Spotlight:Dr. Tushar Patel invented a medical device that benefits his spine patients and Landon students.

As an orthopedic spine specialist in Northern Virginia, Dr. Tushar Patel ’81 brings to his profession commitment, precision, innovation and a desire to help people. He demonstrates those same qualities when it comes to supporting Landon.

Since graduating from Landon 28 years ago, throughout college and medical training, Patel has made a gift to Landon’s Annual Fund year in and year out. He has maintained this record for two reasons: because he values education tremendously and because Landon reinforced the values of honor and respect that he learned at home. Patel says, “With the Honor Code and the emphasis on education and fairness, Landon instilled basic values. In Lower School, I learned from Bill Triplett how to be a decent gentleman.”

When Patel chose to make a significant gift to the school, he did so in an innovative way. Landon receives the royalty payments from a medical device Patel developed and on which he holds the patent. Patel worked with the Development Office to set this up and notes, “It was easy to arrange for Landon to receive the royalty stream.”

Patel knew exactly to what area he wanted his funds directed. The Patel ’81 Student Assistance Fund provides extra money to deliver the full Landon experience for students on financial aid. “When I was a student, I observed that certain boys couldn’t take advantage of all that Landon offered,” Patel explains. “This fund will enable a student to go on a class ski trip or with his French class to lunch at a local French restaurant.”

Patel does not know which students benefit from his support and prefers not to know. He would not want a boy to feel indebted to him or self-conscious about needing financial support. Patel says, “For me the important thing is the personal satisfaction in filling a need without having someone asking for help.”

Patel also derives satisfaction from knowing that his medical device is helping people twice. “It’s a win-win,” he observes. “The patients get better and the proceeds from the patent on the device make it easier for some Landon boys to fit in.”