Rahul N. Mehra, M.D.

CEO and Chief Medical Officer of MehraVista Health

Born in India but raised in South Carolina, Dr. Rahul Mehra loves to travel to far-away destinations but he still has a lot of pride for the south. The board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist is the co-founder of MehraVista Health, LLC, an employee health and wellness management firm headquartered in Tampa Bay. Dr. Mehra is being recognized for his work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, of which he was named the 2012 Man of the Year, and Hillsborough County’s Voices for Children foundation.

How did you become involved with your charities? In 2012, I was nominated to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year 2012 contest. My affiliation with Voices for Children was inspired by their tireless efforts for foster children in Hillsborough County.

What is one of your favorite memories when working with the United Way? I hosted an event at my home for Voices for Children called “Diwali Nights.” This event was a fundraiser and honored my late mother, Mrs. Kamla Mehra. The celebration of Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil.

As a leading man, what is one of your proudest accomplishments? Being named Leukemia Lymphoma Society Man of the Year 2012. I achieved this title by raising $50,000 with the help of family and friends.

What’s the best dish in Tampa Bay? I like to get dinner from Ciro’s Speakeasy with the Bramble cocktail, which is served on ice with gin, muddled blackberries and Crème de Mure.

What’s one food you won’t eat? Mushrooms

How do you like to unwind? I like to play racket sports, such as tennis and racketball

Who do you most admire in Tampa Bay? Dr. R. Vijaynagar, a philanthropist and community leader who performed Florida’s first heart transplant. His passion and devotion to people is a guiding light in my life.

Outside of charity work, what inspires you? The underdog-people who overcome physical, emotional, financial barriers to find happiness and success in life

Which Bay-area spots do you take your out-of-town guests to really show off our city? La Teresita’s

What advice would you pass on to younger generations? Respect and honor those older than you.

What are you currently reading? “Call to Duty:” The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee by J.Stevens Wilkins

What’s your dream vacation look like? An outdoor adventure with picturesque surroundings

If you could have a super power, what would it be and why? To access the futuristic technology of the Batcave to better human lives

What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you? I have been to all seven continents

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A professional tennis player

Favorite album of all time: “Cosmic Thing” B52s

Favorite childhood television show: Gilligan’s island- I loved all the coconut-themed food Mary Ann made

Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Batman; he takes on an animal personae to provide safety and justice under the cover of complete anonymity, secrecy and discretion.

If a movie were made about your life, whom would you want to play you? Peter Sellars; the brilliance of his humor is unmatched

Do you have a motto or words of wisdom that you live by? “I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science and that warmth, sympathy and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug”- Hippocratic Oath