Shilpa Gajarawala is a board-certified Physician Associate with a career spanning over 26 years at Mayo Clinic. She has consistently demonstrated her unwavering dedication to patient care, education, and professional growth. Her educational journey, which took her from a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Cincinnati to a Master’s in PA Studies at the University of Nebraska and culminated in her Doctorate in Medical Science at Lynchburg University, showcases her commitment to continuous learning and expertise development.
Her commitment to education is highlighted by her position as a Fellow in the Educational Excellence Academy. Shilpa is deeply committed to education and has mentored students (NP/PA, CRISP, medical), new staff, residents, and fellows in Gynecology and General Internal Medicine. She generously shares her experience and has lectured at regional, national, and international meetings. Furthermore, she holds the rank of Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and became the first PA to attain Associate status on the Florida campus. Dr. Gajarawala extends her educational expertise beyond the Mayo Clinic, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. In this role, she teaches a literature review course for a PA doctoral program, enriching the education of future healthcare professionals. Her contributions in academia reflect her commitment to sharing knowledge and promoting the growth of the next generation of healthcare leaders.
In 2022, Dr. Gajarawala embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining the General Internal Medicine as their first advanced practice provider. She now supports both the Women’s Health Specialty Clinic and the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Clinic, expanding her already impressive range of contributions. Known for her dedication and compassionate patient care, Shilpa’s patient-centric approach and unwavering commitment to her profession create a nurturing and caring environment for patients, their families, and her colleagues. She ensures that patient care and education are delivered with a personalized touch. In addition to her direct patient care, Shilpa actively engages in research, contributing to numerous posters, articles, and ongoing projects. She has co-authored several publications with her esteemed colleagues at Mayo Clinic
In 2021, her colleagues recognized her exceptional work and dedication, honoring her with the Paul Kasper Physician Assistant of the Year award. This year she was formally recognized for both her clinical and research efforts, receiving Mayo‘s Individual Award for Service Excellence and the 2023 Beals Award for Clinical Observation through the Duval County Medical Society for an article she co-authored. Beyond her daily responsibilities, Shilpa actively seeks opportunities to enhance collaboration across specialties. She’s currently involved in a pilot with colorectal surgery to provide preoperative sexual health counseling to women undergoing pelvic surgery. She was awarded the prestigious 2022-2023 STARR-APP grant for the development of a treatment decision-aid focused on symptom management in EDS patients. Shilpa’s passion for innovation shines through her efforts.
Personal life not to be ignored, Shilpa enjoys spending time with her family and friends (traveling, cooking, watching movies) and painting in her art studio.