AboutPrem Pediatrics

Prem Pediatrics evolved from the practice of Dr. Chuni Patel. He started his pediatric practice in San Clemente as a solo practitioner in 1980. As a foreign medical graduate from India, Dr. Patel wasn’t sure how a small beach town in Southern California would receive him. With time, he became a well-respected and beloved community pediatrician. He was born to poor uneducated farmers in rural India, growing up with no shoes but enormous dreams. In search of a better life, his family immigrated to Africa when he was a young child. He grew up in Zambia but received his undergraduate and medical training in India, proudly being the first college and professional graduate in his community. After getting married, he returned to Africa to become a “flying doctor” in collaboration with a non-profit organization. There, he flew a twin engine plane over rural Zambia and provided medical care to people (and even African elephants!) in remote villages. As rewarding as this work was, Dr. Patel always had his mind set on achieving the American dream one day. With diligence and determination, his dreams became reality. His colorful life and stories inspired his daughter, Dr. Toral Parag, to pursue a career in medicine. In 2006, Dr. Toral Parag and her husband, Dr. Amit Parag, joined Dr. Patel’s practice and renamed it Prem Pediatrics which literally means, “Love of Pediatrics,” in their native tongue. Although Dr. Patel passed away in November 2016, he left an important legacy that positively impacted his community. He is remembered daily by patients, parents, and grandparents who knew him. Drs. Amit and Toral Parag feel privileged to have inherited Dr. Patel’s pediatric practice and continue to build on his legacy.

Dr. Amit Parag was born in Johannesburg, South Africa to parents of Indian origin. His parents immigrated to the United States when he was two years old.

Although his parents did not have a college education, they understood the value of higher education. Through a multitude of sacrifices, Dr. Amit was afforded educational opportunities to find his calling as a pediatrician.

Dr. Amit has been fortunate enough to live in many areas of the United States, exposing him to a variety of cultures and values. Through this experience, he has hoped to impart the value of family, the value of education, and an appreciation of life to his patients and children alike.

Dr. Amit chose pediatrics for a variety of reasons – the innocence and purity of children’s minds and spirits, the genuine smiles, and the opportunity to help shape their futures.

Although dedicated to his profession, he tries to embody a balance in work and personal life. In his spare time, Dr. Amit enjoys woodworking, cycling, mystery novels, and music.