From Prescription to Prevention : My journey towards empowering health
As a medical doctor deeply entrenched in the conventional healthcare system, my days were inundated with prescribing medications and treating an endless stream of patients. While this path is noble and vital, I increasingly found myself grappling with a sense of disquiet. The routine cycle of consultations, diagnoses, and prescriptions began to weigh heavily on me, leading to boredom and itching to do something different. This revelation became the impetus for a transformative journey, not just for myself but for the hundreds of individuals my endeavors would eventually reach.
During a period of professional uncertainty, I found an unexpectedly deep sense of fulfillment in an area I had not anticipated: the education of underprivileged women on maternal health. Around 2015, my efforts began to shift towards producing content in local languages, focusing on maternal and neonatal care specifically designed for women in South Asia. This initiative, MedHealth TV, quickly gained momentum, and before I knew it, these educational videos were attracting millions of views. I was astounded by the sheer volume of women who reached out with questions — questions they felt they couldn’t ask anyone else. This venture, driven purely by a desire to contribute to a social cause, garnered international recognition and several awards.
I moved on from MedHealth TV to an area where I could potentially have a greater impact on a wider population. Driven by this newfound passion, I ventured into the uncharted territory of wellness and preventive care. The pivot from conventional medical practice to preventive health care was not immediate. It was a gradual awakening, fueled by the stark realization that many of the chronic conditions I was treating could have been mitigated, or even prevented, through lifestyle changes. The satisfaction derived from a single session of educating a mother on nutrition or a family on the benefits of physical activity far surpassed that of any prescription I had ever written. Witnessing the tangible impact of these interventions was profound.
The transition was fraught with challenges. Shifting from a medical career to starting a wellness company required not just a leap of faith but a complete reorientation of my professional identity. Yet, the potential to make a lasting difference in people’s lives was a beacon that guided me through these uncertainties.
Three years since its inception, my company, Pledze, has been attracting patients seeking to reclaim their health through nutrition, fitness, and stress management. Our approach is rooted in the belief that preventive care is the cornerstone of lasting health. By focusing on education and lifestyle modifications, we empower individuals to take control of their well-being, reducing their reliance on medical interventions.
The journey from doctor to health educator and wellness advocate has been rewarding. The stories of transformation are numerous: individuals reversing their prediabetes, women experiencing healthier pregnancies, families adopting active lifestyles together. Each story is a testament to the power of preventive care and serves as a constant source of motivation.
However, the impact of this journey extends beyond the success stories. It has redefined my understanding of health care. Health is not merely the absence of disease but the presence of vitality, a state achieved not just through medical interventions, but through daily choices about how we eat, move, and manage stress. This holistic perspective shapes every aspect of our work, from the content we create to the programs we offer.
Reflecting on the past three years, the transition from treating illness to promoting wellness has been a journey of both professional and personal growth. The satisfaction derived from helping individuals take proactive steps towards their health is immeasurable. It has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of preventive care and solidified my commitment to this cause. This journey began with a personal commitment to health, ensuring my own lifestyle embodied the principles I advocate, setting a solid foundation from which to inspire others.
As we look to the future, our vision is to continue expanding our reach, touching more lives, and fostering a global community that values and practices preventive health. This journey, from prescription to prevention, has not only changed the course of my career but has also redefined my purpose. It stands as a testament to the profound impact that comes from empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives.
