We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deepa Verma MD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Deepa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
Synergistiq Wellness (estab 2013), my private medical practice, was a rebirth of my soul. She was born from a place of struggle and hardship, but being the positive and spiritual person I am, I was able to harness that energy and create my dream, in honor of the life I live. My father had passed away unexpectedly during the prime of his life from a medication error that prematurely took his healthy life. I was also going through a divorce and had to find the power to be an independent single mother to three beautiful baby boys. I always view life’s challenges not as obstacles, but as stepping stones to bigger and better things, because everything in life happens for a reason. You have to believe that and with this mindset, you will manifest greatness and success. You will never taste the sweetness of success without experiencing the bitterness of failure. The stronger you are, the more you will be tested.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that, can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I am a traditionally trained MD. I was born in NY and raised in NJ. I did all my schooling through med school and residency in NJ then relocated to Miami FL in 2006 as my husband at the time had to finish his interventional radiology fellowship. We then settled in Clearwater FL in 2007 because we fell in love with the gulf coast and the weather and lifestyle. I have always had a passion for living a healthy lifestyle and harmonizing mind-body-spirit wellness. My parents came from India in the 70’s, so I am first-generation born and raised in America. I was often bullied for being different and practicing my traditions and culture. But I knew it was special and never wavered from what I believed in. Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, there was no awareness of integrative and ayurvedic medicine in America. All this is new, but so ancient from my motherland. I grew up watching my parents do yoga, at a time when Americans did not know of that practice. I grew up with ayurvedic herbs and spices, drinking golden milk for example, following a plant-based diet. I practiced Indian Classical dance, which is a beautiful and ornate dance of the gods and goddesses in Hinduism. Tattoos and noserings and toerings and bindis and bangles and cateye makeup and Indian jewelry were everything I cherished, and everything I embraced, but were so foreign in America. Ironically, all the things I was bullied about and made fun of, are trendy now and accepted in modern day times. Ayurveda is the basis of integrative medicine. It is arguably the world’s most ancient and intricate medicinal system. Integrative medicine investigates the root cause of illness. It is proactive and preventative, and treats the mind-body-spirit as a whole entity, not as distinct parts that are separate and unrelated. I have always harbored an innate desire to heal as an empath and introvert. I love to spread the wealth of health. My father was the oldest of 5 boys and was the only one to cross the continents and seas to come to America, the land of opportunity. He had wanted to be a doctor, but life had another calling for him. He became an electrical engineer, but helped two of his younger brothers go through school, one a doctor, the other an engineer. One brother passed away in childhood and the other in his 20s from a car accident. I am so happy my father was able to meet my three boys before he passed. I know he is watching over us. He was a kind and gentle and quiet spirit, almost like an angel. Creating Synergistiq was in his honor.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When my father passed away suddenly, from a medical error, I knew I had to make a difference. He was on a medication he should not have been on, because traditional healthcare failed him. He was only 69, but looked like he was 60. He had been vegetarian his whole life, never smoked or really drank alcohol. He practiced yoga and was active. He had a passion for healthy living. He grew up on a remote and organic farm in India. I am lucky to have visited his birthplace a few times growing up and to have witnessed the simplicity of life. At the same time my father passed away, I was getting divorced. Of course no one expects these things, but looking back on the sequence of events, I know all this was meant to happen. Initially I struggled. I experienced severe anxiety and depression. I was busy working and raising three little boys, but I knew deep down inside I had amazing things awaiting me. I took the initiative to start my medical practice and business from ground zero, with no background being an entrepreneur. I was a good physician, but I knew I had more potential. I realized I had so much more to give to the world. I practice the life I preach. I am a role model for my patients. It is so important to be the change you want to see. I felt like a phoenix that rose from the ashes. What you put out to the universe, you shall receive a thousand fold. And what you believe, you will manifest. If people can understand these timeless principles, then they can succeed and materialize their dreams.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I have always said…never have any regrets, because at one time, that was exactly what you wanted. We all have dreams of being something, and I would be lying if I said there was nothing else I would have wanted to be. I would have loved to be a professional tennis player or a model or an actress, but at the end of the day, my true calling is being an integrative physician, spreading the wealth of health. And I would not change it. Helping people to create a healthier and happier version of their existence. Synergistiq Wellness is unique because of the plethora and potpourri of services offered. I am self-taught in many areas. My services include in-depth consults, IV therapy, weight loss, aesthetics, yoga, medical marijuana, CVAC pod, gut health, hormones, detox and so much more. I have two offices, one in Safety Harbor/Clearwater which is the mothership, established in 2013, and then the South Tampa location which was established and opened in July 2021. I enjoy educating the masses. I am a faculty speaker for many forums, nationally and internationally. I report for the local news and blog as well. These are all wonderful outlets to spread the wealth of health, and I am blessed to do so. You teach by learning and learn by teaching.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.synergistiqhealth.com
- Instagram: @drdeepavermamd and @synergistiqwellness
- Facebook: Synergistiq Wellness
- Linkedin: Deepa Bogle Verma MD, AIHM