Dr. Sudipta Mohanty’s Impact on Musculoskeletal Health in Primary Care

Introduction: Dr Sudipta Mohantyprimary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and instructor at Harvard Medical School, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between primary care and musculoskeletal health. With his extensive experience in internal medicine, innovative approach to patient care, and dedication to education and community service, Dr. Mohanty sets new standards in patient-centered primary care.

Early beginnings and a unique academic career: Growing up in Southern California, Dr Sudipta Mohanty pursued an accelerated college path, earning his undergraduate degree at just 15 years old through the Early Entry Program at California State University, Los Angeles. He obtained his degree in biology, with a specialization in molecular and genetic research. His passion for science and health care led him to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he completed his MD and developed a lasting commitment to primary care and community health.

After medical school, Dr. Mohanty completed his residency at the University of California Riverside (UCR), where he gained comprehensive training in internal medicine. He remained as chief resident, which allowed him to further develop his teaching skills and clinical leadership. During his time at UCR, he also worked as a junior faculty member and per diem hospitalist, caring for diverse patient populations and honing his expertise in treating complex cases, including musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal Medicine in Primary Care: At Beth Israel Deaconess, Dr Sudipta Mohanty performs more musculoskeletal procedures than any other internal medicine physician, verified by internal hospital and billing data. His extensive expertise allows him to manage a range of musculoskeletal problems, such as joint pain, tendon injuries and arthritis, directly within the primary care setting. By offering procedures such as joint injections, aspirations and drainages, Dr Sudipta Mohanty can treat these conditions without the burden of referrals and long waits for specialists. As he explains: “The most common complaint I hear about primary care is: ‘My doctors don’t do anything. They just refer me to other doctors. This feeling is notoriously prevalent among patients with musculoskeletal pain, as most primary care physicians have lost their ability to perform musculoskeletal procedures over the past two decades. However, when I can deliver treatment without additional referrals, patients are incredibly relieved and grateful. They tell me that I became their hero and defender that day.

To expand musculoskeletal care in primary care settings, Dr. Mohanty also initiated educational programs for other primary care doctors in his department. These initiatives support colleagues in learning essential procedures, while ensuring clinics have the tools needed to perform these procedures effectively. His vision is to empower other primary care physicians to become “heroes and advocates” for their patients by expanding their skills to include musculoskeletal procedures, thereby improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Pioneering education and training for future doctors: As an educator, Dr Sudipta Mohanty developed an outpatient procedures program at Beth Israel, designed to provide internal medicine residents with hands-on experience in musculoskeletal care. Through simulation labs, clinical preceptorships and dedicated teaching sessions, residents learn the essential skills to provide effective musculoskeletal care, from trigger point therapies to suction techniques. His teaching extends to Harvard Medical School, where he teaches students at the Crimson Care Collaborative, a student-faculty clinic that serves underserved populations.

His teaching philosophy focuses on promoting critical thinking, practical skills and compassion. “Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with musculoskeletal pain,” says Dr. Mohanty. “Teaching residents and students to recognize, assess and manage these conditions allows them to be effective frontline providers.” » Its training initiatives ensure that the next generation of primary care physicians are equipped to offer a broader range of treatments, thereby reducing the reliance on referrals and improving the quality of primary care.

Research and contributions to musculoskeletal and general medicine: In addition to his clinical and educational roles, Dr. Mohanty has conducted critical research to highlight disparities in musculoskeletal care. Recently, he led a research study examining data on primary care physicians performing musculoskeletal procedures. His study found that people from minority, rural and disadvantaged backgrounds experience higher rates of musculoskeletal pain, but face greater barriers to accessing specialists such as orthopedics or rheumatology. Many wait months to get an appointment, and some never have the opportunity to see a specialist, enduring prolonged discomfort. Dr. Mohanty’s research concluded that empowering primary care physicians to offer these services can help reduce this disparity, providing timely access to those who need it while reducing costs for patients and the health system as a whole.

In his words: “When primary care physicians can provide essential musculoskeletal treatments, they help address a significant disparity in access to health care. This not only reduces costs, but also improves outcomes for patients who need it most. Its findings highlight the vital role of primary care in managing common but debilitating conditions and advocate for policies that support the training and resources needed to equip primary care physicians to provide these services.

A dedication to community health and service: Dr. Mohanty’s dedication extends beyond his clinical and academic roles. From co-founding the California State University chapter of Amnesty International to volunteering at free clinics, he has always prioritized community health and access. As a student, he coordinated volunteer translators to help Spanish-speaking patients at the Birmingham Free Clinic, and as a resident, he coordinated and volunteered at the Lestonnac Free Clinic, which serves San Bernardino.

These experiences shaped Dr. Mohanty’s commitment to making healthcare accessible to all. His continued involvement with underserved communities underscores his dedication to equity and his belief that all patients deserve high-quality, compassionate care.

Shaping the Future of Primary Care at Beth Israel: Looking to the future, Dr Sudipta Mohanty plans to expand the ambulatory procedures curriculum and incorporate additional techniques that improve primary care. “Primary care is constantly evolving and our training programs must reflect this evolution,” he notes. Her work with internal medicine residents prepares them for the changing demands of primary care, instilling a commitment to patient-centered care, inclusion and lifelong learning.

As he continues his work at Beth Israel, Dr. Mohanty’s contributions to musculoskeletal health in primary care settings, his dedication to education, and his interest in health equity make him a transformative figure in the area. Through his commitment to expanding the reach of primary care, he illustrates the powerful role that primary care physicians can play as caregivers and advocates for their patients.