https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uvVS_s-h0yd71Ewn2ELQFTLP1riSAPUIEs5GCqJXCLc/edit?usp=sharing

When I graduated from UCLA with my Master’s in Public Health in 1988, I had a very important decision to make. Do I, or do I not return to UC Davis School of Medicine to complete my training to become a physician? (I had spent 3 years at UC Davis) I realized that I was passionately committed to promoting health and preventing disease, and that I was no longer interested in treating disease. I made a bold decision to pursue studying Lifestyle Medicine on my own and went into healthcare administration and eventually consulting. But along the way, I was busy conducting my own research, delivering seminars and even wrote a book on health called Evolving Health, endorsed by Dr. Neal Barnard.
In 2016, I attended the Plant-based Nutrition Healthcare Conference and learned about the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. I was so thrilled! In October 2017, I attended my first Lifestyle Medicine Conference and was delighted to have found my tribe. They announced the board certification for physicians and for professionals. I was in! In October 2018, I attended my second Lifestyle Medicine Conference and passed my board exam! I am so proud to officially be a Lifestyle Medicine Professional! 
For the longest time, I have believed that a whole food, plant-based diet is fundamental to empowering people to prevent, reverse and treat chronic disease. I have had the good fortune to have helped hundreds to do just that. 

 I have been a Registered Dietician for 25 years and now a Certified Plant-Based Nutritionist. I studied with Dr. Mcdougall and Dr. Campbell; both plant-based doctors who are pioneers in their field. I have spent the last 15 years of my life researching and studying health and practicing a lifestyle of plant-based foods, yoga, walking, meditation, living in the present and being grateful. I now teach my clients how to find this calm and joyous way to live at eat. 

Growing up in India, I’ve always held a holistic view of health, believing deeply in an intricate mind-body connection and the important role it plays in one’s health and wellbeing.
My lifestyle medicine journey began when I attended a Food Is Medicine conference and first listened to a presentation from Dr. Scott Stoll. In his talk, Dr. Stoll offered a wealth of scientific data and convinced me that simple lifestyle changes could have a profound effect on disease prevention, treatment, and reversal.
Inspired, I incorporated these changes into my own life and saw benefits. I began talking to my patients as well and was pleasantly surprised to learn that with education and encouragement, they were eager to make changes in their own lifestyles, too.
Further encouraged, I continued my education by attending conferences and became certified in Plant-Based Nutrition through e-Cornell. I also completed training as a Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) facilitator and became certified in American Board of Lifestyle Medicine to gain the ability to lead health-centered programs that focus on a lifestyle change.
My continued passion and enthusiasm for the approach inspired me to advocate for lifestyle medicine at Midland Health and champion the idea of creating a lifestyle medicine center to offer a variety of comprehensive lifestyle intervention programs under physician supervision. It has led me to my current role as the Medical Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Center at Midland Health. In my private practice, I offer high-quality, evidence-based care that incorporates the core principles of lifestyle medicine. I have also co-founded a non-profit organization called Healthy City to further raise awareness of the benefits of plant-based nutrition within our community. I also serve as vice president of the Midland Quality Alliance, a clinically integrated network of physicians, and as a board member of the Midland Chamber of Commerce.
What I have witnessed in the years since I first heard Dr. Stoll speak is nothing short of miraculous. I’ve seen amazing stories of disease reversal, life-changing transformations, and testimonies of empowerment and hope. Lifestyle medicine has brought joy and meaning to my professional work and I am excited about what the future holds for its power to transform our healthcare system.