Prior to CCNH, what was your educational experience?
I graduated from medical school in Southern India. My 5.5-year program included rotations in pathology and surgery and a 12-month internship, all of which are similar to U.S. medical school. One difference is that here in America, a medical student’s program includes pharmacology. In my country, we could focus on homeopathy… and that’s what I did.
How did you become interested in natural health/holistic nutrition?
I was a physician for 15 years in India. When my husband and I moved to New Jersey with our two young children, for the next four years they became the sole focus of all my healthcare expertise! Fortunately we both come from generations of having a relatively healthy family. But since I never had nutrition courses in medical school, I wanted to learn more about holistic nutrition.
There are ways to counteract genetic tendencies toward hypertension and many other health threats. One key is to decide, with one’s full intention, to adopt a naturopathic lifestyle. This is what we have chosen to do.
So for me, these CCNH teachings and the talented faculty have been a dream come true; even better than I hoped! That’s why I’m now a Clayton doctoral student.
How have your studies involved a career change and/or job enhancement?
In India, I did not feel comfortable with relating to our hospital patients as being just an aloof authority figure. My mother was a teacher, and I wanted to be like that-to inspire people and connect with them, heart to heart. So with patients that were my own age, I felt more like a wise sister; with pediatric patients, like an aunt. Truly we are all connected. All of us are more alike than different.
Do you have a favorite author, and/or a favorite quotation, health-related or not, that you’d like to share?
My favorite Clayton College author is Elson Haas, M.D. I feel that his approach to healthcare is like mine — to mirror or model good choices with our lifestyle and to be on the same level or on the same wavelength with the patient or client.
And so my favorite quote is just very simple wisdom: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
What else is on YOUR list, as to “how to best tell the story of you”… ?
My parents were always my inspiration. They both had successful professions, but their life has always been a ministry — giving away as much as possible. Because of them I know that riches are not about the quantity of anything, riches are more about the quality of everything; our own health and the healthy bonds of relationship that we share with others — with friends and family, neighbors and even strangers.
My husband, Krishna, and our children, Spurti and Sourya, have encouraged me a lot in completing my first CCNH degree and beginning another. They have contributed greatly to my success, and I feel blessed that our family is so healthy and strong — in mind, body and spirit.
This article was based on an interview with the graduate.
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