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Dr. Mayur B. Patel, a surgeon-scientist recognized for his work in traumatic brain injury and acute illness, has been selected as the inaugural Tennessee Luminary of the Year honoree.
Patel has spent more than a decade working with the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) and its Tennessee chapter, contributing to efforts focused on brain injury awareness and support. He served on the BIAA Board of Directors from 2011 through 2025 and currently holds a leadership role on the BIAA-TN Community Council.
At Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Patel serves as Division Chief of Acute Care Surgery. In that position, he oversees trauma, burn care, emergency general surgery and critical care services across an area spanning approximately 80,000 square miles. His responsibilities include caring for patients who have sustained traumatic brain injuries, placing his clinical work at the intersection of emergency medicine, surgery and neurological recovery.
In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Patel serves as Vice-Chair of Professional Development in the Department. In that role, he focuses on mentoring early-career faculty members and supporting their professional advancement.
The Tennessee Luminary of the Year recognition highlights Patel’s contributions to patient care, professional leadership and the broader brain injury community. His long-standing involvement with BIAA-Tennessee has also connected his medical expertise with advocacy and community engagement.
The 2026 Tennessee Luminary of the Year event is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tennessee.