Introduction: Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, a primary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between primary care and musculoskeletal health. With his extensive background in internal medicine, his innovative approach to patient care, and his dedication to education and community service, Dr. Mohanty is setting new standards in patient-centered primary care.
Early Beginnings and a Unique Academic Pathway: Growing up in Southern California, Dr. Sudipta Mohanty pursued an accelerated academic journey, completing his undergraduate degree at just 15 through the Early Entrance Program at California State University, Los Angeles. He earned his BS in Biology, with a strong focus on molecular and genetic research. His passion for science and healthcare led him to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he completed his MD and developed an enduring commitment to primary care and community health.
Following medical school, Dr. Mohanty completed his residency at the University of California Riverside (UCR), where he gained comprehensive training in internal medicine. He stayed on as a 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 conditions.
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 issues—such as joint pain, tendon injuries, and arthritis—directly within the primary care setting. By providing procedures like joint injections, aspirations, and drainages, Dr. Sudipta Mohanty can address 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 sentiment is notoriously common among patients with musculoskeletal pain, as most primary care physicians have lost their ability to perform musculoskeletal procedures over the past couple of decades. However, when I can deliver a treatment without additional referrals, patients are incredibly relieved and grateful. They tell me that I became their hero and advocate that day.”
To expand musculoskeletal care in primary care settings, Dr. Mohanty has also launched educational programs for other primary care physicians in his department. These initiatives support his colleagues in learning essential procedures, while he also ensures that clinics are supplied with the tools needed to perform these interventions effectively. His vision is to empower other primary care physicians to become “heroes and advocates” for their patients by expanding their skill sets to include musculoskeletal procedures, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Pioneering Education and Training for Future Physicians: As an educator, Dr. Sudipta Mohanty has developed an outpatient procedures curriculum at Beth Israel, designed for internal medicine residents to gain hands-on experience in musculoskeletal care. Through simulation labs, clinical preceptorships, and dedicated teaching sessions, residents learn essential skills to provide effective musculoskeletal care, from trigger point therapies to aspiration techniques. His teaching extends to Harvard Medical School, where he precepts students at the Crimson Care Collaborative, a student-faculty clinic that serves underserved populations.
His teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking, practical skills, and compassion. “Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with musculoskeletal pain,” Dr. Mohanty explains. “Teaching residents and students to recognize, assess, and manage these conditions empowers them to be effective front-line providers.” His training initiatives ensure that the next generation of primary care physicians is equipped to deliver a broader range of treatments, reducing the reliance on referrals and enhancing the quality of primary care.
Research and Contributions to Musculoskeletal and General Medicine: In addition to his clinical and teaching roles, Dr. Mohanty has conducted pivotal research to highlight healthcare disparities in musculoskeletal care. Recently, he led a research study reviewing data on primary care physicians performing musculoskeletal procedures. His study revealed that people from minority, rural, and lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience higher rates of musculoskeletal pain but face greater barriers to accessing specialists such as Orthopedics or Rheumatology. Many wait months for appointments, and some never have the opportunity to see a specialist at all, enduring prolonged discomfort. Dr. Mohanty’s research concluded that empowering primary care physicians to offer these services can help address this disparity, providing timely access for those in need while reducing costs for patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
In his own words, “When primary care physicians can deliver essential musculoskeletal treatments, they help address a significant disparity in healthcare access. This not only reduces costs but also improves outcomes for patients who need it most.” His findings underscore the vital role of primary care in managing common yet debilitating conditions and advocate for policies that support the training and resources necessary 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 Amnesty International Chapter at California State University 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’s homeless population.
These experiences shaped Dr. Mohanty’s commitment to making healthcare accessible to all. His ongoing involvement with underserved communities emphasizes 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 ahead, Dr. Sudipta Mohanty envisions expanding the outpatient procedures curriculum and incorporating additional techniques that enhance primary care. “Primary care is constantly evolving, and our training programs need to reflect that evolution,” he notes. His work with internal medicine residents prepares them for the evolving demands of primary care, instilling a commitment to patient-centered care, inclusivity, and continuous 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 focus on health equity mark him as a transformative figure in the field. Through his commitment to expanding primary care’s scope, he exemplifies the powerful role primary care physicians can play as both caregivers and advocates for their patients.