The last 20 years of my life have been dedicated to pursuing and establishing a career in Emergency Medicine. Following my own intellectual passion while also providing a necessary humanitarian service was incredibly rewarding – I had my dream job.
Working in Emergency Rooms in New York City, Baltimore, and California allowed me to treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries. The fast pace, high energy, and constant challenges kept me engaged for many years. At the same time, my personal passion for fitness and nutrition grew as I sought to be the healthiest version of myself for my two little kids. I spent countless hours learning how proper nutrition and strength training have a dramatic impact on our susceptibility to – and trajectory of – nearly all chronic diseases.
Over time, prescribing medications to mitigate or suppress symptoms without addressing the root cause began to weigh on my conscience. I felt that I was doing a disservice to my patients. The ER, however, is not the place to address these deeper issues – patients are focused on immediate concerns, and the fast-paced environment does not allow the time for meaningful education about long-term health changes.
I began to realize that providing the best care for patients means preventing them from becoming patients in the first place – so that’s what I set out to do.
I had initially planned to continue working in the ER while providing private coaching as a side business. However, I eventually allowed myself to acknowledge that the healthcare industry had changed dramatically in the last 10 years, and I had become disheartened from the pressures of time constraints in the ER. Connecting with my patients – really taking the time to listen to them – became harder and harder. After so many encounters in which my empathy and compassion were withheld for the sake of efficiency, I decided that the ER was no longer the place for me.
Now, as a certified fitness and nutrition coach, I empower my clients to take charge of their health! My personalized programs have three objectives: preventing disease by fostering exceptional health, teaching sustainable healthy habits that can be maintained for a lifetime, and providing education about best practices so my clients have all the knowledge they need to be self-sufficient.
The foundation of my coaching program is the combination of regular strength training and a diet high in protein. These are the necessary building blocks for enhancing body composition, improving overall health, and promoting longevity by facilitating muscle growth, fat loss, and metabolic efficiency.
Muscle truly is the Fountain of Youth. Building muscle through strength training leads to dramatic improvements in nearly all aspects of health – from cardiovascular and cognitive to mental and metabolic. Muscle communicates with the rest of the body through signalling molecules that play an important role in regulation of our immune system, gastrointestinal health, and hormones, among others. It leads to a reduction in injuries given its positive effects on bone density, joint mobility and stability, balance, and coordination.
Together, a well-organized strength training program and a high-protein diet create a sustainable foundation for optimal health and peak performance. This proven approach sets you up for a long life of strength, energy, and resilient health.
