Dr Vithalbhai Devsibhai Dhaduk
Adjunct Professor of Health Services Administration, LECOM
Chairman of the Board, Marizyme & CorePharma | Pennsylvania, USA
Janam Bhumi:
Nakra, Junagadh, Gujarat
Dharma Bhumi:
Nakra, Junagadh, Gujarat
Karma Bhumi:
Pennsylvania, USA
Doctorpreneur Extraordinaire
The ‘Vithal’ Factor: “Think simple. Act simple. Be simple.”
THE MAN
Personal loss can often be a vital influence in how our lives are shaped. When American immunologist James P Allison lost his mother and family members to cancer, it led him on a Nobel-winning mission in cancer research.
When Dr Vithalbhai Devsibhai Dhaduk lost his mother, Kasturba, to a stroke in 1984, it became his fuel in the relentless pursuit of solutions to Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. “If I can, I would like to develop drugs that can prevent these diseases all together,” he says.
Born and raised in Nakra, Gujarat, Dr Dhaduk is the youngest among five siblings. His father, Devsibhai Bhadabhai, a hardworking farmer, had always strived to provide the best to his family. Dr Dhaduk recalls how he would help out on the fields after school hours, before completing his Grade 10 and moving to Gondal, Rajkot, to pursue higher education. Living in the hostel, he not only scored the highest academic scores but also made life-long friends.
Dr Dhadhuk studied for his MBBS degree at M.P. Shah Medical College. When pursuing Masters in Dermatology, from B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, destiny smiled upon him, leading him to the US in pursuit of further medical education.
THE JOURNEY
During his neurology residency at Medical College of Pennsylvania, Dr Dhaduk lost his mother to a stroke. It left a lasting void in heart but from that grief rose a mission. Medicine was not just his profession, but it was also now his purpose in life. He would later go on to present an academic paper ‘CT Scan, EEG and Brain Mapping in Acute Stroke’ at the American Academy of Neurology in 1987 as an early contribution to efforts in the field of acute stroke diagnosis and neuroimaging. Dr Dhaduk also earned a Master of Science in Medical Cannabinoid Therapeutics (MSMCT) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), where he serves as Adjunct Professor of Health Services Administration. He was also the first physician in Pennsylvania licensed to certify patients for medical marijuana, pioneering the use of cannabinoids in clinical practice. He serves on the boards of multiple professional organisations in neurology and medicine. Over the years, he has established his name as an excellent neurologist in various hospitals and also has a private practice in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Dr Dhaduk is a true doctorpreneur. An established medical professional who “loves entrepreneurial challenges,” he has founded several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. He is the chair of CARITAS International Trading and CARITAS Hospitality, Chairman of the board of Marizyme, and CorePharma. He has also founded the Kensington Real Estate Group, which has developed 150 bungalows, hotels, and land projects across Dubai and Kampala.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
Dr Dhaduk’s philanthropic belief stems from watching his father go out of his way to always help everyone. “I am just following in my father’s footsteps,” he says. Education and health are his focus areas because he believes, “Education is where the greatest investment should be made so that a talented and intelligent child, though underprivileged, can fulfil his or her dream and become a productive member of society,” he shares. The Dhaduk’s Charitable Trust has built a primary school as well as a high school in Nakra, his native place and a Gurukul hospital in Rajkot, where patients who cannot afford treatment are treated virtually for no cost.
In Ahmedabad, the Jogi hospital, inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, offers Allopathy and Homoeopathy treatment, with the recent approval to offer Ayurvedic treatments. In association with the hospital, Dr Dhaduk also supports a Sanskrit school that offers lessons to children free of cost. Over the years, the school has earned 19 gold medals for proficiency in the language.
In the US, Dr Dhaduk serves selflessly through the SGVP Gurukul in Georgia, an initiative aimed at uniting Indian communities through Sanatan Dharma. Choosing a location far from his home in Pennsylvania, he ensured it complemented rather than competed with existing Hindu temples, focusing solely on community service. In 2011, his vision and determination culminated in the Police Unity Tour, bringing together fifty police officers from the US and India to honour fallen officers.
THE LEGACY
Dr Dhaduk has earned achievements in abundance, including the David Dunn Medical Memorial award for his excellent study and guidance while he was at the Medical College in Pennsylvania. Today, along with being the Head of Neurology at Professional Neurological Associates, Dr Dhaduk is associated with the American Academy of Neurology, the American Medical Association, the Parkinson’s Support Group, the National Headache Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Support Group. He is also an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
For his success and strength, he gives the credit to his wife, Ranjan. “She is the reason I was able to pull through troubled times and the source of twice the joy in every celebration,” he says. They are proud parents of three children – two sons, Amar and Darpan, and a daughter, Payal. Amar is an entrepreneur and is married to Venushree. They have two daughters, Amaya and Aarya. Darpan, a medical professional, is married to Misha. They have two children, a son, Zain, and a daughter, Alyza. Payal, who has completed her studies in Biology at the University of Scranton, is married to Dr Kapil Gupta, a gastroenterologist, and lives and practices in Florida.
Dr Dhaduk, who mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, considers success like a carefully formulated treatment. According to him, it requires five critical components — self-confidence, hard work, a firm goal to work towards, an unwavering commitment to consistency, and the blessings of parents and Gurus. From pioneering neurology and cannabinoid therapeutics to building businesses and mentoring the next generation, Dr Dhaduk has firmly etched his unique legacy – A doctor who heals brains, launches companies, and does not give up on either.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“Forty-five years ago, Bharat was finding its footing with limited technology and slower development. Agriculture and basic industries formed the backbone of the economy. Today, Bharat stands as a rapidly growing nation driven by technology, innovation, and global connections. From digital payments to space missions, progress is visible in every sector. The journey reflects resilience, unity, and a strong vision for the future.“
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“The core values that I have carried from India are — determination, integrity, modesty, trust, and confidence.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“Our children, especially Payal, read about Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and wished to go to the Mahakumbh and Ayodhya. So we went there and did ‘Ganga snaan’. All our children have been brought up to stay grounded in their roots.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“I am so proud India remains strong under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. I feel so proud of our motherland and the communities that have taken part in this success. It is not just one community; it is the entire nation that is growing towards growth.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“The Indian bureaucracy needs to be more honest and supportive. As NRIs investing or doing business, we often face shortcuts that compromise integrity. That’s the main area for improvement; otherwise, India is doing an excellent job. I would advise the youth to believe in their potential and stay curious about the world around them. Work hard with discipline, but never stop learning and improving yourself. Respect your roots while embracing new ideas and change. Use your knowledge and skills to build not just a successful life, but a better society.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
During my college days, I enjoyed having a cup of tea.
NOW
I indulge in a piece of sweet every day, whether it’s a ‘mohanthal’ or a ‘ladoo’. I like ‘dal’ and green vegetables.
Sport Spirit
THEN
I was fond of playing and watching cricket matches.
NOW
I still watch cricket, my children are fans of football, tennis, and basketball.
Music Tastes
THEN
I enjoyed old melodies.
NOW
I still listen to the timeless old music whenever I get the opportunity.
Holiday Life
THEN
I haven’t gone on any family holiday.
NOW
I am not very fond of travelling to different countries. But for India, I will always make time.
Leisure Habits
THEN
I am not very fond of travelling to different countries. But for India, I will always make time.
NOW
I visit friends, take part in social activities, and spend time with my grandchildren.
AKA
Dr Vithalbhai Dhaduk LECOM | Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Faculty | Chairman of the Board Marizyme | Chairman CorePharma
