Methodist Physicians Clinic welcomes Dr. Dayana Patera to its internal medicine team

Dayana Patera, MD, was inspired at an early age to pursue a career in medicine after watching her sister enter medical school. Years later, when her father was diagnosed with kidney cancer, she witnessed her sister’s role in guiding the family through treatment. 

“Seeing how she helped us navigate the diagnosis and acted as a mediator between our family and the medical team solidified my desire to become a physician,” she said.

Dr. Patera – a native of Venezuela who is fluent in Spanish and English – chose to specialize in internal medicine because it allows her to combine two values she holds dear: patient education and long-term preventive care. 

Her clinical interests include metabolic health, obesity medicine, and midlife women's health. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She’s passionate about advocating for all her patients and dedicated to removing barriers to quality, comprehensive and compassionate care. She is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to connect with and best serve her Spanish-speaking patients.

“What I enjoy most comes down to the relationship and the lasting impact I can have on a person’s life journey,” said Dr. Patera, who sees patients at Methodist Physicians Clinic - West Shores. “It’s incredibly rewarding when something clicks for a patient – when they truly understand their condition or how to meaningfully improve their health.”

One of her most memorable experiences involved helping a patient recover from a stroke and navigate the diminished quality of life that followed. 

“It was in that moment – when she realized that she was an active participant in her care, rather than a passive recipient, being told what to do – that something unexpected happened. She cried tears of joy, grateful to finally have someone willing to listen.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Patera enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with their five children and loving on their two doodles. She also appreciates warm getaways to balance the Midwest winters.