Obituary: Dr. Sanket Patel, DO — Beloved New Jersey Gastroenterologist, Leader in IBD Care, and Compassionate Healer
NEW JERSEY & PENNSYLVANIA — The medical community is grieving the tragic and unexpected loss of Dr. Sanket Patel, DO, a widely respected gastroenterologist whose sudden passing has left a profound void in the lives of colleagues, patients, and loved ones throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dr. Patel, who served as the Director of the Virtua Crohn’s & Colitis Center, was not only a leader in the field of digestive health but also a deeply compassionate physician whose care transformed the lives of countless individuals.
Dr. Patel’s death, announced earlier this week, has sent shockwaves through both the professional healthcare landscape and the many communities he faithfully served. The cause of his passing has not been publicly disclosed, but the sorrow it has brought is palpable across clinics, hospitals, and patient support networks alike.
A Pioneering Force in Gastroenterology
Dr. Sanket Patel’s name had become synonymous with cutting-edge care for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. As Director of the Virtua Crohn’s & Colitis Center, Dr. Patel led a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, dietitians, and behavioral health experts, all focused on holistic and highly personalized care for patients living with chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
Under his leadership, the center became a beacon of hope for patients dealing with some of the most complex and debilitating forms of digestive disease. He championed innovative treatment models, integrated research into clinical practice, and ensured that every patient — from newly diagnosed teens to lifelong IBD warriors — received compassionate, evidence-based care.
“Dr. Patel wasn’t just a doctor. He was a lifeline for patients who had been told their lives would always be dictated by their disease,” said a colleague from Virtua Health. “He gave people their lives back. He listened, he advocated, and he healed — not just the body, but the spirit.”
A Heart for Patients, A Mind for Medicine
Dr. Patel’s unique approach to medicine was grounded in empathy. He took the time to know his patients, understand their stories, and tailor treatment not just to symptoms, but to individual lives. Whether staying late to comfort a worried parent or calling personally to follow up after a difficult treatment, his kindness and attentiveness left a lasting impression.
For many patients, Dr. Patel became more than a physician — he was a trusted ally in their healthcare journey.
“I was at my lowest point when I met Dr. Patel,” shared one patient. “He didn’t just treat my condition; he restored my hope. I owe him everything.”
Educator, Mentor, and Community Advocate
Beyond clinical care, Dr. Patel was an educator and mentor to young doctors, always emphasizing the importance of treating patients with dignity and compassion. He lectured regularly on advances in gastroenterology and inflammatory disease management, and he worked tirelessly to improve public understanding of digestive health through community outreach programs and awareness campaigns.
Dr. Patel was also known for his advocacy in underserved communities, working to reduce disparities in healthcare access and ensure that specialized care reached those who needed it most.
An Irreplaceable Loss
News of Dr. Patel’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from all corners of the medical world. Tributes have flooded social media and professional platforms, with colleagues sharing stories of his brilliance, humility, and generosity.
“He had that rare combination of intellect and warmth,” said one peer. “He could analyze the most complex medical case and then sit down and explain it in a way that made you feel completely at ease.”
The Virtua Health system released a formal statement mourning the loss of “a remarkable physician, a cherished friend, and an extraordinary human being whose absence will be felt for years to come.”
Legacy and Remembrance
Dr. Sanket Patel is survived by his loving family, including his wife and children, whom he often described as his greatest joy and inspiration. In both his personal and professional life, he was known for his kindness, his laughter, and the sense of calm he brought into every room.
In the coming weeks, memorial services will be held in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, allowing colleagues, patients, and friends to honor the life and legacy of a man who gave so much to so many. The Virtua Crohn’s & Colitis Center will also be establishing a scholarship in Dr. Patel’s name, aimed at supporting medical students who share his passion for patient-centered care in gastroenterology.
In His Memory
While the loss of Dr. Sanket Patel leaves a space that can never truly be filled, his work, his compassion, and his unwavering dedication to human health will continue to inspire.
He once said during a patient forum, “Medicine is not just about curing — it’s about understanding, supporting, and walking with people through their darkest hours.”
And that is exactly what he did.
Rest in peace, Dr. Patel. Your healing touch and extraordinary heart will never be forgotten.
