙️ Performance Around the Clock Podcast – Episode 35 with Dr. Hemal Patel

179 views • August 19, 2025

Welcome to episode 35 of the Performance Around the Clock podcast. We’re joined by Dr. Hemal Patel, a distinguished Professor and Vice-Chair for Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and a VA Research Career Scientist.

Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dr. Patel’s research focuses on caveolin and mitochondrial biology. In this episode, he discusses the critical role of cell membranes and mitochondria in cellular energy and disease, and highlights how his lab developed a groundbreaking non-invasive, blood-based assay for mitochondrial function — originally advanced through the NASA Twin Study.

This innovative test can assess overall energetic health and disease states without invasive biopsies. Dr. Patel also shares his work on the therapeutic potential of the protein caveolin in conditions like heart disease and neurodegeneration (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), and how his recent research has expanded to explore the mind-body connection through collaborations with Dr. Joe Dispenza.

We also dive into how his lifelong interests in philosophy and religion have shaped his career and worldview. Please join us for this thoughtful and inspiring conversation between Dr. Panda and Dr. Patel.

If you enjoy this episode, please like, comment, or subscribe. Thanks for watching!

🎤 Guest: Dr. Hemal Patel

• Professor & Vice-Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, UC San Diego School of Medicine
• VA Research Career Scientist

🔗 Profile: UCSD Faculty Page
📸 Instagram: @hemalpatelphd

🎧 Host: Dr. Satchin Panda

🐦 X (Twitter): @SatchinPanda
📸 Instagram: @satchin.panda