More Than Medicine: Meet Dr. Sharvari Parghi

I’m excited to introduce you to Salveo Direct Care’s newest physician, Dr. Sharvari Parghi. Dr. Parghi is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Lifestyle Medicine and has cared for patients in the San Antonio community for almost 20 years. And I’ve known her for all 20 of them!

Dr. Parghi has a mission of providing personalized, compassionate care to her patients, which aligns perfectly with Salveo’s mission of not only improving patients’ health, but also their wellness. Let’s get to know more about Dr. Parghi and this new chapter!

What does joining the Salveo Direct Care team mean to you?

Being a part of Salveo Direct Care allows me to practice the kind of comprehensive, holistic primary care that I was trained in and, more importantly, truly passionate about. It’s incredibly rewarding to build authentic, meaningful connections with my patients, and to have the ability to fully advocate for their medical needs. This is the true fulfillment I find in my practice.

In traditional healthcare settings, the pressures of excessive paperwork, administrative tasks, and patient volume often hinder the depth of care I strive to provide. These challenges, compounded by the complexities of insurance, can detract from my ability to focus on what matters most: improving patients’ overall health and prioritizing disease prevention. By removing these burdens, I am able to devote my attention to fostering long-term health, rather than just managing acute issues or disease states.

The direct care movement is certainly gaining momentum in San Antonio and across the nation. And it’s not hard to see why!

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, what drives your passion?

My passion for medicine began with a deep fascination for the science behind it. The complexities of biology and human physiology captivated me, and I found great satisfaction in the challenge of diagnosing difficult cases. However, as I progressed in my career, I came to realize that while arriving at an accurate diagnosis is important, it is only part of the equation. True fulfillment in medicine comes from building meaningful connections with patients, empowering them to take charge of their health, and advocating for their well-being in a holistic and supportive way.

How has your perspective evolved over the years? Would you choose the same specialty if you had it to do over?

My perspective on medicine has evolved over time. While doctors have always excelled in science and patient care, we have, to some extent, neglected our role in advocacy, lobbying, and business management. In focusing so deeply on clinical practice, we have overlooked the power of our collective voice in driving meaningful change at the public health and policy levels. There’s an opportunity for us to come together and make significant strides in improving healthcare on a larger scale.

If I had to choose again, I would still pursue the same specialty, but I would seek to be more involved in public policy and advocacy. I believe we need to prioritize preventive health, wellness, and social/emotional well-being just as much as we focus on treating medical conditions. Achieving this shift in focus would require a significant paradigm change, but I am optimistic that it is a shift we are capable of making.

That’s something we say all the time, they don’t teach business in medical school. It’s admirable that you see and are passionate about advocating for the greater good.

Speaking of greater good, if you could make one significant change to the healthcare system, what would it be?

As I mentioned earlier, I believe our focus in healthcare should shift from “disease care” to a true emphasis on “health care.” We need to prioritize lifestyle changes—such as exercise, diet, and mental well-being—valuing them just as much as tertiary care and specialized procedures. Along with this shift in focus, it’s crucial that reimbursement and cost models also reflect this priority, ensuring that preventive care and overall wellness are properly supported and incentivized. By adopting this approach, we can create a more sustainable and holistic model of health that emphasizes prevention, long-term wellness, and overall quality of life.

What are some hobbies or passions outside of medicine that bring you joy or help you unwind?

In my free time, I enjoy staying active through running, yoga, and hiking. I also have a passion for reading, baking, and exploring Indian cultural activities. Above all, I cherish spending quality time with my family.

Dr. Monica is also an avid runner – maybe you and she can start marathoning together!

What’s one thing that many people may not know about you?

After completing my residency, my husband and I made the bold decision to sell our home and car, and spent a year backpacking around the world. During this time, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in medical missions, which was both professionally and personally enriching.

After all these years, I definitely didn’t know that about you and Dr. Patel! That sounds like an amazing experience. Do you have anything coming up in 2025 that you’d like to highlight?

I aspire to develop seminars focused on women’s fitness, health, strength training, and nutrition, with the goal of empowering women to take control of their well-being through education and practical guidance.

Love that! It’s so needed and I anticipate it would be in high demand. Thanks for taking the time to let us get to know you and congratulations on your new journey with Salveo Direct Care!