Dr. Palaniappan Manickam, commonly recognized as Dr. Pal by his YouTube family is a board-certified gastroenterologist who has unexpectedly become an online sensation. Through his engaging videos, he simplifies topics related to health while adding in references to cricket, movies, and music to keep viewers entertained. He mainly focuses on gut health, time-restricted eating and primarily plant-based diets. He is originally from India but currently practices in Sacramento, California. His popularity extends greatly among Indian audiences.
Furthermore, he’s a renowned doctor who skillfully blends in-person and virtual stand-up comedy, which he calls “MedCom” to inform people about managing chronic illnesses.
Dr Pal’s Early Life and Educational Qualification
Manickam was born on November 15, 1983 in Madurai, India. He did his MBBS degree from PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research in Coimbatore, India, followed by his Masters in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan.
Dr Pal’s Career
Manickam is a gastroenterologist practicing in California. He educates people about gut health and other chronic illness by incorporating in-person and virtual stand-up comedy which he calls as “MedCom“. He tries to spread awareness among the general public on gut health and other related diseases.
Manickam made his first youtube video in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was for an NGO’s Covid awareness campaign.He prepared a 10-minute script within few hours of time. However when they saw his video they told him it was very comical and that they wanted something professional. Initially he became disappointed but later he uploaded it on YouTube. The video became an instant hit.This prompted him to start his own YouTube channel and expand his reach over other social media platforms like Instagram.
While the initial content of his videos was focused on COVID-19, it gradually shifted to gut-health, time-restricted eating, mostly plant-based diets. He also created a character named “Saravana Kumar” to better connect with his audience.His comedic routines popularly known as “MedCom” shows which he conducts both online and in live performances, have taken him across the United States, India, and Malaysia.
For Manickam, using his humor as a tool for educating general public is a way of giving back. All his earning from social media platforms and MedCom shows go towards supporting the Aishwaryam Trust in Madurai, which provides palliative care.
Dr Pal’s Wife
Manickam is happily married to his wife Priya since 2012. She is a data scientist in a software company. They live with their two children (Arjun and Adharva) in Sacramento, California.
Dr Pal on Ranveer Allahbadia Show
In December 2023, he appeared on in the podcast show The Ranveer Show where he revealed about the biological and genetic diseases one has to face if he marries within the same family. He supported his statement by giving his own real life example. He revealed that his middle finger is shorter from others and it runs in their family (meaning his forefathers also have it). Then, coincidentally, when he got married through an arranged marriage setup, his wife happened to share similar genetic traits as him. Due to their shared genetic traits, they encountered difficulties in conceiving, experiencing over 7 miscarriages. Additionally, their daughter was born with severe abnormalities, including missing arms and legs, and underdeveloped heart and lungs, which were attributed to the same genetic issue. Sadly, she did not survive.
Dr Pal also talked about basics of gut health and how simple practices can improve our health. He also talked about good and bad bacteria and how it affects our nervous system. He also revealed that how mordern day living habits impacts our health and much more. It was an informative podcast, and I highly recommend that everyone watch it.
Dr Pal’s Weight Loss Journey
In an interview Dr Pal revealed that he used to weigh more than 100 kg and suffered a minor heart attack. He experienced palpitations during consultation. Later he decided to improve his health. He lost about 30 kg of weight through intermittent fasting.
| Real Name | Dr Palaniappan Manickam |
| Celebrated Name | Dr Pal |
| Age | 40 years old (as of 2024) |
| Profession | Certified gastroenterologist and influencer |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1983 |
| Ethnicity | Indian |
| Wife | Priya |
| Height | 5 ft 10 inches |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Residence | Sacramento, California |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dr Pal?
40 years old (as of 2024)
What are Dr Pal’s Educational Qualifications?
Dr Pal has done his MBBS degree from PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research in Coimbatore, India, followed by his Masters in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan.
What happened to Dr Pal’s daughter
His daughter was born with severe abnormalities, including missing arms and legs, and underdeveloped heart and lungs, which was due to the genetic disorder that runs in his family. Sadly, she did not survive.
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