My story

I started working in the NHS 18 years ago and qualified as a GP 12 years ago. I developed an interest in Women's Health, teaching medical students and mentoring newly qualified family doctors.

​

Some treatments we employ today to provide routine care were utopian dreams when I began medical school. In the last 50 years, life expectancy in the UK continued to grow for both men and women, even during Covid 19 pandemic. Despite these achievements, the challenges many of us face today are more significant than ever, especially around weight management, stress management and the prevention of chronic diseases. These challenges, in turn, affect how we rate our well-being and even our sense of purpose, with many people feeling they are not living their best life.

​

At some point in my career, I realized that conventional Medicine could not completely solve all health problems. This realization became more acute when I received the heartbreaking news that my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia, a diagnosis given yearly to 10 million people worldwide. The lack of effective treatment to revert or halt the disease's progression made me feel helpless

​

I started searching for evidence–based interventions to prevent Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases. First, I needed to know I was putting my faith in well-researched data. Soon I came across numerous studies about how the 'pillars' of Lifestyle Medicine: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, relationship & connectedness, and avoidance of substances such as tobacco and alcohol may help prevent and reverse diseases. At first, I used this information to improve my lifestyle; then, I implemented the changes for my family. As a result, friends became curious and willing to change things about their diet, sleep, exercise, stress management, social engagement and mentally stimulating pursuits. Finally, I found my patients receptive to these ideas. In time, the people and the stories I encountered in my medical career made me firmly believe that, with the right support, every person can improve their health using a Lifestyle Medicine approach. Therefore, in 2020 I obtained the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine certification, and after this, I qualified as an integrative health and nutrition coach.

​