Sanjiv Patankar, M.D.

“Most of the time we worry about the future—or mourn the past. joy comes from being present in the moment.” — Sanjiv Patankar, M.D.

“If someone tells me something can’t be done, I do it.” That’s the mantra by which Sanjiv Patankar, M.D., has defined his life. Born in India and educated at Seth G.S. Medical College—known as “the Harvard of Mumbai”—Dr. Patankar was already a wellestablished surgeon when he and his family emigrated to the U.S. in search of better career opportunities. Now a colorectal surgeon at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, the 55-year-old lives in Ridgewood with his wife, Madhuri, an occupational therapist.

When did you move to the States?
In 1995. We first lived in Orlando near Disney World, which was a dream come true for my young daughters! Now Sonali is 26, and she’s completing her OB/gyn residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Radhika is three years younger. She works as an accountant in Manhattan, and she just married her high school sweetheart, Carter Anderson.

What brought you from Florida to the Garden State?
I did my surgical residency at New York Hospital Queens, because even though I’d been a practicing surgeon in India, I had to pass all my American boards. It was difficult being on call 24 hours at my age. All the other doctors were 10 years younger! But I love the focus and finesse of colorectal surgery.

Sounds tiring. How do you relax?
In 2008, I discovered yoga. I’d been suffering severe seasonal allergies, so someone recommended I try using a neti pot, because I don’t like to overmedicate—and I’m a chicken about getting shots! I ordered one online and received a yoga magazine with it. Now I practice five times a week.

What do you like about this discipline?
It cured my neck, shoulder and back pain. And the special pranayama deep breathing stabilizes my mind. Most of the time we worry about the future—or mourn the past. Joy comes from being present in the moment. —F.M.