It all Started with a Letter from Mother Teresa
Family Medicine Physician Priya Gambhir, M.D. blends the best of allopathic and complementary medicine to meet the specific health needs of her patients of all ages. She believes optimum health is achieved through a strong patient-physician partnership and would be honored to assist you and your family toward reaching your healthcare goals. She also aims to help others receive quality healthcare through her special interest in international medicine and health projects for the underserved.
Growing up, Dr. Gambhir knew she wanted to pursue a career where she could help others. Inspired by Mother Teresa’s life-changing achievements in poverty-stricken areas, she also wanted be involved in a field of work that made a difference. Unsure of exactly what that journey entailed, she decided to write Mother Teresa a letter. She was beyond surprised when she received one back. “I wrote to her to see how I could help out and become a great caregiver,” Dr. Gambhir says. Mother Teresa responded and said “thank you for your concern for the poor and sick of India...this is the beginning of what God expects from you” Dr. Gambhir was confident this was the type of work she was destined to do.
She packed up her bags in the Wheaton home she grew up in and set off to India to soak up her heritage and carry on with her mission to help others. This unique experience opened up her eyes to a large population who lacked basic healthcare needs. She was willing to do whatever it took to help this community, and that’s exactly what she did by attending medical school at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. “My passion lies in helping people get better and providing them with excellent care,” she says. “The satisfaction that I receive from helping my patients and volunteering is all that I need to go on.”
Her heritage and education also led Dr. Gambhir to incorporate complementary medicine into her practice. Since many alternative treatments have their roots in the Eastern region, India’s allopathic degree center also offered courses for ayurvedic medicine. Simultaneously to receiving her medical degree, Dr. Gambhir later trained in homeopathy and holds a special interest in acupuncture, qi gong, reiki, healing arts, yoga, meditation and stress therapy. “Naturally, I’m inclined to complementary medicine because of my culture,” she says. “It’s been embedded in me since I was a child.”
The combination of traditional and complementary medicine assists Dr. Gambhir in treating a wide range of ailments that affect her patients of all ages, from diabetes and hypertension to asthma and obesity. Dr. Gambhir is also committed to patient education and practicing prevention. Aside from treating diseases and conditions, she performs routine pap smears and annual exams. “I’m a firm believer that prevention is better than a cure,” she says. Her general knowledge and expertise as a family physician also allows her to pursue her interest in international medicine, since impoverished areas are most in need of basic healthcare. Dr. Gambhir also helps patients locally by volunteering as a medical physician for the uninsured at the DuPage Community Clinic.
Whether contributing her time or assisting patients at her practice, Dr. Gambhir aims to provide excellent quality care to each individual. “I want my patients to understand that I’m their partner in healthcare and will be there for them every step of the process,” she says. Dr. Gambhir creates a relaxed, no-rush environment, where she takes the time to get to know her patients and understand their health care needs and goals. She looks forward to working together with you. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 854-8595. For your convenience, Dr. Gambhir also speaks Hindi, Punjabi and basic medical Spanish.
Priya Gambhir, M.D.
Medical School
Kasturba Medical College
Residency/Internship
Northwestern University McGaw Family Medicine Residency Program
Memberships
American Academy of Family Physicians
Publications
Blueprints in Family Medicine, Second Edition
