NJ Primary Care Doctor Puts Herself on Every Patient’s ‘Team’
January 02, 2025
When family medicine specialist Darshini Shah, M.D., was growing up, she considered herself
a tomboy who loved sports and was “quite competitive.” She played basketball, volleyball and ran track in high school, and says she watched every sport she could. This explains her approach to medicine as “one team.”
“If I wasn’t ‘5-foot small,’ I think I would have been in the WNBA,” she says. She left her hoop dreams behind to pursue a psychology major in undergraduate school, and then to obtain her Master of Business Administration (MBA) while receiving her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
Now, Dr. Shah practices at Clark Health and Wellness Center Primary Care in Clark, New Jersey, and is affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center. Get to know her better here.
What do you do to welcome patients to your practice?
I want to make them feel comfortable and create a connection that includes reliability and trust. The word that always comes to mind is camaraderie. We are a team and we “tackle” things together. I emphasize that I want my patients to feel heard, because actively listening can make all the difference.
What’s your away time and home life like?
You might find me taking walks with my husband and our 10-month-old puppy, Ollie, who’s a Mini Bernedoodle—a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Miniature Poodle. He’s kept our schedules busy in the best way!
You are a fan of exercise, yes?
Absolutely. I try to exercise three to four times a week for about 30 minutes. My favorite exercises include strength training, playing sports like pickleball and basketball, and running. I also enjoy workout classes like Rumble Boxing, and I've been getting more into Pilates and loving it!
Who are two famous people you admire?
Being originally from Houston, there’s no doubt that one of them has to be Beyonce, and there’s an added bonus that she’s a female boss. Alternatively, if I could spend time playing a game of Horse with the late great Kobe Bryant, I’d love that. I’d love to ask him more about the “Mamba Mentality.”
Let’s talk travel. Where do you like to go and where would you like to visit?
I love creating comprehensive itineraries to make the most ideal trip so we can see all the sights and eat all the bites. Being a foodie, bring on not only the Michelin-star restaurants, but also the hole-in-the-wall street food. My family is from Bombay, India, so I would love to go back to reconnect with my roots. I want to visit New Zealand for its beautiful scenery and friendly people—home of happiness.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Darshini Shah, M.D.
- Make an appointment with a family medicine doctor near you or call 800-822-8905.
- Learn more about primary care services at Hackensack Meridian Health
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