Dr. Jyoti Patel of AZ Integrative Medicine & Spa was recognized last weekend by a national organization for the top Women in White Coats Hero award.

Patel is a triple board physician in internal medicine, pediatrics and integrative medicine.

She was also the inspiration behind the creation of the Community Garden that has expanded in three years from an empty lot to 123 raised garden beds.

Twenty female nominees competed for the honor at a conference and wellness retreat at Chateau Elan near Atlanta. The winner was selected by the public’s online votes.

Patel said she was “honored to be recognized for this award and humbled to stand with women physicians who serve their communities outside of the exam room finding purpose in serving vulnerable populations, creating relief efforts for natural disaster victims, creating diversity in the workplace, building healthy communities and lifting up other women.”

She said she encouraged everyone to “find purpose in what they are doing, find reason to connect and make meaningful change in the world.”

In her profile, Patel was described as “passionate about teaching her patients and the local community about food as medicine, mind body practices like mindfulness, meditation and breath work and the importance of movement, community and purpose as it relates to health.”

She provides public education through workshops, health blogs and informational videos on social media platforms.

Her mission, according to the bio, is to empower people to take back control of their health using natural holistic methods and focusing on wellness and prevention.

Last year, the Chamber of Commerce chose her as Volunteer of the Year for developing the local garden.

Dr. Patel was named one of the Top Docs in Phoenix Magazine in 2009 and 2016; Healthcare Provider of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2017, and Internist of the Year in 2011 by the American College of Physicians Arizona Chapter.

Patel is a graduate from the University of Southern Florida and received her medical degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. She completed two years of study at the University Of Arizona College Of Medicine, Tucson.

She sold her previous pediatrics and internal medical practice at the end of December.